ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Saval Foods has broken ground on a new 230,000-square-foot headquarters and distribution center in Howard County, a project expected to create 107 new full-time jobs over the next four years while retaining 391 existing positions, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced this week.
The family-owned foodservice distributor is partnering with commercial developer Howard Hughes Communities to construct the facility in Columbia Gateway. The project will consolidate Saval’s corporate operations along with two of its Howard County entities, broadline distributor Saval Foodservice and fresh-cut meat and produce provider 1932 Specialty Produce & Meat, under a single roof.
Founded in 1932 as a small family deli operation, the fourth-generation business has grown into one of the Mid-Atlantic region’s largest independent food distributors. The company supplies restaurants, delis, caterers, and other establishments across Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia, Delaware, and Pennsylvania.
Gov. Moore praised the company’s decades of contributions to the regional food and hospitality industries, noting that the expansion aligns with state efforts to build a dynamic economy and broaden employment pathways.
To assist with development costs, Saval Foods is eligible for a $1.75 million conditional loan through Advantage Maryland, administered by the Maryland Department of Commerce. Because the Columbia Gateway site sits in a designated Enterprise Zone, the business qualifies for state tax credits. Additional financing options include an $800,000 repayable loan through the Howard County Economic Development Authority’s Catalyst Fund and up to $175,000 in workforce training grants.
Paul Saval, president and chief executive officer of Saval Foods, said unifying operations will improve operational efficiency, boost internal collaboration, and provide room for ongoing business expansion. Executive Vice President Brian Saval added that the facility expansion arrives as the firm enters its 95th year in business, positioning the enterprise to serve independent restaurants for decades to come.
Local government officials highlighted the investment as a boost for the county’s economic climate. Howard County Executive Calvin Ball called the decision a vote of confidence in the area’s business environment, while Howard County Economic Development Authority CEO Jennifer Jones noted that retaining and expanding established businesses remains a key driver for local job growth.
Throughout construction, Saval Foods plans to maintain uninterrupted operations across its four existing facilities located in Howard County, Baltimore County, and Baltimore City.
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