Fresh layoffs are spreading across the western U.S. food and beverage sector so far in 2026, with companies in Washington, Idaho, and Colorado announcing major job cuts tied to plant closures, consolidation plans, and restructuring moves.
The latest round affects bakery production, packaged foods, potato processing, and beverage distribution — underscoring how manufacturers and distributors are cutting costs while shifting operations to newer facilities or different ownership groups.
Washington bakery closure impacts 120 workers
One of the region’s larger recent food layoffs came in Kent, Washington, where Rise Baking Company said it would close its facility and lay off 120 employees. Reports said production is being transferred to a newer plant in Utah as the company streamlines operations.
The closure adds to pressure on food manufacturing employment in the Puget Sound area, where employers have also faced higher labor, freight, and ingredient costs.
Idaho potato plant to shut down
In southern Idaho, Idahoan Foods, known for its potato products, said it will permanently close its Rupert processing plant, affecting 61 workers.
Operations are expected to continue through late June before the facility winds down. The company said the move is part of a broader effort to optimize its manufacturing network.
Boise snack plant cuts dozens
Meanwhile, Maker’s Pride — formerly Hearthside Food Solutions — disclosed layoffs of about 51 employees at its Boise facility.
The reductions reportedly include production and support roles as the company reviews capacity and invests more heavily in automation.
Colorado distributor to lay off 514 workers
The largest blow in the region came in Colorado, where Eagle Rock Distributing Company announced it would shut down operations following the sale of assets, resulting in 514 layoffs across six facilities.
The company has long been one of the state’s major beer and beverage distributors. The shutdown highlights broader disruption in alcohol distribution as consolidation reshapes the industry.
Why the cuts are happening
Industry analysts say food and beverage employers are facing multiple pressures at once:
- softer consumer demand
- inflation-driven cost increases
- automation reducing labor needs
- consolidation into fewer sites
- margin pressure after years of elevated expenses
Alcohol distributors have also faced changing consumer habits, with beer demand slowing and spirits and ready-to-drink categories reshaping sales patterns.
More than 740 jobs affected
Combined, the recent announcements in Washington, Idaho, and Colorado total at least 746 layoffs.
For communities tied to manufacturing and logistics, the impact often extends beyond the plants and warehouses themselves — affecting trucking companies, agricultural suppliers, local vendors, and nearby small businesses. The latest moves suggest additional restructuring could continue to emerge throughout the year as food and beverage companies continue reviewing operations.
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