Greek-yogurt maker Chobani to invest $1.2 billion in New York plant

Greek-yogurt maker Chobani said on Tuesday that it would be investing $1.2 billion in building its third U.S. dairy processing plant in New York, and expects to create more than 1,000 full-time jobs.

The privately held company, which announced a $500 million expansion in Idaho last month, said the new facility in upstate New York would help it keep up with rising product demand and also boost new innovations.

Smaller food brands including Chobani, Duke's and Mike's Amazing have been gaining market share in the U.S. while giving stiff competition to bigger conglomerates such as Unilever, as cost-conscious consumers switch to cheaper alternatives.

Chobani's products are manufactured in New York, Idaho, Michigan and Australia, and are available throughout North America and distributed in Australia and other select markets.