Food & Beverage Processing in Mount Sterling-Montgomery County

Mt. Sterling-Montgomery County offers food and beverage processors a strategic advantage in the heart of Kentucky. With a central location that puts two-thirds of the U.S. population within a day's drive, manufacturers benefit from easy access to domestic and global markets.

Kentucky is a national leader in logistics, home to major DHL, UPS, and Amazon Air shipping hubs. This ranking makes the state No. 2 in the U.S. for air cargo weight, and ensures seamless distribution for food and beverage manufacturers.

Mt. Sterling-Montgomery County further enhances this advantage with direct connectivity via I-64 and I-75, and proximity to Lexington's UPS Ground Hub, which delivers to 90% of U.S. zip codes within three days. Additionally, manufacturers requiring cold storage benefit from a UPS facility within 75 miles, supporting overnight worldwide shipping.

Workforce & Education: A Strong Pipeline for Industry Growth

food processing plant worker

Kentucky's deep agricultural roots and skilled workforce provide a strong foundation for food and beverage processing. The state ranks sixth in the nation for the number of farms, covering more than half of Kentucky's total acreage. This agricultural strength ensures a steady supply chain for processors looking to source raw materials close to production facilities.

Further bolstering the industry, the University of Kentucky offers the nation's #1-rated Agriculture Education Program, providing food and beverage companies access to cutting-edge research, innovation, and a highly skilled talent pool. With labor costs 18% below the national average, and some of the lowest industrial electricity prices east of the Mississippi, operating in Mt. Sterling-Montgomery County is cost-effective and sustainable for manufacturers.

Discover Your Opportunity

Mt. Sterling-Montgomery County offers the ideal location for food and beverage processors looking to scale operations, reduce costs, and optimize logistics. Our economic development team is ready to provide site selection assistance, workforce solutions, and incentives to support your business success.

Contact us today to explore the opportunities in Mt. Sterling-Montgomery County.