Chicago Business Bulletin: Future of Food

The World Business Chicago Research Center’s latest Chicago Business Bulletin: Future of Food reveals the data behind Chicago’s dominance in food innovation.

The World Business Chicago Research Center released its latest Chicago Business Bulletin: Future of Food, offering a data-driven view of the region’s growing strength in food innovation, manufacturing, and sustainability. The report’s release coincided with the Chicago Venture Summit: Future of Food, which convened more than 600 startup founders, investors, Fortune 500 executives, and industry leaders from across the globe — underscoring the city’s role as a national hub for agri-food innovation and investment.

According to the Bulletin, Chicago’s food ecosystem anchors over 4,500 companies across food production, processing, logistics, and research — employing more than 130,000 workers and generating an estimated $32 billion in regional economic output. The data highlights strong growth in emerging sectors such as alternative proteins, food tech, and sustainable packaging, bolstered by Chicago’s unparalleled infrastructure and access to global markets.

Chicago’s food economy also benefits from a deep concentration of corporate R&D centers and academic research institutions driving next-generation innovation. With access to top talent from 150+ area universities and proximity to 75% of the U.S. population within a one-day drive, the region continues to attract new venture activity.

The Future of Food Venture Summit showcased this momentum through startup showcases, investor pitch sessions, and discussions on sustainability and consumer trends. Together, the event and the research illustrate a clear narrative: Chicago is redefining the future of food — where innovation meets industry, and sustainability meets scale.

Read the Chicago Venture Summit, Future of Food press release, here.

Download the full Chicago Business Bulletin: Future of Food, here.