Arkansas has an abundance of resources to help food processing companies succeed. The Arkansas Economic Development Commission works directly with food processing companies looking to start-up, expand or relocate. In addition, we assist companies with finding the best incentives so companies are able to make money quickly and efficiently.
There were 522 food and beverage companies in Arkansas at the end of 2022. These companies employed 55,130 people. Arkansas is home to Tyson Foods and numerous other food processing facilities, including Nestle, JBS USA, Kraft Heinz, Mars Inc., Cargill Inc., Hormel Foods Corp, Riceland Foods, Pilgrim’s Pride, ConAgra Brands Inc., Land O’ Frost and Frito-Lay, Inc.
Arkansas has the 5th largest percentage of food processing workers in the United States. The growth rate of the food and beverage industry from 2017 to 2022 was 6 percent in Arkansas.
The food processing industry is booming in Arkansas and continues to grow exponentially. Eight of the top 10 food and beverage companies by revenue in the world have manufacturing facilities in the state.
Arkansas is meeting the workforce needs for food processing companies. The state now has the second-largest number of food processing workers in the US and Arkansas has responded to industry growth by modernizing the workforce.
It may take nearly an entire day to fly from Arkansas to China, but the journey is more than worth it when the true destination is a surge of investment and jobs in Arkansas’s economy.
From machinery and pet food to textiles, garments and timber products, more and more goods will be Made in Arkansas in the coming years.
Why is China so interested in Arkansas? In addition to a strong workforce and a business-friendly landscape, we have excellent spokesmen in Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson and AEDC Executive Director Mike Preston. Along with their teams, Gov. Hutchinson and Preston have embarked on their third job recruitment trip to China.
Considering their past trips have led to commitments of $1.45 billion in investments and 1,650 new jobs, it’s safe to say Arkansas and China are a great fit for business.
