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.
Are you looking for a one-stop-shop to learning everything you need to know about the current status of economic development in Arkansas? Or perhaps you’re someone who is proud to promote our state as an outstanding destination for business success and are looking for a marketing piece that highlights the state and the executives who have found success here. The Arkansas Economic Development Commission is excited to announce the launch of our latest publication, The Arkansas Economic Development Guide, in partnership with Site Selection Magazine.
The guide includes an up-to-date statistical profile on Arkansas, including our Top 20 projects of 2020, and high points of the state’s business climate, infrastructure, education, and workforce. You will find interviews with Governor Hutchinson, Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston, and other AEDC leaders, as well as articles on our nine key industries, broadband infrastructure, and regional profiles of the state. In addition, we have included an article on some of our most popular tourism destinations, along with multiple photos that capture the beauty of The Natural State.
The guide has been designed to be beneficial to a broad variety of readers. Whether you are an executive, a site selection consultant, an economic development professional, a community leader, or just someone interested in learning more about economic development in Arkansas – there is something in our guide for you.
Esperanza Massana, the AEDC Director of Marketing, took the lead on this project throughout its production. She explained:
“This is the second time we have had the opportunity to work with Site Selection Magazine in publishing the Arkansas Economic Development Guide. It is a very elaborate and involved process because we are incredibly thoughtful and intentional on the overall content and look of the guide. The guide is undoubtedly a team effort from AEDC, and a great collaboration with communities and partners that made this guide possible. A sincere thank you to all of them. As a result, we can all be very proud to have an excellent marketing piece that tells the story of economic development in Arkansas.”
The guide is now available at no cost to anyone who would like to download a digital copy or would like a printed version mailed to them. You can request your copy by clicking here.
