Chicago: Where Food Innovation Meets Heritage 

We at the Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network (CFBN), take pride in the region’s role as a global food industry leader. Chicago has continuously reinvented itself and shaped the future of food along the way. From Chicago’s early legacy as the Union Stockyards – once the meatpacking capital of the world – to earning the title "Candy Capital" in the mid-20^th century, Chicago has always been at the forefront of food innovations. Today we see it as THE global food and beverage innovation hub. 

Where Startups and Giants Thrive Together  

What sets Chicago apart is the breadth and depth of the food & beverage industry that calls the area home. Not only is Chicago known as a city of diverse and amazing restaurants, but we also boast a dynamic synergy between startups and established packaged goods companies. This mix drives mutual learning, experimentation and growth and ensures that we have a large and experienced workforce in food & beverage. The city is home to rapidly growing brands like Simple Mills,  Chomps, Egglife, Vital Proteins, Farmer’s Fridge, and Hormbles Chormbles – companies successfully creating new food opportunities. We are also home to large global multi-nationals like Mondelez, Kraft Heinz,  Mars Wrigely, MolsonCoors, ConAgra, and ADM, as well ahs having significant presences from McCain Foods, PepsiCo, Suntory Global Spirits, and many others.

An Economic Engine for Food Innovation 

World Business Chicago (WBC) reported that, with an $886 billion economy and a workforce of over 5 million, Chicago is the third-largest metro economy in the U.S. The strategic assets that fuel the local economy: proximity to farmland, access to one of the world’s largest freshwater supplies, robust transportation infrastructure, and a diverse, highly educated talent pool, supported by the presence of universities. Add in the incredible support system of industry service providers like banks/ financiers, agencies, consultants, accounting firms, and attorneys, and food and beverage creates a local economic engine that is exceptional. 

A Hub for Academic-Industry Collaboration 

Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation; it takes place at the intersection of business know-how and scientific expertise. Chicago and Illinois deliver on both. With regional universities including Northwestern, Notre Dame, University of Chicago, University of Illinois, and many others, the area is primed for great work and smart graduates. One example is the iFAB Tech Hub at the University of Illinois is a prime example. With its “lab-to-line” approach, iFAB is accelerating scale-up in bioprocessing and precision fermentation. Nature’s Fynd, originated in Chicago, is using bio-fermentation to create next-generation dairy-free yogurts and spreads – proving that the future of protein is already being made here.

Chicago: The Global Stage for Future Food 

Chicago isn’t just leading the conversation on the future of food – it’s hosting it. This June, industry leaders, startups, investors, and media will gather here for events like Future Food-Tech  and the Wall Street Journal's Global Food Forum. And don’t forget July’s IFT First Show – the largest global food science and innovation expo. And that’s just really the beginning. 

It's easy to forget or overlook it, but Chicago is creating the future of food and beverage – and we’re proud to play a role in continuing this amazing legacy.