Atlanta, July 29, 2025
News Summary
Atlanta has been recognized as the No. 7 city for food manufacturing in a recent report by Global Location Strategies. With key cities like Savannah, Gainesville, and Warner Robins also ranked among the top ten, Georgia is establishing itself as a crucial hub for the food production industry. Lancaster Colony Corp. is expanding its operations with a $75 million acquisition of a processing plant in Atlanta, while public health concerns arise from a salmonella outbreak linked to recalled eggs. This highlights both growth and challenges in Georgia’s food manufacturing landscape.
Atlanta has secured the No. 7 spot in a national report that recognizes top locations for food manufacturing across the United States. The report, published by Global Location Strategies, highlights several metro areas in Georgia, including Savannah, Gainesville, and Warner Robins, which are also ranked among the top ten cities for food manufacturing. This acknowledgment underscores the growing significance of Georgia’s agricultural sector and its robust labor force in the food production industry.
Tess Fay, an official from Global Location Strategies, points out that Georgia’s abundance of agricultural resources and its well-developed infrastructure—comprising roads, rail systems, and port access—play critical roles in attracting food manufacturers to the state. With major metropolitan areas like Atlanta and Kansas City being featured in the top ten, Georgia solidifies its position as a pivotal hub for food manufacturing in the nation.
In addition to the report’s rankings, significant business developments are taking place in Atlanta’s food manufacturing landscape. Lancaster Colony Corp., the parent company of T. Marzetti Co., is set to acquire a sauce and dressing processing plant in Atlanta. The acquisition entails a payment of approximately $75 million for the 300,000-square-foot facility, which includes around 250,000 square feet specifically designated for manufacturing purposes. The completion of this transaction is anticipated by the first quarter of 2025.
According to David A. Ciesinski, CEO of Lancaster Colony, this new facility is expected to improve operational efficiency and capacity while enhancing overall business continuity. The acquisition is viewed as both a practical and cost-effective solution to meet long-term business requirements. T. Marzetti has recently been recognized as one of Food Processing’s R&D Teams of the Year, reflecting its commitment to innovation within the industry.
Lancaster Colony is not just focusing on marinades and dressings; the company is also known for producing popular products such as New York Bakery garlic breads and Sister Schubert’s dinner rolls. Additionally, it holds exclusive licenses for various sauces and dressings from well-known brands including Texas Roadhouse, Olive Garden, Chick-fil-A, and Buffalo Wild Wings, ensuring a diverse product portfolio.
Amidst the expansion in the food manufacturing sector, public health concerns have emerged due to a salmonella outbreak linked to a product recall of approximately 1.7 million eggs from August Egg Company. The recalled eggs, which consist of brown organic and cage-free varieties distributed between February and May, have been associated with 79 infections across seven states, resulting in 21 hospitalizations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises consumers to discard the recalled eggs and properly disinfect surfaces that may have come into contact with these products.
The recognition of Georgia’s metro areas as leading locations for food manufacturing reflects a broader trend of growth and development in the food production industry, supported by a strong agricultural foundation and an effective logistical framework.
FAQ
What ranking did Atlanta secure in the food manufacturing report?
Atlanta secured the No. 7 spot in the national food manufacturing rankings published by Global Location Strategies.
Which other cities in Georgia are recognized in the top ten for food manufacturing?
In addition to Atlanta, Savannah, Gainesville, and Warner Robins are also recognized among the top ten cities for food manufacturing in the U.S.
What significant acquisition is Lancaster Colony Corporation making in Atlanta?
Lancaster Colony Corp. is acquiring a sauce and dressing processing plant in Atlanta for approximately $75 million, with plans for completion by the first quarter of 2025.
What public health issue has emerged related to food products recently?
A salmonella outbreak linked to a recall of approximately 1.7 million eggs from August Egg Company has resulted in 79 infections and 21 hospitalizations across seven states.
Key Features of Georgia’s Food Manufacturing Rankings
| Metro Area | National Rank | Key Factors for Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | 7 | Strong agricultural industry, infrastructure |
| Savannah | Top 10 | Access to ports and transportation |
| Gainesville | Top 10 | Labor force and agriculture |
| Warner Robins | Top 10 | Manufacturing capabilities |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Renowned Chemist Gene Cox Passes Away, Leaving a Legacy
The Bus Center Atlanta Partners with Collins Bus Corporation
Atlanta Mayor Addresses Federal Funding Freeze Concerns
New Green Facility Construction in Floyd County
Additional Resources
- WGau Radio: Atlanta Among Top 10 Food Manufacturing
- Food Processing: Lancaster Colony to Acquire Plant in Atlanta
- CoStar: Atlanta Sauce Manufacturing Plant to Sell for $75 Million
- Food Manufacturing: Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Eggs
- Food Dive: PepsiCo to Lay Off Workers in Atlanta
- Wikipedia: Atlanta
- Google Search: Food Manufacturing in Georgia
- Google Scholar: Food Manufacturing Atlanta
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Atlanta
- Google News: Food Manufacturing Georgia
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
