BATAVIA, N.Y. — Alpina Foods, the U.S. arm of Colombian-based Alpina, is entering the U.S. yogurt manufacturing market with the opening of a yogurt facility in Batavia.

While the company has sold its dairy products in American markets for several years, the facility is the company’s first to open in the United States.

“This is a momentous day for Alpina,” said Julian Jaramillo, chief executive officer. “We would like to recognize the many people and organizations across the state that have helped make this moment a reality. We are excited to get started and continue to grow along with our employees, the region and the yogurt industry in New York.”

The plant already employs 30, and the company expects to hire 20 more in the coming months.

During the past year, Alpina Foods has launched several products for U.S. consumers, including Alpina Revive Greek yogurt, Alpina Restart traditional yogurt, Alpina Renew oat smoothie, Bon Yurt by Alpina low-vat vanilla yogurts and Juan Valdez Café Latte by Alpina.