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A thriving local business, a $28 million investment, and 70 new jobs—Souto Foods is cooking up big things in Gwinnett County. At the heart of this expansion is a bold vision to transform a former corporate campus into a vibrant, regional logistics hub, positioning the company—and the county—for long-term success in the competitive food distribution industry.
This milestone was marked with a ceremonial ribbon cutting on August 1, 2025, at Souto’s newly renovated facility at 5030 Sugarloaf Parkway in unincorporated Lawrenceville, Georgia. But this is about more than just a building—it’s about growth, vision, and the collective power of local partnerships.
Souto Foods: From Humble Beginnings to Industry Trailblazer
Founded in 2010, Souto Foods has carved out a niche as a premier distributor of Latin American and Caribbean food products. Over the years, the company has become a vital part of Gwinnett’s international business community, supporting both cultural culinary traditions and commercial growth.
In 2017, Souto was acquired by Alex Lee, a family-owned company with a legacy of excellence in food distribution. With this strategic partnership, Souto Foods gained additional capital and scale, helping it reach new heights while maintaining its commitment to community, culture, and quality.
A Ribbon Cutting That Means Business
“Today’s ribbon cutting is a celebration of our people, our growth, and our future,” said Kimberly George, Senior Vice President at Alex Lee. “We are thankful to Partnership Gwinnett and our many partners for helping bring this vision to life.”
The event brought together community leaders, elected officials, and economic development stakeholders who toured the renovated space and reflected on the impact of Souto’s expansion.
It also marked the official transformation of the former Cisco Corporate Campus into a bustling logistics facility, solidifying Gwinnett County’s reputation as a hub for high-growth companies in logistics, food, and technology.
Why Gwinnett? Because It’s Built for Growth
Souto’s decision to expand in Gwinnett wasn’t made in a vacuum. Gwinnett’s strategic location, skilled workforce, and infrastructure investments make it an ideal location for companies looking to scale.
According to Misti Martin, Deputy Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development:
“Souto Foods’ expansion strengthens Georgia’s food and beverage distribution industry, which is built on the state’s connectivity and continued investments in infrastructure. Georgia and communities like Gwinnett are proud to support companies like Souto that contribute to our dynamic business ecosystem.”
The facility’s location along Sugarloaf Parkway offers quick access to major highways, interstates, and metro Atlanta—providing critical logistical advantages for a business dependent on speed and supply chain coordination.
The Power of Partnership: A Collaborative Success Story
Souto’s growth wouldn’t be possible without the help of a network of community and economic development organizations that helped turn this vision into a reality.
The expansion was led by Partnership Gwinnett in collaboration with:
- Georgia Department of Economic Development
- Gwinnett County Government
- Metro Atlanta Chamber
- Georgia Power
- Jackson EMC
- Foxfield, LLC
This cross-sector collaboration is part of a broader effort to make Gwinnett County one of the most business-friendly environments in the Southeast. As Nicole Love Hendrickson, Chairwoman of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners, noted:
“The growth of existing industry in our community speaks volumes about our strong business climate and diverse workforce. We’re grateful to Souto Foods for their commitment to doing business in Gwinnett and for being a part of what makes this community thrive.”
Award-Winning Excellence in Supply Chain Innovation
Earlier this year, Souto Foods was honored at the 2025 Movers and Makers Awards, hosted by Partnership Gwinnett. The company received the Supply Chain Pioneer Award – Small Business, a recognition that highlights their innovation in distribution and operational excellence.
The award reflects not only Souto’s internal improvements but also their adaptability in a rapidly changing supply chain landscape. In an era where food delivery and logistics are more important than ever, Souto has positioned itself as a forward-thinking player with deep local roots.
The Sugarloaf Logistics Hub: A Vision for What’s Next
Souto’s new facility is now part of the Sugarloaf Logistics Hub, a transformative redevelopment led by Foxfield and AEW Capital Management. This ambitious project is turning underutilized commercial land into a mixed-use logistics powerhouse, redefining Gwinnett’s economic landscape.
Here’s what the future holds for the Sugarloaf Logistics Hub:
- 2.2 million+ square feet of industrial and logistics space
- Seven new buildings
- 700+ residential units
- Five retail pad sites
- Direct access to Sugarloaf Parkway and key highways
“We are proud to welcome Souto Foods as one of the flagship tenants of the Sugarloaf Logistics Hub,” said Garrett Hatton, Managing Director of Asset Management at Foxfield. “Their decision to grow here affirms our vision of converting underutilized corporate land into an adaptable, high-performance logistics campus that supports long-term economic development.”
70 New Jobs—and a Pipeline of Opportunity
One of the most significant outcomes of this expansion is the creation of 70 new jobs in Gwinnett County. From warehouse workers to logistics managers, this job growth represents real economic opportunity for local families.
The jobs will not only support Souto’s operational needs but also contribute to a talent pipeline that helps retain skilled workers in the region. This aligns with Gwinnett County’s larger workforce development goals and provides more on-ramps into meaningful employment.
Economic Development in Action
“Exciting events like today’s reflect the very mission of Partnership Gwinnett—to drive economic prosperity in our community,” said Kevin Carmichael, Senior VP of Economic Development at Partnership Gwinnett. “We applaud Souto Foods’ decision to invest in our local and regional economy.”
As Partnership Gwinnett continues its mission to attract, retain, and expand businesses in five target industries—including supply chain, health sciences, manufacturing, technology, and corporate HQs—the Souto expansion stands as a case study in how private industry and public support can align for meaningful, lasting impact.
The Future Is Flavorful—and Local
With this expansion, Souto Foods isn’t just growing; it’s anchoring itself as a regional leader in culturally rich, high-demand food products that serve a growing multicultural market across the Southeast.
And they’re doing it right here in Gwinnett.
Whether you’re a foodie, a logistics enthusiast, or a Gwinnett County champion, one thing is clear: Souto Foods is a local business to watch—and a sign that Gwinnett’s best days are still ahead.
About Souto Foods
Founded in 2010 and acquired by Alex Lee in 2017, Souto Foods is a food distribution company specializing in premium Latin American and Caribbean food products. With a focus on authenticity, reliability, and service, Souto is dedicated to bringing culture-rich products to communities across the Southeast. Learn more at SoutoFoods.com.
About Partnership Gwinnett
Partnership Gwinnett is a public-private economic development initiative dedicated to fostering job creation, talent development, and economic innovation in Gwinnett County. To stay informed on more local success stories and economic updates, visit PartnershipGwinnett.com and follow them on social media.
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