Barfresh Receives USDA Grant Re-Approval for New Facility

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 08, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Barfresh Food Group Inc., a provider of frozen, ready-to-blend, and ready-to-drink beverages, has received final re-approval of its $2.4 million USDA grant following the completion of an updated facility design and equipment and installation requirements. The grant, originally approved based on plans before the company’s acquisition of Arps Dairy, was revised to reflect the company’s own manufacturing needs. This approval clears the way for Barfresh to access the grant proceeds and begin work on a new 44,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Defiance, Ohio.

According to Riccardo Delle Coste, CEO of Barfresh, "Completing the new facility remains our top operational priority. Our Arps Dairy processing facility already supports approximately 75% of our frozen beverage and food volume. Once the new 44,000-square-foot facility is online, we expect it to represent a meaningful step change in our production economics, with significant automation and improved profitability."

The new facility is expected to provide substantial additional capacity to support both existing and new products, drive further efficiencies, and pursue new opportunities across the K-12 channel and beyond. The grant, which must be used by the end of 2026, aligns with the company's planned schedule. Barfresh Food Group Inc. currently operates under the Nasdaq ticker symbol BRFH and is focused on developing, manufacturing, and distributing ready-to-blend and ready-to-drink beverages for the education market, foodservice industry, and restaurant chains.

The approval of the grant is a significant milestone for the company, as it paves the way for enhanced production capabilities and potential growth. Delle Coste added, "This is a key step in building the platform we need to support Barfresh’s long-term growth. With the new facility, we aim to significantly expand our capacity and improve our position in the market."

Barfresh’s new manufacturing facility will incorporate advanced automation and equipment to improve efficiency and reduce costs. The company anticipates that the new facility will enable it to better serve its existing customer base and introduce new products to the market. The project is expected to enhance the company’s competitive position in the frozen beverage and food industry.

The grant approval comes after Barfresh completed the necessary steps to update its facility design and construction and installation budget to reflect its own manufacturing requirements. This process was a requirement for the USDA to re-approve the use of the funds. With the final hurdle now cleared, Barfresh is poised to embark on a project that is expected to transform its production capabilities and support its strategic growth objectives.

In summary, the re-approval of the $2.4 million USDA grant will enable Barfresh Food Group Inc. to proceed with the construction of a new 44,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Defiance, Ohio. The project is expected to significantly enhance the company’s production capabilities and drive its long-term growth strategy.