Food Manufacturing Is Big in Florida and About to Get Bigger

April 3, 2012

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 gross domestic product. 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. In Pasco County we've got everyone's favorite bottled water in Zephyrhills, plus Florida Estates Winery in Land O' Lakes. But it doesn't stop there! Dade City is home to the Kumquat Growers, Inc., the nation's largest producer and shipper of kumquats and kumquat products. Pasco is also home to Oakley Groves, the Zephyr Egg Company, and American Food Distributors. If your company is looking to expand, consider the advantages of moving to Pasco County: thousands of entitled acres, cash incentives, low taxes, access to I-75, rail and ports, plus a skilled workforce ready to work for you! There's room to grow in Tampa Bay. Come visit us in Pasco County!