We’d like to officially propose a new slogan for Lakeland: “Yes, we make that here.” Why? Because from lottery tickets to fragrances to orange juice, the Lakeland area has plenty of locally manufactured and distributed products, including some that you may use in your own home.
Make your shopping list
When you walk the grocery store aisles, you may be adding items to your cart that were made just miles away. Take Publix, for example. Lakeland is home to its dairy processing plant, fresh kitchen, and bakery — all of which manufacture various Publix-brand products you know and love. Sprinkle cookies and ice cream, anyone?
On another aisle, you may find bread and snacks by Pepperidge Farm, which manufactures treats like Goldfish crackers and Swirl bread at its Lakeland facility. We also hear it has a store open to the public on Saturdays at 2222 Interstate Dr.
Thirsty? Stock up on Florida’s Natural juices. The co-op’s plant is based in Lake Wales and has been supplying the state with fresh OJ and more for more than 90 years. Pro tip: Visit the Grove House near the plant from October to May to learn about the company’s nearly century-long history.
The Citrus Innovation Center opened earlier this year.
Rendering provided by Ryan Companies US, Inc.
Picking up cleaning products or a new candle? The essences that give them their signature scents could be made locally by companies like Treatt or Firmenich. Thanks to its history in citrus production, Lakeland is a hotspot for the essence + flavor industry. Not to mention, International Flavors & Fragrances recently opened its Citrus Innovation Center at Florida Polytechnic University, which could mean even more citrus-flavored goods on the shelves.
Refresco, another big name in beverage bottling, also has a local presence. Its Lakeland facility supplies some of the 40 million liters of drinks the company produces worldwide on a daily basis. You might find their products in coolers in the checkout line.
Beyond the grocery store
If you’re a golfer, you know how important the greens are to your game. Harrell’s specializes in golf course fertilizer, as well as turf and mixes for agricultural use. Likewise, The Mosaic Company — which operates in several spots around Polk County — produces potash + phosphate that’s used in fertilizer production.
Feeling lucky? Your next lottery ticket or scratcher could be produced right down the road at IGT’s Lakeland facility. IGT prints the tickets that are played around the world.
Lakeland Linder Airport is home to several companies in the aviation industry and beyond.
Photo via @wacokitchenfl
Another manufacturing industry hub is the area around Lakeland Linder International Airport. Companies like Ferrera Tooling, and Jen-Ken Kilns call the southwest Lakeland area home, offering everything from amusement park ride parts to pottery kilns.
Of course, this isn’t an exhaustive list of all the products manufactured in Lakeland — after all, the area was recently ranked as the No. 8 best in the nation for manufacturing jobs. You can check out more from the Lakeland Economic Development Council, and if there’s a biz that didn’t make the list, tell us about it.
Job hunting? Take a look at our list of the largest employers in Lakeland for your next opportunity.
