Ohio’s food and beverage manufacturers were front and center on Wednesday, as the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) hosted its Food & Beverage Manufacturers’ Policy Council followed by an evening Legislative Reception & Expo at the Athletic Club of Columbus.

The afternoon council meeting brought industry leaders together for a timely discussion on the policy issues shaping one of Ohio’s most essential manufacturing sectors, including food labeling, ingredient rules, packaging regulation, workforce needs, supply chain pressures and proposals that could raise the cost of doing business. Members also heard from Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge, JobsOhio’s Tim Derickson, the National Association of Manufacturers’ Jake Kuhns and the Consumer Brands Association’s John Hewitt.

That evening, more than 50 state lawmakers joined food and beverage manufacturers, suppliers and industry partners for OMA’s Legislative Reception & Expo, giving policymakers a firsthand look at the companies, people and priorities behind one of Ohio’s most important industries.

“This was OMA at its best,” said James Lee, OMA managing director of public policy services. “We brought policymakers face to face with the companies that make the products Ohioans rely on every day, showcased the strength of this industry and made sure lawmakers heard directly from the people driving investment, jobs and growth in communities across Ohio.” 6/3/2026