Food and Beverage Manufacturing

From farm to factory to fridge, fast. Explore our full range of resources for food and beverage companies.

Photo by Matt Whittmeyer

More Than 250 Food and Beverage Companies and Suppliers Are Located in the Greater Rochester, NY region

Benefits of Growing Your Food & Beverage Business in the Greater Rochester, NY region

Leverage a Fully Integrated Supply Chain

Local companies have access to fully integrated supply chain assets, including precision manufacturing, engineering, and packaging support. In addition, there are world-class research and development resources available at Rochester Institute of Technology and Cornell University.


Stay Close to Major Markets Without Major Market Costs

More than 128 million people are within a day’s drive of Rochester. This puts us close to major markets without major market costs. We are near Interstate 90, which provides easy highway access and distribution of goods. In addition, commercial rail service is available through three Class 1 carriers: CSX, Norfolk Southern and Canadian Pacific. The routes handle up to 60 trains per day.

A map of the Greater Rochester NY region

Tap Into a Highly Skilled Workforce

The region has more than 9,000 employed in the food and beverage manufacturing sectors.

(Source: NYS Dept. of Labor analysis of Quarterly Census Employment and Wages annual average for 2018)

Photo by Matt Wittmeyer


What Makes Rochester Unique?

Take Advantage of Abundant Agricultural Resources

The combination of 1.5 million acres of rich, fertile land with access to an unlimited supply of fresh water gives the Greater Rochester, NY region an incredible supply of fresh fruit, vegetables, and wine. Approximately 44% of New York State dairy and crop output is produced by our area’s 6,000+ farms.

(Source: USDA Census of Agriculture, 2017)


Home to the #1 Milk Producing County in NYS

New York is the third-largest milk-producing state in the U.S. The Greater Rochester, NY region is the #1 milk-producing region in New York. This abundant milk supply was one of the reasons companies like fairlife and HP Hood chose to expand in our region.

Gain Access to Unlimited Supply of Fresh Water

Our region has millions of gallons per day in excess water capacity at rates well below the national average. Companies do not face water rationing or water rights fees. Monroe County Water Authority has 12 million gallons a day of excess water capacity.

Top Wine Destination in the US

Sip on this. The Greater Rochester’s Finger Lakes region was named America’s Best Wine Region. (source: USA Today and 10Best.com, 2019)

It is also home to more than 140 wineries. Must be something in the water. And the dirt.

#2 Apple Producing County in the US

When it comes to apples, we’re naturally hard core. Our region is home to the second-highest apple-producing county in the country. No wonder we’re tops with Mott’s.

Utilize R & D Resources

Cornell University and Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) provide expertise to support research in agriculture and farming technology; food manufacturing and packaging; and food security and nutrition.


Notable Food and Beverage Companies in Rochester, NY

There are more than 250 food and beverage manufacturing companies in the Greater Rochester, NY region. Local firms account for 38% of New York State food and beverage production.

(Source: NYS Department of Labor, 2019)

Baldwin Richardson

Manufacturer of dessert toppings, sauces, syrups, and condiments


Barilla America

Manufacturer of pasta products


Constellation Brands

Leading international producer and marketer of wine, beer and spirits


Kraft Heinz

Manufacturer of Cool Whip and Lunchables


LiDestri Food & Drink

Contract manufacturer of sauces, dips, and beverages


Mott’s

Leading producer of applesauce and fruit juices


FIFCO USA

Manufacturer of alcoholic beverages


Seneca Foods

Producer of canned and bottled fruits and vegetables


HP Hood

Fluid milk processing and manufacturing


Wegmans Food Market

Regional grocery store chain, consistently ranked by Fortune as one of the best companies to work for in America.

World-class talent at competitive rates below the national average.

PositionRochester Annual Mean WageNational Annual Mean WageRochester Advantage
Conveyor Operators and Tenders$38,630$40,6703.4%
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations$36,170$37,8704.5%
Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse$33,410$34,3002.6%
Food Batchmakers$35,340$38,7108.7%
Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders$34,830$37,7607.8%
Food Scientists and Technologists$74,370$85,73013.3%
Light Truck Drivers$41,960$45,0206.8%
Machine Feeders and Offbearers$34,780$39,10011.0%
Production Workers, All Other$37,690$38,8603.0%
Sources: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2022: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Find Affordable Market Ready Sites

Market ready sites and facilities offer low-cost utilities, solid infrastructure, low-cost supply of water and wastewater capacity, and pre-permitting secured. Search GRE’s sites and buildings directory.


RELEVANT DOCUMENTS

You know your business.
We know Greater Rochester.
Let’s team up.

Photo by John Kucko

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