Food & Flavor Manufacturers

Strategically positioned to create, make, package and distribute food, flavors, candy, beer, spirits, and perishables, Northern Kentucky is experiencing high growth and expansion in food research, manufacturing and supply chain operations. More than 30 food flavor manufacturers, nationally recognized craft breweries, and distilleries are already located in Northern Kentucky, with global leaders located throughout the Cincinnati region.

With a labor shed of over 1.5 million people and more than 10,000 people currently employed in food research and development (R&D), processing, and manufacturing, Northern Kentucky offers both professional and production workers to fill the talent pipeline for food and flavor manufacturers.

Northern Kentucky also offers a comparable, if not lower, labor cost compared to other metros in the U.S., and importantly, a lower cost business climate than other metros that specialize in food, including Dallas, Chicago, and Atlanta. (Source: KPMG Competitive Alternatives Report, 2016)

“After considering various locations within the Perfetti Van Melle global network, it was clear that expanding our manufacturing capacity here in Northern Kentucky was the right choice, given the potential incentives offered to attract more job-generating investment by business to the region. The region has great proximity to our customers, a strong and diverse workforce base, and a thriving business support network. We’re excited, as this KEIA incentive will help us continue making life sweeter and providing a great place to work in Northern Kentucky.”

Sylvia Buxton, President and CEO, Perfetti Van Melle North America

There are 25 four-year colleges/universities and 11 community and technical colleges located about 75 miles from Northern Kentucky. Business leaders cite the talent –dedication, education and training combined with a willingness to learn– as a major asset for NKY. SmartAsset named the Cincinnati region as the #1 city for new college grads in 2022, the fourth year in the top spot.

The Northern Kentucky Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (NKY FAME) program at Gateway Community & Technical College offers students the opportunity to have a job at a manufacturer while attending classes and earning a degree at Gateway that is paid for by the manufacturing company. Perfetti Van Melle is among 14 employers in the region who are attracting the next generation into manufacturing apprenticeships, and NKY FAME.