From Doughnuts To Lip Balm, North Carolina’s Favorite Homegrown Brands Shine
North Carolina boasts a rich tapestry of homegrown brands that have captured the hearts of locals and expanded far beyond state lines.
Recently, MarketBeat.com conducted a comprehensive survey to determine which NC-born companies enjoy the most loyalty and affection from consumers.
From morning donuts to spicy condiments, these beloved brands showcase the diverse entrepreneurial spirit that thrives in the Tar Heel State.
1. Krispy Kreme’s Hot Light Magic
Winston-Salem’s sweetest success story began in 1937 when Vernon Rudolph started selling his secret-recipe doughnuts to local grocery stores.
The iconic ‘Hot Light’ signaling fresh doughnuts has been luring customers in for generations.
North Carolinians ranked this doughnut dynasty first in MarketBeat’s survey, citing the melt-in-your-mouth experience of grabbing a warm Original Glazed straight off the line.
The company now operates in over 30 countries, but its heart remains in North Carolina.
2. Burt’s Bees: From Humble Hive to Global Sensation
What started as a roadside honey stand in Maine eventually blossomed into Durham’s natural beauty powerhouse.
Burt Shavitz (the bearded face on the products) and Roxanne Quimby created their first lip balm in 1991, using leftover beeswax from Burt’s hives.
Survey respondents praised the brand’s commitment to natural ingredients and environmental responsibility.
The signature lip balm in the yellow tube has become a pocket essential for countless North Carolinians, making Burt’s Bees the second most beloved homegrown brand.
3. Mt. Olive Pickles: Crunchy Hometown Pride
The small town of Mount Olive (population under 5,000) produces America’s second-best-selling pickle brand!
Started during the Great Depression when local farmers needed a way to sell surplus cucumbers, Mt. Olive Pickle Company has grown while maintaining its small-town values.
Survey participants fondly mentioned the annual New Year’s Eve Pickle Drop celebration as a quirky tradition they love.
Many families pass down loyalty to these crisp, tangy pickles through generations, securing Mt. Olive’s third-place ranking in MarketBeat’s homegrown brand survey.
4. Biltmore Wines: Estate-Grown Elegance
When America’s largest home decided to plant vineyards in 1971, few expected it would blossom into one of North Carolina’s premier wineries.
The Vanderbilt legacy continues through these handcrafted wines produced on the historic 8,000-acre Asheville estate.
Survey respondents particularly praised the Christmas at Biltmore red blend as a holiday tradition.
Biltmore’s commitment to sustainable farming practices and the romantic allure of sipping wine where American royalty once walked earned them fourth place in the hearts of North Carolina consumers.
5. Texas Pete: The Hot Sauce with a Misleading Name
Don’t let the name fool you – this fiery condiment is pure North Carolina!
Created in Winston-Salem in 1929 by Sam Garner and his sons, the name “Texas Pete” was chosen because Texas was known for spicy foods and “Pete” was son Harold’s nickname.
MarketBeat’s survey revealed that locals take pride in knowing this “Texas” product is actually their own.
Fifth on the list, the distinctive red sauce with the cowboy logo has become a staple on breakfast tables and in restaurant kitchens across the state.
