Yakult USA's California Headquarters and Manufacturing Hub
Yakult U.S.A. Inc. has its headquarters at 17235 Newhope St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708. This location serves as the central point for US and Canadian business and is home to the company's first US manufacturing plant, which opened in 2014. The Fountain Valley facility offers free guided factory tours to the public, providing an educational experience about the production process and probiotics.
A History of U.S. Operations
Yakult Honsha, the parent company, was founded in Japan, but Yakult U.S.A. Inc. was formed in 1990. Initially, US products were imported from Mexico, but this changed with the 2014 opening of the California factory. Since entering the US market in 1999, the brand's distribution expanded nationwide by 2019.
The Upcoming Eastern U.S. Production Facility
In 2023, Yakult announced plans for a second US manufacturing plant in Bartow County, Georgia. This $305 million facility, expected to open in 2026, will create over 90 jobs and will serve eastern and central US markets. The Georgia plant is also expected to offer public tours.
Comparison of Yakult's U.S. Facilities
| Feature | Fountain Valley, CA | Bartow County, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Role | U.S. Headquarters and First Manufacturing Plant | Second, Larger Production Facility |
| Opening Year | 2014 | Expected 2026 |
| Initial Production | 250,000 bottles/day (initial), 950,000 bottles/day (current) | Initial capacity significantly larger than California plant |
| Market Served | Primarily West Coast (California, Nevada, Arizona, etc.) | Primarily Eastern and Central U.S. markets |
| Public Tours | Yes, free guided tours are offered | Yes, public tours are expected to be offered |
The Broader Yakult Network
Yakult U.S.A. Inc. is a subsidiary of Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd., based in Tokyo, Japan. Yakult operates globally in over 40 countries, focusing on health through preventive medicine. The company researches probiotics, including the Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strain Shirota, and also deals in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. More information is available on the official Yakult USA website.
More Than Just a Factory: Community Engagement
Yakult engages with the public through factory tours and community events, educating consumers about probiotics and its products. The new Georgia facility will further expand job opportunities and community involvement.
Conclusion
The Yakult headquarters in the US is located in Fountain Valley, California, at 17235 Newhope St, which also houses the first US manufacturing plant that opened in 2014. A second, larger facility is under construction in Bartow County, Georgia, and is expected to open in 2026 to better serve eastern markets. This expansion supports Yakult's mission of promoting digestive health across North America.
