Food Technology
Taking Food Technology to New Heights
We major in food biotechnology, engineering, nutrition, quality, and safety.
As one of the most important agricultural states in the U.S., North Carolina is home to over 1,200 food and beverage manufacturing establishments. The Triangle region is competitive in growing its food technology sector. From exploring cell-cultured meat to studying fermentation, the Research Triangle region is a hotspot for Food Tech companies to strengthen the global food supply.
Sustaining our Food Technology Companies
Research Triangle Region Assets
North Carolina is known for its agricultural prowess. With a solid reputation for producing sweet potatoes, corn, peanuts, cotton, soybeans, and apples, the soil alone isn’t the most exciting part of the region’s attractiveness for Food Tech companies. The state and the region are home to several groundbreaking organizations committed to powering the next wave of food innovation. Organizations like, The Food Innovation Lab (Charlotte) and the Golden LEAF Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (Raleigh) prioritize the development of food technologies and provide resources for ag companies.
In Good Company
The Triangle region is home to over 340 food manufacturing companies (all within a 30-mile radius) utilizing cutting-edge technology to explore advancements in production, preservation, quality control, and research and development of food products. Companies like Kellogg Company, Ajinomoto Health and Nutrition, Improved Nature, and the NC State Dairy Plant are innovating food technology's present and future waves.
Planes, Trains, Ships
The region sits in the heart of the state, making it easy for companies to transport goods and products across the U.S. The Triangle region is home to the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, with over 40 non-stop U.S. and international destinations, 14 carriers, and over 350 flights per day. And the North Carolina railroad runs 317 miles across the state from Charlotte to Morehead City. Additionally, NC coastal ports are known to be among the fastest operating in the U.S. With ships arriving from around the world, goods going from ship to truck time is short, efficient, and within 700 miles of 70% of the U.S. industrial base.
The Local Workforce
Whether you are looking for Ph.D. candidates for your lab or workers for plant operations, a skilled workforce awaits. Resources like Capital Area Workforce Development are well-versed in providing a pipeline of workers. The region is home to North Carolina State University, which has over 19 departments for specialties in the agricultural field and a nationally recognized community college system, Wake Technical Community College. A short trip to Greensboro offers a young workforce of students studying topics like livestock production and sustainable agriculture at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
Ease of Business
The region consistently ranks as one of the top places to live and do business. North Carolina has one of the lowest corporate tax rates in the U.S., at 2.5%. And according to CNBC, North Carolina is the number one state for business and the nation's most robust economy. Additionally, business leaders in the Triangle region are known for collaboration and willingness to help companies to succeed. From North Carolina Commerce to the state-wide economic development organizations, to regional and municipality economic developers, your success is their priority.
“I was recently at a global networking meeting in Switzerland, and over 1,000 people from around the world attended to discuss topics like carbon sequestration, plant-based meat, climate change, and all the things that impact the food supply. Of the 1,000 attendees, North Carolina had a delegation of over 20 people attend and participate. Their presence sent a strong message that North Carolina and the Triangle region are hotbeds for the future of food innovation.”
- Rody Hawkins, Ph.D., President, and CEO, Improved Nature
*Source: D&B Hoovers, RTP, Raleigh, Cary, Morrisville, and Durham, NC, NAICS code: 311, Food Manufacturing
*Source: North Carolina Ports, https://ncports.com/port-capabilities/cargo-handling/