Chobani volunteers packaged 200 meal boxes to help feed those in need back in June 2023 at the South Edmeston Community Center. Chobani helped build the center as it is right across from their plant. (Submitted Photo)

by Sophia Root,

Commerce Chenango

NEW BERLIN – This week, Commerce Chenango would like to highlight Chobani, America's No.1 yogurt brand.

Chobani is a food maker with a mission of making high-quality and nutritious food accessible to more people, while elevating our communities and making the world a healthier place. In support of this mission, they are a purpose-driven, people-first, food-and-wellness-focused company, and has been since Hamdi Ulukaya, an immigrant to the U.S., founded the company in 2005. They produce yogurt, oat milk, and dairy and non-dairy coffee creamers.

Chobani currently has about 2700 employees across U.S., Mexico, and Australia. About 70% are hourly employees, while about 30% are salaried. Chobani is headquartered in New Berlin, New York.

Community Impact Manager Donald Brown states that one of the benefits of being in Chenango County is the rural landscape and abundance of local dairy farms. These farms supply the Chobani factory in New Berlin with milk, which Brown called the “life blood” of Chobani products. Local milk is Chobani’s #1 ingredient, and agriculture is a crucial resource for them.

Another important resource for Chobani is the local community. Chobani appreciates New Berlin and the surrounding communities after experiencing the support for their mission, starting back when Hamdi Ulukaya founded it. Chobani’s attention and efforts are set on ending childhood hunger and food insecurity, by making better food accessible to more people in Chenango County and beyond.

Brown said that this mission is the main focus of their community impact plan. No child should go hungry and Chobani is a force for good by donating to local food banks, food pantries, schools, food drives, and more. “This mission comes from the heart and our passion to give back to our communities is stronger than ever. Due to the many food deserts in our area and the lack of access to healthier food, it is necessary to support one another and work together, enabling us to make a difference and help feed our neighbors.”

Chobani has been a part of the community ever since the first cup of yogurt rolled off the line in 2007 and they continue to support local events throughout the year. Most recently, Chobani was the main sponsor of the Taste of Chenango, showcasing the incredible food and beverages that are made right in our backyards. Brown cited that the Taste of Chenango was a huge success, and it was great to be there to support our local vendors and agriculture.

Chobani continues to grow along with the community and looks to help in ways beyond donating product. Brown asserted this by saying “We don’t want to just show up to an event with a cup truck and leave, we want to support the great events and efforts happening in our backyard.” Brown cited the recent Taste of Chenango festival that Chobani sponsored, saying that it was very successful and that it was great to be there.

This Fall, Chobani will be the main sponsor of Saturdays in the Park and the Norwich Parade of Lights as well as supporting Colorscape Chenango, Helping Hands, and various other local events. Brown pointed out that one of his favorite events is the Parade of Lights and the annual Chobani giveaway in the park that happens in Norwich every holiday season. Chobani generously gives away free products at the end of the parade as a thank you to the community. Chobani employee volunteers are a part of our community and can be seen volunteering at these events every chance they get.

Chobani is proud to be fighting childhood hunger and food insecurity because they thrive when their communities do. They take care of their families and neighborhoods and couldn’t ask for a better mission.

To learn more about Chobani or to apply to work there, visit https://chobani.com and https://careers.chobani.com/.