Food Manufacturing

IOWA: Essential Ingredients for Business

Iowa is well-known for the abundant food commodities it produces and its world-leading position in the development of cutting edge of food technology. The state is home to 32 of the 100 largest food manufacturers and processors, creating a critical mass of food companies and industry knowledge.

Many food industry innovations started in Iowa – advances in everything from ingredients and finished foods to processing and packaging machinery. New food varieties, processes and technologies are constantly being developed in Iowa – a place where food processors, ingredient innovators and research institutions come together to collaborate.

Iowa produces one-tenth of the nation’s food supply and leads the nation in the production of corn, soybeans, pork and eggs. More than 880 Iowa food processors generate more than $649 billion worth of food products annually.

Besides its innovative environment, Iowa offers food companies a central location and an efficient transportation infrastructure for shipping goods. Iowa recently was recognized by CNBC as having the lowest cost of doing business of any state.

Other Targeted Industries

• Advanced Manufacturing — Advanced manufacturing is a major driver of the Iowa economy and the critical mass of expertise here is worth investigating if your company is seeking a competitive advantage.
• Renewable Energy — Iowa is a recognized leader in renewable energy production through wind, biomass, ethanol, cellulosic ethanol, and biodiesel.
• Biosciences — Iowa has a rich heritage of research and innovation in the biosciences industry. From start-up companies to globally respected names in biotechnology, Iowa is creating breakthroughs from better nutrition to life-saving medicine and renewable industrial products.
• Information Technology — Iowa may be known for some of the world’s most fertile cropland, but in recent years, it’s been fertile ground for rapid growth in the information solutions sector as well.
• Financial Services — As a global leader in the financial services sector, Iowa boasts a tremendous number of insurance companies offering a wide array of innovative products that protect, serve and enhance the lives of millions of people within Iowa, throughout the United States, and around the globe.

To Learn More:

Phone: 515.725.3100 or 800.245.4692
E-mail: business@iowa.gov