Food Processing Manufacturing Companies in Illinois

Illinois has approximately 13,000 manufacturing establishments and 570,000 manufacturing employees. Illinois is a top-five manufacturing state, with Chicago as a metal fabrication and food processing center, Peoria as Caterpillar's headquarters, and a vast network of industrial suppliers.

Illinois is one of the leading states for food processing manufacturing. Food processing manufacturing transforms raw agricultural products into packaged food for consumers and food service operations. It is the largest manufacturing sector in the US by employment, with operations ranging from meat processing plants and bakeries to snack food factories and frozen food producers.

Meat & Poultry Processors: Companies operating slaughter, cut, and processed meat facilities, from large packers like Tyson to regional processors.

Bakery & Snack Producers: Manufacturers of bread, cookies, crackers, chips, and other baked and snack food products.

Dairy Processors: Companies producing milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and other dairy products.

Beverage Manufacturers: Producers of soft drinks, juices, water, and other non-alcoholic beverages.

Frozen & Prepared Food Makers: Companies producing frozen meals, prepared foods, and ready-to-eat products for retail and food service.

Major industrial centers in Illinois include Chicago, Rockford, Peoria, Aurora, Joliet, and Elgin. These cities have concentrations of manufacturers across sectors including metal fabrication, food processing manufacturing, and chemical manufacturing.