Florida in Motion EFI Newsletter [Digital Edition]
Food Manufacturing Is Big in Florida and About to Get Bigger
Food products comprise the second largest manufacturing sector in Florida, employing more than 27,000 workers and accounting for about $5 billion of the state’s GDP. Given Florida’s own large market and the influx of over 85 million visitors to the state every year, it is not surprising that food is big here. We all have to eat, after all. But this piece of Florida economy is poised to grow, judging by recent news. Over the last couple of months, Florida has enjoyed a wave of announcements from food, beverage, and grocery companies opening or expanding manufacturing, distribution, and headquarters activities in the Sunshine State. Here are some of them:
HotBrands International Establishes U.S. HQ in Manatee County
HBI, a multi-brand, multi-national franchising operation, recently announced that it will establish its U.S. headquarters in Lakewood Ranch in Manatee County . more
Publix Super Markets to Build a New Distribution Center
Publix Super Publix Super Markets is reaffirming its commitment to Florida by investing nearly $190 million and creating jobs for 150+ workers as it builds a new Orlando distribution center . more
Mission Foods Choses Lakeland for Its Newest Food Processing Plant
Mission Foods, the newest member of Polk County’s growing Food & Beverage Industry Cluster, will open a food manufacturing operation which will produce tortillas and tortilla chips and create 133 jobs . more
Florida in Motion EFI Newsletter – [Digital Edition]
Sugar Producer Banah International to Grow in Miami-Dade County
Banah, which began supplying Wal-Mart Stores with its sugar late last year, plans to house its new headquarters and hire nearly 300 employees in Hialeah. more
Cheney Brothers Expansion to Net 380 Jobs
Riviera Beach-based food distributor Cheney Brothers Inc. has announced plans to begin construction in 2012-13 on a large new distribution center in Charlotte County . more