A rendering depicts a large building surrounded by parking spaces. A tree-lined sidewalk separates it from the roadway.
A rendering depcits the new Saval Foods headquarters that is being constructed in Columbia. The family-owned foodservice distribution company is in its fourth generation and currently headquartered in Elkridge. Rendering by Warehaus.

Foodservice distribution company Saval Foods broke ground on a new headquarters in Howard County, where they plan to add more than 100 jobs over the next four years.

The family-owned company, currently headquartered in Elkridge, is building a 230,000-square-foot facility in Columbia which will include a distribution center and multi-story office building.

“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,” Gov. Wes Moore said. “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.”

Saval Foods plans to add 107 new full-time jobs in Maryland over the next four years, in addition to retaining its existing 391 full-time employees.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said Saval Foods’ family ownership, deep community roots, and service to the region “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,” Ball said.

The company has partnered with Howard Hughes Communities to construct the new facility, which will be located in Columbia Gateway.

It will bring Saval’s corporate operations and two Howard County businesses under one roof, including the company’s broadline food distribution business, Saval Foodservice, and its fresh produce and fresh-cut meat division, 1932 Specialty Produce & Meat.

“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.”

In June 2025, Saval Foods announced it had acquired Pastore’s Italian Wholesale Distributor of East Baltimore. In April 2026, the former Pastore’s headquarters was sold for $5.7 million to Mid Atlantic Port Services.

Saval also has a manufacturing division called Deli Brands of America, which produces premium deli meats and proteins that are sold throughout the country.

Saval Foods was founded in 1932 as a small family-owned deli operation. Nearly a century later, the company is still family-owned and is now in its fourth generation.

“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.”

The company supplies fresh-cut meat, produce, and seafood to restaurants, delicatessens, caterers, and other food service businesses throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

While the new headquarters is being built, Saval will continue to operate 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 Gabe Chung, senior vice president of development at Howard Hughes Communities. “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.” 

The company is eligible for a $1.75 million conditional loan through Advantage Maryland, administered by the Maryland Department of Commerce.

The company is also eligible for state tax credits due to the project site being located within a designated Enterprise Zone.

“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 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.” 

Saval is also eligible for an $800,000 repayable loan through the Howard County Economic Development Authority’s Catalyst Fund, and up to $175,000 in workforce training and development grants. 

“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 Jennifer Jones, CEO of the Howard County Economic Development Authority. “We are proud to partner with Saval Foods on this significant investment in our community.”

Marcus Dieterle is the managing editor of Baltimore Fishbowl, telling the stories of communities across the Baltimore region. Marcus helped lead the team to win a Best of Show award for Website of General...

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