HOME / Top Industries / Food & Beverage

INNOVATION IN FOOD & BEVERAGE

The Upstate connects two of the largest cities in the Southeastern United States: Charlotte and Atlanta. This 10-county region offers a low risk and competitive cost environment and is home to some of the world’s most forward-thinking companies, a strong workforce, and a business friendly regulatory environment. With more than 25,000 farms in South Carolina, and abundant water and sewer availability, companies in the food and beverage and packaging industry are fi­nding success in the Upstate.

In a world where speed to market is essential, food and beverage companies can reach more than 100 million Americans in a day’s drive. With infrastructure that connects you by interstate, air, rail, and deep water, you can move product anywhere it needs to go — quickly.

UPSTATE LEADERS IN FOOD & BEVERAGE

KEURIG DR PEPPER

A leader in specialty coffee and innovative single-serve brewing systems, Keurig’s products are utilized in 25 million homes throughout North America. Their new state-of-the-art operations facility in Spartanburg County will primarily house coffee roasting and packaging for its single-serve K-Cup pods.

DISCOVERFRESH FOODS

A culinary tradition since 1917, DiscoverFresh Foods was founded and is headquartered in Upstate SC. They are a top industrial food manufacturer of branded and private label products in the Southeast and specialize in “homemade” quality foods such as dips, spreads and desserts. Innovation drives their growth through product research and development, including new packaging trends and options.

NESTLÉ

Nestlé is the world’s largest food and beverage company. They have more than 2,000 brands ranging from global icons to local favorites and are present in 189 countries around the world. Their Cherokee County operations employ 1,000 and produce Stouffer’s brand frozen entrees.

INDUSTRY SUPPORT AND RESOURCES

CLEMSON UNIVERSITY

PACKAGING SCIENCES & FOOD TECHNOLOGY

Clemson is one of just a few schools in the U.S. that offers a degree in packaging science. Bolstered by industry partnerships and advanced labs, areas of study include:

  • Distribution, transportation and engineering technology
  • Food and health care packaging
  • Package design and graphics
  • Materials

FOOD SYSTEMS AND SAFETY PROGRAM

Clemson Extension’s technical training and support for local food industry includes:

  • FDA required courses
  • Product Development and Package Evaluation
  • Product Shelf Life Studies
  • Sensory Evaluation
  • Package Distribution
  • Green Solutions for Food and Packaging Waste

SC DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

SCDA promotes and advocates for the growth of existing and new agribusiness opportunities throughout the state. Agribusiness accounts for 9.1% of the state’s total economic output, with its top commodities including broilers, turkeys, corn, cattle, soybeans, peanuts, eggs and wheat.

Hungry for More? Get a taste of business in the Upstate

Our StoryMap details and highlights the Upstate’s competitive advantage for the food and beverage manufacturing industry.