Major N.C. Food Corporations
Most of these are North Carolina owned companies. All are headquartered here.
ProducersKrispy Kreme Doughnuts - Headquartered in Winston-Salem, Krispy Kreme is a North Carolina original that has been around since 1937. It is famous for its "Hot Now" doughnuts.
Snyder's-Lance - Lance was started in 1913 with its roots and headquarters in Charlotte. It is best known for its sandwich crackers (peanut butter and cheese varieties). It recently merged with Snyder's of Hanover.
Mt. Olive Pickles - Mt. Olive Pickles was started in 1926 and is headquartered in Mt. Olive. It is the largest independent pickle company in the U.S. Its products are in all 50 states!
Salem Baking Company and Dewey's - Since 1992, Salem Baking Co. in Winston-Salem has been known for its traditionally baked Moravian Cookies and Cheese Straws. It was started by Dewey's Bakery, well-known for its Moravian Sugar Cake and Lovefeast Buns since 1930.
TW Garner Food Company - Ever heard of Texas Pete? This is the company that makes it! It is located in Winston-Salem, and was started in North Carolina in 1929. Check out some of their other sauces as well.
Grocery StoresEarth Fare - Earth Fare, started in 1975, and is headquartered in Fletcher. (I'm not sure it is completely locally owned any longer.) It is a leader in the grocery industry, providing the best tasting local, natural and organic foods available. 21 stores are located in six states.
Food Lion - Food Lion, started in 1957, is still headquartered in Salisbury, but is now owned by Delhaize Group in Belgium. It is a major supermarket chain with approximately 1300 stores in 11 Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states.
Harris Teeter - Headquartered in Mathews, and owned by Ruddick Corp. in Charlotte, Harris Teeter had its beginnings in the 1930s. It is a major super-market chain, operating 201 stores in 8 states and D.C.
Ingles Markets - Headquartered in Asheville, Ingles started in 1963. It now operates approximately 200 stores in six southeastern states.
Lowes Foods - Based in Winston-Salem and owned by Alex Lee in Hickory, Lowes Foods is a major supermarket chain that started in 1954. It has over 100 stores in N.C., S.C. and VA.
The Fresh Market - Started in 1982 and head-quartered in Greensboro, Fresh Market is a high quality, specialty grocery store known for its excel-lent customer service. It has 100 stores in 18 states.