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.
Global investment is growing the state’s economy by providing high-quality jobs in local communities. Foreign-owned companies from a variety of industries are finding success in Arkansas.
According to a new report from Global Business Alliance, Arkansas is among the top ten states leading America’s foreign direct investment (FDI) manufacturing workforce. From 2013 to 2018, Arkansas has grown its FDI workforce by 65.8%, nearly double the national average.
The Global Business Alliance ranked Arkansas second in the nation for the growth of FDI manufacturing jobs over the five-year period. According to a profile on Arkansas from Global Business Alliance, international companies employ more than 48,000 workers in the state. Approximately 31,600 of those jobs are in the manufacturing sector.
The profile on Arkansas reported that more than 480 international employers have operations in Arkansas, and FDI jobs make up 4.6% of total employment in the state. From 2008 to 2018, the state’s FDI employment has increased by 35%, while the overall private-sector employment has increased by 4%.
FDI clusters are located throughout Arkansas. For example, Mississippi County is home to several international companies, including Japanese-based Nucor Steel and Kagome Foods. Other foreign-owned companies in the county include Canada’s Atlas Tube and Luxembourg’s Tenaris.
Foreign direct investment continues to play a significant role in strengthening the Natural State’s economy. For more information about investing in Arkansas, contact our Business Development team.
