SPRINGFIELD, Illinois – The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) will host the first Food Innovation Day at the State Capitol today showcasing more than a dozen food manufacturing companies and their products while spotlighting the sector’s vast economic contributions.
The event will be from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 24.
According to IMA, the oldest and largest state manufacturing trade association in the United States, food production is Illinois’ largest manufacturing subsector, accounting for more than 15% of all manufacturing activity.
It’s also the fastest growing subsector, helping to drive overall industry growth in Illinois. Together, the food manufacturing and agriculture industries employ the largest share of Illinois workers, directly supporting more than 117,044 employees and generating more than $80 billion in direct economic output.
“Food manufacturing is the cornerstone of Illinois’ economy and driving force behind our state’s global reputation for innovation and quality,” Mark Denzler, IMA’s president and CEO, said in a news release Monday, March 23. “From everyday essentials to iconic brands, these companies not only feed families around the world, they fuel economic growth and strengthen our communities here at home. We are proud to spotlight their wide impact and vital contributions.”
The Illinois Department of Agriculture also is participating in today’s Food Innovation Day, reinforcing the deep connection between the manufacturing and agriculture industries.
“Agriculture is Illinois’ number one industry, and Illinois is the nation’s leader in processed food sales,” said Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II. “The success of Illinois agriculture relies on the state’s manufacturers to produce and deliver food products around the world. These partnerships create jobs, strengthen the economy and ensure Illinois remains a global leader in food production.”
Participants include global agricultural processor and food ingredient company, Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) from Decatur; Gilster Mary Lee, a private-label and contract manufacturer of dry food products located in Chester; Clementine’s Creamery, a small-batch ice cream company with multiple locations including Edwardsville; Conagra Brands, a major packaged food company that makes frozen, shelf-stable and refrigerated foods; General Mills, a producer of cereals, snacks, baking products and convenient meals with facilities in Geneva and Belvidere; Hormel Foods, a global food company producing branded meat, protein and packaged foods that operates in Rochelle; and Ingredion, which produces starches, sweeteners and other plant-based ingredients in Bedford Park.
Additional participants include: Mars Snacking, Kraft Heinz, Mondelēz International, PepsiCo, Tyson Foods, and Vanee Foods.
