Food & Beverage Processing
Serving the World: Food & Beverage Processing in Hampton Roads
Representing 19,000+ jobs and an economic output of $2.36B, Food & Beverage Processing is a booming industry in Hampton Roads. Chances are you have consumed a product that has been produced in our region, whether that be a steaming cup of coffee, a juicy ham, or freshly caught seafood. We produce delicious foods and beverages that millions of people enjoy on a daily basis. Local companies benefit from our major competitive advantages, such as state-of-the-art infrastructure and a skilled workforce.
Pork
Smithfield Foods is a U.S. based global food company and the world’s largest pork processor
Workforce
1,500+ annual graduates in production related programs
Demographics
1 in 8 Manufaturing Jobs in Hampton Roads are in Food & Beverage Processing
Logistics
Workforce
A labor pool of approximately 7,200 work in the Food & Beverage Processing Industry in Hampton Roads. Fueling this workforce is the 1,500+ annual graduates in production related programs including precision production, engineering, and transportation and material moving.
| Industry Description | Jobs |
|---|---|
Animal Slaughtering and Processing | 2,745 |
Beverage Manufacturing | 1,270 |
Seafood Product Preparation and Packaging | 685 |
Bakeries and Tortilla Manufacturing | 388 |
Dairy Product Manufacturing | 167 |
Sugar and Confectionery Product Manufacturing | 150 |
Animal Food Manufacturing | 36 |
Regional Total | 7,541 |
Source | Bueau of Labor Statistics, EMSI Q2 2020 Dataset |
Our Expertise
Peanuts
People across the United States are nuts for Hampton Roads’ peanuts. Given the area’s excellent farming conditions, the region has been growing peanuts for over 100 years. Suffolk, VA even held the title of “Peanut Capital of the World” for some time in the 20th century. Notable peanut product manufacturers are Kraft Heinz Foods/Planters Peanuts, Birdsong Peanuts, and Hampton Farms.
Seafood
With access to both the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Hampton Roads provides an ideal location for the seafood industry. Our waterways are rich with delicious blue crab, oysters, rockfish, and red drum, to name a few. Prominent local seafood processors include Wanchese Fish Company and High Liner Foods/Icelandic USA.
Pork
Supported by abundant farmland and centuries old tradition, Hampton Roads produces some of America’s finest country ham. Known throughout the world for its salty, savory taste, this unique flavor comes from a particular curing process and a peanut-heavy diet for the hogs. Developed locally, the country ham processed in our region is so specialized that it has its own name, Smithfield Ham. The product has been so successful that Smithfield Foods, the local company behind this product has grown into a $15 billion global food company becoming the world's largest pork processor and hog producer.
Coffee
Hampton Roads companies are buzzing about the logistical network in the region and quick connectivity that allow them to retain the freshness of their products. Using the Port of Virginia, coffee manufacturers import raw beans into the region where they can be roasted, packaged and distributed. Major processors with operations in Hampton Roads include Keurig Dr Pepper, Massimo Zanetti and Peet’s Coffee. Coffee is not the only caffeinated beverage produced in Hampton Roads. Unilever/Lipton Tea makes all of the teabags produced for the North American market out of a plant that has been operating in the region since 1955. In fact, it is the largest tea production plant in the country.
Industry Spotlight: ACESUR
A national olive oil industry leader in Spain, ACESUR, announced in January 2020 that it will invest $11 million to establish its first U.S. production facility in the Suffolk, VA. The company has been producing, packaging, and marketing olive oil since 1840. They export their products to more than 90 countries in the world. The company purchased a two-story Class A manufacturing facility for $5.025 million. The company also plans to invest another $6 million in renovations and equipment. ACESUR will create 60 new jobs across all Hampton Roads industries and have an overall economic impact of $20 million.
Key Employers
Anheuser-Busch InBev
Birdsong Peanuts Corporation
High Liner Foods, Inc.
Keurig Dr Pepper
Kraft/Heinz Company
La Tienda Specialty Foods
Marva Maid
Massimo Zanetti Beverages, USA
Smithfield Foods
Unilever / Lipton
Questions? Contact our Team
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