Governor Moore Announces New Saval Foods Headquarters and Distribution Center in Howard County
BALTIMORE, MD (September 9, 2026) — Governor Wes Moore today announced that family-owned foodservice distribution company Saval Foods, in partnership with Howard Hughes Communities, has broken ground on a new headquarters facility. The company is constructing a 230,000 square-foot space in Columbia to include a new distribution center and multi-story office building. Saval Foods will retain its existing 391 full-time employees and create an additional 107 new full-time jobs in the state over the next four years.
“Our state is home to a world-class food scene and, for nearly a century, Saval Foods has supported our food, restaurant, and tourism industries by delivering quality product and service to the region,” said Gov. Moore. “As our administration builds a dynamic economy, supports our communities, and builds pathways to work, wages and wealth, we look forward to our continued partnership with Saval Food as they expand in Howard County.”
The new headquarters, located in Columbia Gateway, will bring Saval’s corporate operations and two existing Howard County businesses – Saval Foodservice, the company’s broadline food distribution business and 1932 Specialty Produce & Meat, its fresh produce and fresh-cut meat division – together in a single, larger facility. The project represents a strategic partnership between Saval Foods and Howard Hughes Communities, combining Saval’s longstanding expertise in food distribution with Howard Hughes Communities’ experience developing commercial properties that support businesses and long-term economic growth.
“This new headquarters represents an important milestone for Saval Foods,” said President and CEO of Saval Foods Paul Saval. “Bringing our operations together under one roof will allow us to work more efficiently, strengthen collaboration across our teams and create the space we need to continue growing. We’re excited to partner with Howard Hughes Communities to build a headquarters that reflects where Saval is today and where we’re headed in the future.”
“We’re incredibly excited to make this investment in Maryland and continue building on Saval’s long history in the region,” said Saval Foods Executive Vice President Brian Saval. “As we enter our 95th year in business, this new facility will give us the capacity to grow into our next chapter while strengthening our ability to serve and champion independent restaurants throughout the region.”
Founded in 1932 as a small family-owned deli operation and now in its fourth generation, Saval Foods has grown into one of the Mid Atlantic’s largest broadline foodservice distributors. Saval supplies restaurants, delicatessens, caterers, and other food service establishments with products including fresh-cut meat, produce, and seafood. During construction of the new facility, the company will also continue operations at its four existing facilities in Howard County, Baltimore County, and Baltimore City.
“We are proud to be a partner on this project and combine our expertise in development with an organization like Saval Foods,” said Howard Hughes Communities Senior Vice President of Development Gabe Chung. “Saval Foods has deep roots here in Howard County, and we’re excited to support their continued growth across Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia, Delaware and Pennsylvania.”
To assist with project costs, the company is eligible for a $1.75 million conditional loan through Advantage Maryland, administered by the Maryland Department of Commerce. The project site is also located within a designated Enterprise Zone, making the company eligible for state tax credits. The company is also eligible for an $800,000 repayable loan through the Howard County Economic Development Authority’s Catalyst Fund, as well as up to $175,000 in workforce training and development grants.
“By maintaining a family-owned and operated business across multiple generations, Saval has made an ongoing investment in Maryland and demonstrated true commitment to our state’s economy and workforce,” said Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Harry Coker, Jr. “Maryland is proud to support Saval’s continued operations in Howard County as they grow and expand in our state.”
“As a family-owned company with deep roots and a long history of serving communities across the region, Saval Foods exemplifies the kind of business we are proud to support. Saval’s decision to invest in a new state-of-the-art distribution center and office headquarters in Columbia not only creates new career opportunities for our residents, but more importantly, is a tremendous vote of confidence in Howard County and the exceptional business environment my administration has worked hard to cultivate,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “We are excited to partner with Saval as they continue to grow, innovate, and strengthen Howard County’s position as a premier destination for business investment and economic opportunity.”
“Saval Foods’ expansion reflects the confidence that established companies have in Howard County as a place to invest and grow. Business retention and expansion is one of the most effective ways to create jobs, strengthen our economy, and build long-term prosperity,” said Howard County Economic Development Authority CEO Jennifer Jones. “We are proud to partner with Saval Foods on this significant investment in our community.”
About Maryland Commerce
The Maryland Department of Commerce stimulates private investment and creates jobs by attracting new businesses, encouraging the expansion and retention of existing companies, and providing financial assistance to Maryland companies. The Department promotes the State’s many economic advantages and markets local products and services at home and abroad to spur economic development and international investment, trade and tourism. Because they are major economic generators, the Department also supports the arts, film production, sports and other special events. For more information, visit commerce.maryland.gov.
