Food Processing
The mere mention of New Orleans brings to mind a robust regional cuisine like no other in the world. The Greater New Orleans region provides a wealth of supports that enable companies in the food processing business to thrive.
This region is home to a wide variety of food and beverage processing sectors, represented by a strong base of both established leaders and emerging specialty and niche companies.
Imports of major bulk goods such as food oils, grain, meat and seafood, vegetables, coffee and tea provide an accessible stream of raw materials for food processors. Folgers, located in New Orleans, is the largest coffee roasting plant in the world.
Fresh, high-quality local commodities abound to support food processing companies. More than half of the seafood produced annually in the United States originates in Louisiana; Louisiana is a top-ten national producer of sugar cane, sweet potatoes, rice and sorghum, as well as a major supplier of pecans and soybeans; the North Shore parishes are home to nearly 300 dairy farms – one of the largest concentrations in the Southeastern U.S; and a number of bottled water processors take advantage of the pure artesian water flowing from aquifers in the region.
Hundreds of plastics processors and dozens of paper and box manufacturers are at every food processor’s disposal, each benefiting from Louisiana’s bounty of petroleum and timber resources.
Greater New Orleans food processors enjoy access to an intermodal transportation infrastructure second to none. In addition to convenient, well-developed air, rail and interstate systems, the region’s ports provide exceptional facilities both for food-based imports and global export so that good can be moved quickly and efficiently.
Small food start-ups can benefit from local Food Manufacturing Incubators that allow food entrepreneurs to access additional safe, sanitary space to produce their products. The renowned Louisiana State University AgCenter provides consultation on a variety of concerns and works through research contracts to help develop new food products and processes. LSU’s Food Science Program partners with area food processors for vital research and development, workshops, training classes and in-plant assistance. A well-equipped food processing pilot plant is available for industry use to develop or evaluate food products.
News in The Region
GNO Inc. intensifies focus on digital media industry
GNO Digital Media Alliance launches
Idea Village and GNO Inc. win $1M Rockefeller Foundation grant
Grant to create affordable, worker housing
Armstrong close to landing deal for AeroMexico service
International service may return to MSY
