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 that region’s ability to attract and retain businesses belonging to that industry. Between 2015 and 2020, more than 300 food processing businesses either expanded or moved new operations to Georgia, creating nearly 7,000 new jobs.

Starbucks to expand Augusta manufacturing plant

“The expansion will allow the plant to expand our production beyond soluble coffee, adding 6 new roasters for whole bean coffee. It’s also an opportunity for us to increase our contribution to the Augusta community, including many of the veterans who work in our plant and contribute to the area. The Augusta community welcomed Starbucks with open arms and we are excited to expand the plant and invest in Augusta.”

Tim Filipowski, Director, Starbucks Augusta Soluble Plants

Source: “Starbucks to Expand Augusta Roasting Plant,” Office of the Governor Press Release, 7.6.2017

Frito-Lay Expands in Georgia

“For more than 30 years, the Frito-Lay Perry site has been a proud member of the Houston County community and a key contributor to the Georgia economy. As the largest Frito-Lay manufacturing facility in the U.S., our Perry site employs more than 1,000 dedicated employees. We appreciate the support and vision of state and local officials – including the team at the Development Authority of Houston County – who have been instrumental to our continued growth.”

Callum Bissett, Senior Site Director, Perry, Frito-Lay North America

Source: "Frito-Lay Announces $200 Million Expansion, 120 New Jobs,” AllOnGeorgia, 7.9.2020

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 5.6% compared to 11.8% nationally
• The largest share of food processing jobs in the Southeast (23.4%)
• A low state corporate tax rate of 5.75%