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.
Liquor company Pernod Ricard USA plans to repurpose its manufacturing facilities to temporarily produce and donate hand sanitizer in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
"The health and safety of our employees – and our communities – is our top priority," said Ann Mukherjee, Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard USA.
"In times like this it is important that everyone, especially companies with strong U.S. roots, like ours, prioritize good corporate citizenship and step up in the name of the greater good. I am glad that we were able to form this public/private partnership and repurpose our spirits production facilities to meet a pressing, national need."
U.S. Representative Steve Womack of Arkansas expressed his appreciation for Pernod Ricard USA's initiative in Fort Smith. "Our top priority during this crisis is the health and safety of all Americans. It's great to see Pernod Ricard USA prioritizing a national need over short-term business gains to make an impact during this national emergency," said Womack.
Rock Town Distillery in Little Rock is using its high-proof spirits to make hand sanitizer available and free to the public. When distillery staff members saw the shortage of hand sanitizer, they quickly stepped up and provided an innovative solution.
"With demand for hand sanitizer currently outpacing supply, we are doing our part to help by using our high-proof spirits to make a hand sanitizer," the distillery tweeted. Members of the community were able to bring their own containers and received six ounces of hand sanitizer to protect against community spread of the virus.
Even in the face of pandemic, Arkansans are innovative and resilient. We are proud of Arkansas companies for stepping up during this national emergency to help our communities stay healthy. Pernod Ricard and Rock Town Distillery are examples of the generous response our state and country need to get through this crisis together.
