Ebro Foods Expands US Operations with Missouri Purchase
The company acquired a rice business and a new production facility in Saint Charles during the third quarter of 2026.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Corporate Finance
Live Poll
Are you finding that rising costs for energy and shipping are impacting your household food budget?
Ebro Foods completed the acquisition of Best Rice for $47 million and a production plant in Saint Charles, Missouri, for $17 million in the third quarter of 2026. These moves aim to strengthen the company’s position within the United States market.
Why it matters
These acquisitions expand Ebro Foods' physical footprint in the United States, supporting the growth of its subsidiary Riviana as it maintains a significant share of the domestic ready-to-serve rice sector.
Ebro Foods recorded a total turnover of €2.22 billion for the nine-month period, reflecting a 2.3% year-on-year decline. The company also reported an adjusted EBITDA of €307 million, down 1.4% from the prior year.
The players
Ebro Foods
Headquartered in Spain, this multinational food group specializes in rice and pasta production.
Best Rice
This US-based rice business was purchased by Ebro Foods for $47 million.
Riviana
A subsidiary of Ebro Foods that manages a notable portion of the company's US rice market share.
The details
The facility in Saint Charles is expected to begin its phase-in of local production throughout 2027. This expansion complements the company's existing operations, where its subsidiary Riviana currently holds a 23.3% market share in the US ready-to-serve rice category.
Timeline
The acquisitions of Best Rice and the Saint Charles plant were completed in the third quarter of 2026.
Local production at the new Missouri facility is slated to be phased in over 2027.
Market Dynamics
Ebro Foods' decision to localize production in Saint Charles follows a pattern of international companies increasing domestic manufacturing capacity to hedge against supply chain volatility. This move mirrors the shift toward regionalizing production to mitigate risks associated with long-range logistics.
The expansion signals a commitment to US market growth despite overall net profit declining 2.7% to €150.1 million in the latest reporting period. Investors should note that the company’s net debt has fallen to €450.1 million as it continues to balance asset acquisitions.
The takeaway
Ebro Foods is positioning itself for long-term growth by investing in domestic production capabilities in the US. By reducing reliance on external energy costs and supply chains, the firm aims to improve its adjusted EBITDA, which it forecasts will reach up to €415 million.
What happens next
Local production at the Saint Charles facility is expected to be phased in over 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about local industry growth at Corporate Finance.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Just-food.
Live Poll
Are you finding that rising costs for energy and shipping are impacting your household food budget?
