Food Processing

New and existing companies find Georgia a great place to do business

One of the best measures of an industry’s success in a region is the ability to attract and retain businesses belonging to that industry. Between 2020 and 2025, 36 food processing businesses either expanded or moved new operations to Georgia, creating 9,440 new jobs.

J.M. Smucker-Hostess Brands Expand Columbus Production Operations

“We are pleased to have this opportunity to expand production at our Columbus, Georgia manufacturing facility to continue to meet the needs of our consumers. Throughout this process, we have appreciated the partnership and collaboration of local officials and are excited to maintain our commitment to invest in our operations and employees here in Columbus.”

Beaux Williamson, Facility Manager, The J.M. Smucker Company

Source: “J.M. Smucker-Hostess Brands Expand Columbus, Georgia, Production Operations," Area Development News Desk, 10.14.2025

King’s Hawaiian to Invest $54 Million in Hall County Expansion

“For 15 years, Georgia has been an essential part of our success. The support from Lanier Technical College, Georgia Quick Start, and the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce has been instrumental in helping us train and develop talent to grow our business.”

Mark Taira, CEO, King’s Hawaiian

Source: “King’s Hawaiian to Invest $54 Million in Hall County Expansion," Office of the Governor Press Release, 7.17.2025

Georgia's Food Processors and Distributors

The map to the right includes food processing operations and food distribution locations with 50 or more employees.

Georgia's food processing ecosystem is well established, with a thriving agricultural industry, diverse blend of manufacturers who take advantage of abundant, local raw materials, a strong system of distributors, and a transportation infrastructure second to none.

Georgia’s competitive business climate is ideal for manufacturers.

Competitive wage rates, an abundance of skilled workers and a business-friendly environment make Georgia an ideal place for manufacturing. Georgia’s wages for manufacturing occupations related to food processing are typically lower than those of the U.S. overall. Georgia is highly competitive within the Southeast as well, with an advantage over surrounding states based on the concentration of food processing workers and low wages. Additionally, Georgia’s employment-at-will, right-to-work status, and low unionization rates help the state’s food processing operations remain at the forefront of increasingly global markets.

• A unionization rate of 3.8% compared to 9.9% nationally
• The largest number of food and beverage processing jobs in the Southeast (29% of industry workers)
• A low state corporate tax rate of 5.19%

Talent Critical to Food Processing

Based on staffing patterns for food and beverage processing industries, Georgia has an abundance of workers employed in critical occupations. The graphs to the right illustrate the character of Georgia's food and beverage processing talent. Major occupations include:

• Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand
• Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
• First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers
• Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
• Helpers--Production Workers
• Slaughterers and Meat Packers
• Bakers
• Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders