The Virginia ham industry is getting a major boost as Darden Hams announces a $1.2 million investment to build a new 7,200-square-foot production facility on a 10-acre site in Isle of Wight County. The expansion strengthens Virginia’s deep-rooted pork heritage and expands capacity for one of the state’s most recognized ham producers.
The new facility will include curing and smoking areas, a processing floor, warehouse space, and a show kitchen designed for demonstrations and product tastings. Once operational, the project is expected to increase Darden’s output more than five-fold, opening doors to new markets and greater efficiency across the pork supply chain.
Supporting Local Producers
The expansion will drive increased demand for Virginia-raised hogs as Darden Hams sources locally for its premium ham products. By creating a stronger value-added outlet for regional pork, the facility supports both independent producers and the broader agricultural economy in southeastern Virginia.
Heritage Meets Innovation
Located in an area long known for its cured-ham tradition, the new site bridges time-honored craftsmanship with modern food-production technology. Darden Hams plans to pursue USDA inspection for interstate sales and will also expand its online direct-to-consumer offerings.
Strengthening the Regional Pork Economy
For Virginia’s pork producers, this investment means new opportunities for collaboration and supply agreements with a heritage brand that’s scaling for future growth. Increased processing capacity will not only support more hogs locally but also reinforce regional feed, transportation, and cold-chain networks.
A Positive Signal for the Swine Industry
The Darden Hams expansion underscores how strategic, localized investments can deliver wide-ranging impact across the pork sector. It represents a model of growth that blends community roots, producer partnerships, and value-added pork production — a welcome development for Virginia’s agricultural economy and the broader U.S. swine industry.
