Key facts
- Bauducco officially opened its largest U.S. manufacturing facility in Zephyrhills, Florida, on June 26.
- The 160,000-square-foot facility represents a significant investment and doubles the company's previous production capacity for the American market.
- The plant will produce 75% of Bauducco's U.S. products, including its wafer cookies and Choco Biscuits, for the first time with a 'Made in USA' designation.
- The facility is designed for scalability, with plans to expand to over 1.2 million square feet and create up to 600 jobs by 2031.
- Bauducco selected Zephyrhills after evaluating more than 160 potential sites across seven states.
Bauducco, a family-owned Brazilian baking company with 75 years of history, has officially opened its largest U.S. manufacturing facility in Zephyrhills, Florida. The grand opening ceremony, held on June 26, marked a significant milestone for the company's expansion into the American market.
The new 160,000-square-foot facility, situated on a 72-acre campus, is designed to accommodate future growth, with plans to scale to over 1.2 million square feet. This expansion represents Bauducco's most ambitious commitment to American consumers to date.
Stefano Mozzi, CEO of Bauducco USA, stated that the facility will produce 75% of the company's products for the U.S. market, including its popular Choco Biscuits and a full lineup of wafer cookies, which will now bear a "Made in USA" designation. This marks the first time Bauducco's wafer portfolio will be manufactured domestically.
The Zephyrhills location was selected after an extensive analysis of more than 160 potential sites across seven states, with Pasco County offering an ideal combination of infrastructure, workforce, and community character. Zephyrhills Mayor Melonie Bahr Monson highlighted the economic development and job opportunities the facility brings to the community.
The facility's development is planned in three phases. Phase one is now complete, with the goal of making the site operational and hiring 150-200 employees. Phase two, expected by 2028-29, will add another 200,000 square feet and 200 jobs. The final phase, planned for 2031, aims to maximize capacity and employ up to 600 people.
This new plant will enable Bauducco to double its manufacturing capacity for the American market, leading to shorter lead times, greater supply chain reliability, and improved responsiveness to retail demand. Beyond the U.S., Bauducco intends to use the facility to serve markets in Canada, Mexico, Japan, and the Caribbean. The company also plans to utilize the site for new product development, including exploring flavor variations for its panettone and a partnership with Skippy for a peanut butter-filled Chocottone.