Danone North America has opened a new building at the company’s DuBois, Pennsylvania facility to increase production of its plant-based foods to meet growing consumer demand. The multi-million dollar investment to expand the company’s capacity in DuBois grows what is claimed to be the largest production facility making plant-based yogurt alternatives in the U.S. and adds additional capabilities.

Flexitarians, people cutting down on animal protein or people following a vegetarian diet who eat meat occasionally, account for one-third of the total population in the U.S., the company notes, and the total plant-based food category in retail is growing at 20 percent, compared with all food, which is growing at two percent.

“As flexitarian eating patterns continue to evolve and grow in popularity, plant-based food options present an opportunity to bring new choices throughout the grocery store,” said Mariano Lozano, CEO, Danone North America. Given this opportunity, Danone, the parent company of Danone North America, has set a broader global ambition to grow its plant-based business three times by 2025.

The DuBois facility sits on 24 acres, and the plant, with the new addition announced today, covers a total of 180,000 square feet. Following the expansion, the facility will now produce Vega yogurt alternatives and nutritional powders, in addition to Silk yogurt alternatives and So Delicious Dairy Free yogurt alternatives and dairy-free cheese shreds.

“Dairy-free is different than non-dairy – dairy-free options must be produced in a facility that is solely dedicated to plant-based food production. As consumers continue to seek out more dairy-free options, having a facility that meets this standard gives us an opportunity to deliver on their growing demand and high expectations,” said Lozano.