Why the St. Louis Region?
The St. Louis region is a thriving hub for food manufacturing and distribution for some of the world’s biggest brands, like AB InBev, Post, and Purina, and much of this industry’s strength is rooted in proximity and accessibility to natural goods. The same rich agricultural heritage and strategic location within America’s heartland that drives businesses to locate here is driving the region toward AgTech innovation. With leading research institutions like the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center and the Bayer Innovation Center, collaboration is fostered among scientists, entrepreneurs, and investors to pioneer solutions for global agricultural challenges. Supported by a strong network of industry resources including BioSTL, accelerators and venture capital firms, the St. Louis region propels AgTech startups towards success, solidifying its position as a premier destination for agricultural technology innovation and food manufacturing and distribution.
Key Existing Sub‑Sectors
- AB InBev, the leader in the adult beverage industry with over a quarter of the global market share, accounts for 4,500 jobs and a $5.6 billion annual economic impact across the St. Louis region.
- Tyson Foods is investing $180 million to expand its plant in Caseyville, Ill., retaining 300 existing jobs, creating 400 new jobs, and adding seven more production lines.
- American Foods Group opened a new $800 million, 775,000 sq ft beef processing facility in Warren County, Mo., in 2025 and expects to grow to 1,300 jobs and an estimated regional impact of $1 billion.
- Performance Food Group, Inc. is investing $120 million in a new facility in Ferguson, Mo., and adding 100 new jobs.
- Prairie Farms is building a $9 million, 42,000 sq ft headquarters complex in Edwardsville, Ill.
- Nearly 3.5 times as many animal food manufacturing employees as similar sized metros.
Our Advantages
- 1,000+ Plant Scientists – One of the highest concentrations of plant scientists in the world work in the St. Louis region.
- 50% of all U.S. crops are produced within a 500-mile radius—or a day’s drive—of St. Louis.
- 400 Biotech R&D Companies
- $87 Million in National Institutes of Health startup grants
- $142 Million appropriated for new federal commercialization grants
In Good Company
