Westrock Coffee expands operations with new single-serve manufacturing plant in Arkansas

USA – Westrock Coffee Company, a leading integrated coffee, tea, and extract solutions provider, has officially opened its new manufacturing facility in Conway, Arkansas, as part of a major expansion of its U.S. operations.

The move comes in response to rising global demand for convenient single-serve coffee formats, particularly in North America, where coffee consumption continues to grow across retail, foodservice, and private-label segments.

The new 525,000-square-foot facility, strategically located on William J. Clark Drive, features 130,000 square feet of dedicated manufacturing space and expansive areas for fulfillment and distribution.

The plant is designed to produce millions of single-serve coffee cups per day, using state-of-the-art processing technology that supports both high-volume output and product innovation.

This investment marks a significant milestone in Westrock Coffee’s ongoing expansion strategy. Last year, the company inaugurated a 570,000-square-foot ready-to-drink (RTD) manufacturing facility in the same city, positioning Arkansas as a central hub for its U.S. operations.

The RTD plant serves growing demand for cold brew and canned coffee beverages, which have gained traction among younger consumers and health-conscious buyers seeking functional drinks with minimal additives.

Westrock Coffee’s focus on single-serve products reflects broader market trends. The global coffee pods market is projected to more than double over the next decade, from US$35.3 billion in 2024 to US$71.2 billion by 2034.

The surge is driven by consumers prioritizing convenience, quality, and sustainability, factors Westrock is addressing through proprietary packaging formats and supply chain transparency.

Chief Operating Officer Will Ford emphasized the company’s long-term vision, stating, “The single-serve category is evolving rapidly, and we are scaling our operations to meet our customers’ needs. This expansive new facility significantly enhances our capabilities in the U.S. market.”

Beyond manufacturing, Westrock Coffee’s expansion is set to deliver significant economic benefits to central Arkansas.

The company expects to employ more than 900 people across its Conway facilities once fully operational.

Roles will span production, quality assurance, logistics, and management, supporting both the local economy and Westrock’s vertically integrated supply model, which sources coffee directly from smallholder farmers in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.

With these strategic investments, Westrock Coffee is not only expanding its product portfolio but also reinforcing its commitment to delivering quality, sustainability, and innovation across the entire coffee value chain.

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