New Campus to Focus on All Sectors of the Beverage Industry, Including Tea
Flavorman, a leading beverage development company, held a ceremonial groundbreaking on the site of its new facility expansion. The groundbreaking was held on Sept. 27 in Louisville, Ky.
Upon completion, the new ‘beverage campus’ project will bring 30 new jobs to downtown Louisville and will continue to serve as a catalyst for attracting global business to the heart of Kentucky’s largest city.
“With over 70,000 beverage formulations under our belt, this expansion is not only a celebration for Flavorman but for the beverage industry overall,” said Flavorman Founder and CEO David Dafoe. “Flavorman has continued to service niche sectors of the industry – including tea – with custom flavors and beverage formulations in every category. Innovation is at the core of our business, and with an additional 28,000 sq. ft. to work with, we will continue to serve our clients as the best team of experts in the industry.”
Officials in attendance at the groundbreaking included Kentucky Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer and Shalanna Taylor, legislative aide to Metro Council President David James, who spoke to the significance of the development’s impact on the surrounding community and Greater Louisville.
“With more than 125 food and beverage companies located regionally, businesses can take products from concept to consumer all in one place – Louisville, Ky. – and Flavorman is a key player in that ecosystem,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “Whether a company wants to find just the right balance of flavors to entice consumers, or someone wants to learn about the art of distilling, Flavorman is where they turn.”
A ‘State of the Art” Campus
The project represents an $8.5 million investment to scale up Flavorman’s state-of-the-art “Beverage Campus” and better serve demand for their custom beverage development services.
Designed by Frankfort-based G. Scott & Associates (GSA) and contracted by Cardinal Industries, the addition will cover 28,000 square feet and connect to the company’s main laboratory. Once complete, it will boost production capacity, expanding Flavorman’s blending, bottling/canning, processing and bulk storage operations.
“Kentucky’s economy continues to gain momentum, and our state’s food, beverage and agritech sector is a vital part of that growth,” said Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. “This expansion by Flavorman will not only allow the company to take its business to the next level but will also create quality job opportunities for residents in the Louisville area while encouraging innovation within the commonwealth’s food and beverage and spirits industries. I want to thank the leadership at this homegrown Kentucky company for furthering their commitment to our state and our talented workforce.”
The project is the latest in a series of expansions at Flavorman in the last few years as the company continues to experience exponential growth. In 2006, the company rehabbed the existing 24,000-square-foot building at 809 South 8th Street, believing it would be more space than they could ever use. Six years later, the company purchased a neighboring building to create the nation’s premier educational distillery, Moonshine University. In 2018, the company added office space at 827 South 8th Street.
Together, Flavorman and Moonshine University make up a world-class “Beverage Campus” that houses a fully equipped educational distillery, state-of-the-art classroom, production facility with a custom bottling line, extensive sensory library and a beverage innovation laboratory. Flavorman has developed more than 70,000 beverage formulations for brands worldwide, while Moonshine University has hosted hands-on classes for students from all 50 states and 44 countries.
“This expansion is an incredible opportunity for our city,” said Dafoe. “When I started Flavorman almost 30 years ago, I did it out of a passion for the craft. I’m proud of the role Flavorman and Moonshine University continue to play in establishing Louisville as the epicenter for not just Bourbon, but the beverage industry overall.”
Construction on the upcoming addition to the campus is estimated to complete during fall of 2022.
To learn more about Flavorman, Flavorman.com.