2026 “Coolest Thing Made in NC” Winners Named
RALEIGH, N.C. – Today, the day before National Manufacturing Day (#MFGDay26), the NC Chamber revealed the winners for this year’s ‘Coolest Thing Made in NC’ competition: Carrier’s Chillers the large business category, American Honda Motor Co.’s FourTrax Foreman 4×4 in the medium business category, and Old School Mill’s Old School Brand™ Hot Cocoa Mix in the small business category.
The contest recognizes three winners: one for businesses with fewer than 100 employees, one for businesses 100-999 employees, and one for businesses with 1000+ employees. Carrier’s product is manufactured in Charlotte, American Honda Motor Co.’s in the Triad, and Old School Mill’s in Charlotte.
Now an annual tradition, the NC Chamber launched the competition in 2020 to honor North Carolina’s manufacturers and raise awareness about the limitless potential of modern manufacturing careers. As the exclusive state affiliate for the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the NC Chamber knows that a strong manufacturing sector is central to North Carolina’s economic and competitive success. The state’s innovative manufacturing industry generates more than 15% of the gross state product and employs more than 8.9% of the state’s workforce.
2026 “Coolest Thing Made in NC” Finalists (in place order):
Large Business Category
| Place | Product | Company Name | Manufacturing Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winner: | Carrier Chillers | Carrier | Charlotte Region |
| 2nd Place: | Cheez-It Original Snack Crackers | Mars Snacking | Triangle |
| 3rd Place: | North Carolina Sweetpotatoes | NC Sweetpotato Commission | Eastern NC |
| 4th Place: | Wegovy® pill | Novo Nordisk | Triangle |
| 5th Place: | Dyneema(R) | Avient Protective Materials | Eastern NC |
Medium Business Category
| Place | Product | Company Name | Manufacturing Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winner: | FourTrax Foreman 4x4 | American Honda Motor Co., Inc. | Triad |
| 2nd Place: | Texas Pete Original Hot Sauce | Garner Foods | Triad |
| 3rd Place: | Cheerwine | Cheerwine/Carolina Beverage Corp | Charlotte Region |
| 4th Place: | Bright Leaf Hot Dogs | Carolina Packers | Eastern NC |
| 5th Place: | Lithium | Rio Tinto | Charlotte Region |
Small Business Category
| Place | Product | Company Name | Manufacturing Location |
| Winner: | Old School Brand™ Hot Cocoa Mix | Old School Mill, Inc. | Charlotte Region |
| 2nd Place: | Atlantic Beach Sea Salt | Atlantic Beach Sea Salt Company | Eastern NC |
| 3rd Place: | Carolina Soap | Sparta Candle Co. | Western NC |
| 4th Place: | Date Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing & Marinade | CW Dressings | Sandhills |
| 5th Place: | Deltec Homes 360° Signature Collection | Deltec Homes | Western NC |
“Congratulations to Carrier, American Honda Motor Co., and Old School Mill for winning the 2026 ‘Coolest Thing Made in NC’ title,” said NC Chamber President and CEO Gary Salamido. “Tomorrow is National Manufacturing Day, and we are proud to recognize the strength and creativity of North Carolina’s manufacturers who continue to lead and inspire across our state, nation, and world.”
MFG Day, organized nationally by NAM and The Manufacturing Institute, champions the next generation of creators and kicks off a campaign to highlight the exciting careers in modern manufacturing.
Allegacy Financial is serving as the presenting sponsor of the online competition, and Business North Carolina is this year’s media partner.
Join the contest’s social media campaign by following #CoolestThingMadeinNC. In addition to receiving a trophy, this year’s winning products will be featured in NC Chamber and Business North Carolina publications, podcasts, social and digital media, among additional statewide publicity efforts. Information on last year’s winner and runners-up can be found here.
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