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.
Arkansas has been named one of the top 10 states to which people are now moving.
Max My Money, an online financial education website, listed Arkansas as the no. 10 state that more people are moving to in its recent “States People Are Leaving (And Where They’re Going)” article.
According to the report, Arkansas is one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, driven by a low cost of living and “plenty of job opportunities”.
Arkansas has received increased attention in the past year for being a destination state.
In the 2021-22 HireaHelper U.S. Migration Report, Arkansas had the top inbound moving percentage of any U.S. state in 2021. Arkansas had 44% more people move into the state than move out during the past year.
“More and more people continue to be drawn to Arkansas, attracted by our low cost of living, impressive job opportunities, and unparalleled outdoor amenities,” said Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston. “This ranking is further evidence that Arkansas is punching above its weight class in giving people the professional and lifestyle choices they desire.”
Those interested in moving to Arkansas will be welcomed with open arms, with the help of a new talent recruitment initiative.
This new initiative, a partnership between the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, is helping to welcome newcomers and those who are moving back to Arkansas. The campaign, called “See Why Arkansas,” highlights the state’s strengths with testimonials from individuals and families who have moved to Arkansas.
On the “See Why Arkansas” campaign landing page, visitors can find a variety of useful tools, including testimonial videos, a “Love Where You Live” Guide, and a relocation calculator that shows the differences in the cost of living between Arkansas communities and other parts of the United States.
Visit www.arkansas.com/seewhy to learn more about Arkansas and the opportunities you can find throughout the state.
As more people learn about what Arkansas has to offer, The Natural State is becoming an increasingly popular state for relocation. With its business-friendly environment, low cost of living, and beautiful outdoor amenities, Arkansas is an ideal state for companies and families looking to make a move.
