When Kewpie Corporation—one of Japan’s most beloved brands for mayonnaise and salad dressings—announced in 2022 that it would invest more than $65 million to open its second facility in the U.S. in Clarksville, Tennessee, it marked more than just another milestone for this iconic food brand—it marked the beginning of a new chapter in the company’s U.S. growth story.
Now, less than two years later, that facility is officially open and operational, just in time for a momentous occasion: 2025 marks the 100-year anniversary of Kewpie mayonnaise.
The Clarksville plant, operated by Q&B Foods (Kewpie’s U.S. manufacturing division), joins the company’s California location to help meet growing product demand for Kewpie mayonnaise, salad dressings and sauces across North America. With 85 new jobs created in Montgomery County and plans for continued expansion, this project is a big win, not just for Kewpie and Q&B Foods, but for Clarksville and the entire state of Tennessee.
But this story isn’t just about production capacity. It’s about people.
Building Bonds from the Start
When representatives from the state of Tennessee first traveled to Tokyo to meet with Kewpie leadership, they weren’t just pitching a location—they were building a relationship. According to Tsunemi Sato, Q&B Foods CEO, that personal outreach made a lasting impression.
“TNECD came all the way to Tokyo to visit our headquarters,” Sato recalled. “They took the time to understand Kewpie’s needs and provided comprehensive support. One of the key elements of a project like this is human relationship, and Tennessee delivered on that.”
That human connection translated into more than just a site selection—it created a sense of mutual trust that helped propel the decision across international waters, all the way to Montgomery County.
Kewpie’s first U.S.-based plant in California reached its limit several years ago. The Clarksville operation now expands their reach from coast to coast, putting raw-material suppliers in the Midwest within a day’s drive.
“Demand for Kewpie products in North America has continued to grow since the pandemic,” Q&B Foods President Jerry Shepherd said. “The establishment of this new plant has been eagerly anticipated, and we are delighted to see it open.”
Despite rising construction costs and unexpected ground-improvement work, Shepherd credits steady local support for keeping the project on track.
“We started by building relationships and moved forward from there,” Shepherd said. “One of the most successful things we did was choose Clarksville, Tennessee, for the location of this plant.”
“One of the most successful things we did was choose Clarksville, Tennessee, for the location of this plant.”
A Fusion of Cultures and Community
For Kewpie and Q&B Foods, blending Japanese and American business culture has been a rewarding process that has resulted in more transparency, respect and communication.
“Kewpie culture is different than I’ve ever seen,” Sherry Novotny, Q&B Foods General Manager of Warehouse and Distribution said. “They are so dedicated and driven by one, the Kewpie name, and they are very passionate about quality. That’s something they will not give in on.”
The company has a unique set of corporate principals: act on moral principles, strive for originality and ingenuity and look after parent’s well being.
“The third one might seem unusual for a corporate principle, but what it means is that people who take good care of their parents are people who appreciate the kindness of others and are capable of returning that kindness,” Sato said.
New Jobs, New Roots
For Bobby Bayran, Production Manager at Q&B Foods, working on the production floor is more than just a job—it’s a personal source of pride.
“The excitement of building something from scratch, witnessing its evolution and contributing to its success has been profoundly rewarding,” Bayran said. “It has taught me resilience, adaptivity and the importance of teamwork as we navigate the uncertainties together, celebrating every milestone along the way.”
Since joining Kewpie, Bayran has embraced every opportunity to grow.
“I’ve been encouraged to take on new challenges and develop my skills,” Bayran said. “Unlike other jobs I’ve had, Kewpie prioritizes innovation and allows for a flexible approach to problem solving, making each day an exciting opportunity to contribute to something meaningful.”
As a military veteran who’s called Clarksville home for more than 20 years, the work holds even deeper meaning.
“Being a part of something so big for Clarksville and Tennessee fills me with immense pride and excitement,” Bayran said. “It is a unique opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of our community, and I feel honored to play a role in shaping the future of this vibrant region.”
A Recipe for the Future
As demand for Kewpie products continues to grow across North, Central and South America, the Clarksville facility will play a central role in expanding the brand’s footprint.
The company has already laid out plans to use the remaining land on its site for future growth, ensuring that the investment made today will yield long-term benefits for years to come.
“Q&B Foods aims to become a true corporate citizen of Clarksville by being not just an employer and taxpayer, but also a vital part of the local community,” Sato said. “We want to ensure that the people of Clarksville view Kewpie’s presence in this city as a positive development.”
And by all accounts, they’re well on their way.
To learn more about Kewpie, click here, and to learn more about Q&B Foods, click here.
