North Carolina is a major hog and poultry state with deep BBQ traditions (Eastern vinegar vs. Lexington-style). The state's food manufacturing ranges from meat processing to major snack and beverage companies.
These agricultural products form the foundation of North Carolina's food supply chain, supporting local food manufacturers and ingredient suppliers.
| Manufacturing Establishments | 1,280 |
| Manufacturing Employees | 52,400 |
| Organic Certified Farms | 312 |
| FDA-Registered Facilities | 4,680 |
Sources: USDA Census of Agriculture, FDA Registered Food Facilities, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Figures are approximate.
North Carolina has approximately 4,680 FDA-registered food facilities, covering manufacturing, processing, packing, and storage operations.
The top agricultural products in North Carolina include Broilers, Hogs, Tobacco, Sweet potatoes, Turkeys. These drive the state's food manufacturing and processing sector.
North Carolina has approximately 312 certified organic farms, contributing to the state's organic food production and local food systems.
North Carolina is known for specialty foods including Pulled pork BBQ, Krispy Kreme donuts, Cheerwine, Livermush. These reflect the state's unique culinary heritage and local ingredients.
North Carolina's food manufacturing sector employs approximately 52,400 workers across 1,280 establishments, making it a significant contributor to the state's economy.
Use our ingredient checker to find allergens, additives, and dietary flags in thousands of food products.
Open CheckerOur registered dietitians and food scientists analyze ingredient safety, nutritional profiles, and FDA compliance. Data sourced from FDA GRAS database, USDA FoodData Central, and peer-reviewed nutrition research.