SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) will host the first Food Innovation Day at the State Capitol on Tuesday, March 24, where more than a dozen food manufacturing companies will gather to showcase their products and spotlight the sector’s vast economic contributions to the Land of Lincoln.
Illinois food manufacturers are recognized around the world for their quality and innovation. Food production is the state’s largest manufacturing subsector, accounting for more than 15 percent 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,” said Mark Denzler, President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “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 will also participate in the event, reinforcing the deep connection between the state’s manufacturing and agriculture industries.
“The Illinois Department of Agriculture is proud to partner with industry leaders on Food Innovation Day,” said Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II. “Agriculture is Illinois’ number one industry, and Illinois is the nation’s leader in processed food sales. 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 at the showcase 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, maker of Wrigley Gum, Mints, Dove bars and Skittles; Kraft Heinz, one of the world’s largest food and beverage companies with a focus on condiments, sauces and packaged foods; Mondelēz International, a global snack company known for producing chocolate, biscuits, and confectionery brands with a factory in Naperville; PepsiCo, a producer of popular snack foods including chips, crackers and other savory snacks which operates in Bridgeview; Tyson Foods, one of the world’s largest protein producers with a facility in Caseyville; and Vanee Foods, maker of shelf-stable soups, sauces, gravies and prepared meals for foodservice, healthcare and institutional customers.
The 2026 Feeding the Economy report highlights the U.S. food and agriculture sector as foundational to both American culture and the economy. The sector directly supports over 24 million jobs (15.23% of U.S. employment) and generates over $10.4 trillion in economic activity, or nearly 20 percent of total U.S. output. The U.S. is home to nearly 49 million direct and indirect jobs in the food and agriculture industries.
In Illinois, the food manufacturing sector alone accounts for approximately $84.7 billion in direct economic output, approximately $9.8 billion in direct wages, $9.6 billion in exports, $30.8 billion in Illinois business taxes, along with an estimated $39.4 billion federal tax impact.
About the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA)
The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association is the only statewide association dedicated exclusively to advocating, promoting and strengthening the manufacturing sector in Illinois. The IMA is the oldest and largest state manufacturing trade association in the United States, representing nearly 4,000 companies and facilities. For more information, please visit http://ima-net.org/.