Rice products processor, marketer, and distributor Riviana Foods Inc. is moving forward on a $27 million plan to expand production of Minute brand microwaveable rice products at its Memphis, TN processing facility, the company announced in a Nov. 7 press release. 

The Houston, TX-based firm said its decision to expand the Memphis plant stems from an uptick in demand for ready-to-serve products in the U.S. 

“We will be in a strong position to meet or exceed customer needs for the product,” Enrique Zaragoza, senior vice president and chief operating officer at Riviana, said in a statement. “Just as important, this investment confirms our commitment as a partner with our employees and the Memphis business community.”

Riviana’s investment will double production at the 40,000-sq-ft plant. This is the fifth expansion project the company has initiated at the Memphis plant since 2006. Three years ago, the company added new capabilities to support production of ready-to-serve products. 

With the latest investment in the facility, Riviana also said it will create 25 new jobs in production, shipping, maintenance, and supervision, increasing the plant’s headcount to 384. 

Riviana sells a variety of rice and pasta products under a range of brands including Minute, Gourmet House, Prince, American Beauty, and Carolina. 

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