North Carolina Sweetpotatoes named a finalist for NC Chamber contest

BENSON, NC, Aug. 27, 2026 – North Carolina sweetpotatoes have long been a source of pride for the state’s agriculture industry. Now, they are officially in the running to be named one of the coolest things made in North Carolina.

The North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission (NCSC) BB #:156017 announced today that North Carolina sweetpotatoes have been selected among 88 nominees in the NC Chamber’s seventh annual Coolest Thing Made in NC competition. The statewide contest celebrates products made in North Carolina and the people and industries behind them.

North Carolina sweetpotatoes are competing in the Large Business category, joining a field of recognizable North Carolina-made products from companies including Mt. Olive Pickle Company, Butterball, Coca-Cola Consolidated and others.

“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.”

North Carolina has held its position as the nation’s No. 1 sweetpotato-producing state since 1971. Today, the Commission represents more than 300 sweetpotato growers, along with the packers, processors and allied businesses that support the industry.

Unlike many seasonal crops, North Carolina sweetpotatoes are available year-round, thanks in part to post-harvest curing and storing. That year-round availability, combined with their versatility and nutritional density across retail, foodservice and processing applications, has helped make the crop an important part of both North Carolina agriculture and the broader U.S. produce industry.

Voting is open now at www.coolestthingmadeinnc.com/vote_now/, and the public may vote once 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.

“We certainly know where our vote is going,” Grainger added. “But more importantly, this is a fun opportunity to shine another spotlight on North Carolina agriculture and the people who grow the food we put on our tables three times a day every day.”

About the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission
Founded in 1961 the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission is a nonprofit corporation made up of over 300 sweetpotato producers, along with the packers and business associates that support them. The NCSC is committed to supporting its growers and increasing sweetpotato consumption through education, promotional activities, research, and honorable horticultural practices among its producers.

Did you know… Sweetpotato is one word? Details can be found here.

For more information on videos or content and for delicious recipes, visit www.ncsweetpotatoes.com and follow North Carolina Sweetpotatoes’ social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TIktok, Pinterest, and YouTube for more sweetpotato inspiration.