North Carolina sweetpotatoes have been selected as one of 88 nominees in the NC Chamber's seventh annual Coolest Thing Made in NC competition, a statewide contest celebrating North Carolina-made products. The North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission announced the nomination on Aug. 27. Sweetpotatoes are competing in the Large Business category alongside other recognizable North Carolina-made products including Mt. Olive Pickle Company, Butterball, and Coca-Cola Consolidated.
Industry Leadership North Carolina has held its position as the nation's No. 1 sweetpotato-producing state since 1971.
The Commission represents more than 300 growers, along with packers, processors, and allied businesses that support the industry.
Year-Round Availability Unlike many seasonal crops, North Carolina sweetpotatoes are available year-round, thanks to post-harvest curing and storing. That year-round availability, combined with their versatility and nutritional density across retail, foodservice, and processing applications, has made the crop an important part of both North Carolina agriculture and the broader U.S. produce industry.
The Competition Public voting is open now at www.coolestthingmadeinnc.com/vote_now/, with voters able to cast one vote per day through Wednesday, Sept. 2. Semifinalists will be announced Sept. 9, followed by additional rounds of public voting. The three winning products will be revealed Oct. 1, ahead of National Manufacturing Day. "This nomination is really a recognition of the family farms who produce, pack and ship and make North Carolina's sweetpotato industry what it is," said Michelle Grainger, executive director of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission. "Sweetpotatoes are part of the agricultural identity of our state, and generations of North Carolina farmers have worked incredibly hard to build and sustain this industry. We think that makes North Carolina sweetpotatoes pretty cool, and we hope the produce industry and sweetpotato fans everywhere will help us prove it."
Why It Matters
For operators across retail, foodservice, and processing, the contest spotlights North Carolina's dominant position in sweetpotato supply and underscores the year-round availability that makes the category reliable for menu development and sourcing.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors
