Food & Ingredients

Supervisor in a factory next to machinery making pasta

Feeding the World

Iowa’s nutrient-rich land, low cost of doing business, excellent transportation infrastructure, and quality workforce attracts nearly every major food brand to set up significant operations in the state. In fact, 29 of the largest 100 food manufacturers have Iowa operations, including global companies like Barilla, Hormel, Kraft Heinz, Nestle, Quaker Oats, Tyson, and Wells Enterprises—the maker of Blue Bunny ice cream.

1st

in corn production. 2.48 billion bushels per year, 18.1% of total U.S. production.

1st

in pork production. 49.9 million head marketed per year, 27.7% of total U.S. production.

1st

in egg production. 12.2 billion eggs per year, 11.1% of total U.S. production.

Global Food Security Research & Collaboration

Iowa is at the center of research addressing food security through significant research advancements at Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa; through Iowa-based research and development operations of global leaders in seed production within Corteva Agriscience, Monsanto and other companies; through the state’s significant presence at USDA facilities; and through the leadership of the World Food Prize in food security issues.

Each of these global leaders in their own fields are based in Iowa, working together to both feed and fuel a world doubling its population amid diminishing resources.

#1

producer of eggs, corn, and pork nationwide (USDA, 2021)

129%

higher concentration of food scientists than national average (BLS, 2020)

#2

lowest cost of doing business in the country (Business Facilities, 2017)

Iowa: The Ice Cream Capital of the World

Ice cream treats on a conveyor belt in a factory

It's no secret that Iowa dominates in the global agricultural department. The state's fertile land, low cost of doing business, excellent transportation, excellent transportation infrastructure and quality workforce attract major food brands to set up significant operations. 

Learn how Wells Enterprises helped fuel Iowa’s food and ingredient manufacturing industry and how they became the “ice cream capital of the world.”

Iowa's Food Manufacturers and Producers

Barilla, General Mills, Hormel Foods, Nestle, Rembrandt Foods, Kraft Heinz, Quaker Oats, Tyson

Iowa's Role in Food Security

Iowa is home to the World Food Prize, the foremost international award recognizing the achievements of those who advance human development by improving the quality, quantity or availability of food in the world. The World Food Prize was conceived by Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, recipient of the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter is among the 15-member Council of Advisors. World Food Prize Laureates have been recognized from around the world.