From the stockyards to the startup lab,
Chicago’s food sector is one of constant reinvention.
The Chicagoland metro area is home to a thriving ecosystem of manufacturers, researchers, and investors
defining the future of food.
As the nation’s hub for food manufacturing and innovation, Chicago has shaped the way the world eats for over a century. Today, that legacy continues with a new generation of companies that continue to redefine how food is produced, packaged, and distributed.
From established giants like Ferrara, Mondelēz, and Kraft Heinz to emerging plant-based and clean-label innovators, the Chicago metro area's food ecosystem thrives on collaboration and creativity.
With unparalleled supply chain infrastructure, access to global markets, and a deep talent base in food science and safety, Chicagoland offers manufacturers the resources to scale sustainably and efficiently.
WHY CHICAGO?
Legacy Meets Innovation: Home to global brands and next-generation food startups alike.
Advanced Infrastructure: Proximity to agricultural supply chains and North America’s top logistics network.
Future of Food: Growing ecosystem in alternative proteins, ag-tech, and food waste reduction.
Workforce Advantage: Deep expertise in food science, manufacturing, and distribution.
BY THE NUMBERS
- 75,000+ employed in food manufacturing, #1 in the nation
$12B+ annual output (gross regional product)
$1.7B+ in GDP since 2017 — the largest GDP growth in the nation.
Chicago Has always fed the world,
And we're not done yet.
World Business Chicago connects food innovators and manufacturers with the supply chains, talent, and technology that make the Chicagoland region the food capital of the nation.