Food Processing and Manufacturing Industry in Northern Colorado
The Food Processing and Manufacturing industry cluster includes the manufacturing of foods for animal or human consumption. In addition to finished processed food and beverage products, this also includes protein processing and refining of agricultural products (grain, oil seeds), as well as the manufacturing of metal and glass containers for food and beverage distribution.
FOOD MANUFACTURING COMPANIES IN NORTHERN COLORADO OVERVIEW
Northern Colorado’s largest employers in this industry manufacture beef products, beer, and dairy products, including liquid milk, cheese, and yogurt. The region’s smaller companies and startups include a large number of malt beverage breweries in addition to distilleries, snack foods, and sauces. Food manufacturing with close relationships to regional agriculture is common with proteins and also with flour milling and seed oil processing in the region.
In adjacent counties, Boulder serves as a hub for natural and special-diet food manufacturing, which enhances the overall ecosystem for innovative food product development.
NAICS CODES IN THE FOOD MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY
- Animal Foods
- Baked Goods
- Candy and Chocolate
- Coffee and Tea
- Dairy Products
- Distilleries
- Farm Wholesalers
- Glass Containers
- Malt Beverages
- Milling and Refining of Cereals and Oilseeds
- Milling and Refining of Sugar
- Packaged Fruit and Vegetables
- Soft Drinks and Ice
- Specialty Foods and Ingredients
- Wineries
- Meat Processing
FOOD COMPANIES IN COLORADO GROWTH STATS
- The Food Processing & Manufacturing cluster experienced 15% growth in the region from 2015-2020. 5% growth is projected to occur from 2020-2025.
- The Gross Regional Product reported in 2020 was $1.3 billion.
- There is a community of boutique food producers with regional or national market penetration in Erie, Fort Collins, Loveland, and Timnath. The speciality foods sub-cluster saw a 117% growth between 2015-2020.
Regional & Adjacent Major Employers
