Ghent has an industrial past and industry still remains highly important today. Industry represents 25% of the city's workforce. That is higher than the average of other major cities. The industrial center is in the port and the canal zone. Companies such as ArcelorMittal Gent (steel production), Volvo Cars Gent(car- and truck manufacturer) and StoraEnso (paper) are situated there.

Big in fruit juice

The car-, steel-, paper- and chemical industries traditionally have a prominent place Ghent's industry today. Since the ‘80s the food industry has also grown in importance. An example is Citrus Coolstore, who import from South America. Ghent is the second biggest fruit juice port in the world.

Other industrial activity

The food industry is also strongly represented away from the port in Ghent, including companies such as Alpro (Soya), Hot Cuisine (ready-made meals), Coca Cola (distribution) and Bouchard-L'Escaut (chocolate manufacturer).