Why the Food Technology Industry is Growing in Greater Des Moines

It’s no secret that agriculture is at the heart of Iowa. The state leads the nation in producing eggs, corn and red meat (including pork) and ranks second in soybean production and food processing (USDA, 2024). It is also home to 29 of the largest 100 food manufacturers and processors (Food Processing Magazine, 2022). 

As the state’s largest population hub and home to its capital city, Greater Des Moines is centrally located in the state and nation. The region is at the crossroads of Interstates 80 and 35 and is part of the USMCA corridor.  

Greater Des Moines not only leads in agriculture, the region is on the forefront of the future. CBRE named Greater Des Moines as a top 25 up-and-coming tech market in 2023. The region’s focus on innovation and its position as a longstanding leader in agriculture supports the success of food technology and processing companies. Both established and newcomers can tap into the region’s resources and advantages and find success. Mrs. Clark’s, for example, has a 90-year history in the region and recently expanded its Ankeny plant by 60,000 square feet, which brought a new shipping dock, 10,000 square feet of refrigerated space, and an additional break room for its growing staff. Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce started with a family recipe that CEO Taufeek Shah brought to local Greater Des Moines farmers’ markets and is now has a line of products in 14,000 retailers and restaurants across North America, the Philippines, and the Virgin Islands.