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.
The supply chain management undergraduate department in the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas has been ranked No. 1 in North America by the leading global research firm Gartner.
The rankings reflect excellence in three specific areas: industry value, program scope, and program size. Gartner releases its findings on supply chain programs every two years. The University of Arkansas program moved up 14 spots in the top 25 from the previous rankings in 2018.
According to Gartner, the program’s ascension was due to its comprehensive curriculum, explicit inclusion of global content, great popularity within the industry, robust program size, strong internship and co-op participation, and starting salary.
“It’s an honor to earn such outstanding recognition,” said Brian Fugate, the chairman of the Supply Chain Management department. “Northwest Arkansas has become a hot-spot for the industry with all the great supply chain companies located nearby. It’s important that we do our part to add to that excellence.”
Located in Northwest Arkansas, the University of Arkansas is uniquely positioned in close proximity to the world’s largest retailer, Walmart. Not only do student have access to Walmart, over 300 Fortune 500 companies operate near campus.
The university began the program in the Sam M. Walton College of Business in 2011; it was started by Matt Waller and John Ozment.
“Gartner provides an unbiased report, and this No. 1 ranking recognizes the outstanding work and excellence of our faculty, staff and students,” said Waller, who is now Walton College dean and the Sam M. Walton Leadership Chair in Business. “The ranking also is highly respected throughout industry, which helps our students as they look for internships and move into careers.”
In addition to the recognition from Gartner, Waller will be honored with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals' 2020 Distinguished Service Award, the most prestigious in the industry.
