About the Awards

The Made in NC Awards are for all you North Carolina makers, bakers, crafters, and creators. Maybe you run a microbrewery or sell handmade soaps at your local farmers market. Perhaps you’re a skilled woodworker or create incredible custom clothing. Whatever it is that you make and sell, we know you’re proud to produce it right here in North Carolina — and we want to help you show it off to the entire state.

You will have nine weeks, spanning from June 10 to August 12, to submit your product to the Made in NC Awards. After the submission period, our esteemed panel of judges will spend from August 13 to September 29, carefully tasting, testing, and inspecting top-notch entries. The judges will choose one winner and two honorable mentions for each category. Winners will be announced on September 30.

Food

Do people say they can’t live without your barbecue sauce? Is your red velvet cake the best this side of the Mississippi has ever tasted? If so, this category is for you. From pies and cakes to cheese straws and canned goods. From craft jerky and artisanal cheeses to fresh baked bread and country ham. This category covers all food items: canned or jarred, sweet or savory, baked or fried.

Entries may include:

• Sweet (candies, desserts, baked goods, etc.)
• Savory (crackers, breads, meats, cheeses, etc.)
• Sauces, spreads, and condiments

Note: We cannot accept raw foods (fruits, vegetables, etc.)

Drink

This category covers all drink items. Maybe you roast and sell coffee beans that your customers can’t live without or craft the ingredients for the perfect North Carolina cocktail. If so, this category is for you. Wine, beer, juices, spirits, cocktail mixes, sodas, and anything else we can sit back and sip are welcome.

Entries may include:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Soda
• Juice
• Tonics
• Wine
• Beer
• Spirits
• Cocktail mixers

Style

Style encompasses all kinds of apparel and accessories you can wear. This category is for all you makers, artisans, and designers who know more than a thing or two about the ever-evolving world of fashion. Whether you produce garments made from local cotton, create one-of-a-kind jewelry, or are an expert in leather goods such as wallets and bags, your work belongs here.

Entries may include:

• Jewelry
• Apparel
• Outerwear
• Accessories

Craft

Craft includes decorative and functional artisan items that aesthetically enhance your everyday life. This category includes: paper goods, such as stationery and journals; celebratory creations, such as party decorations and wedding products; carefully crafted embroidery; and knitted, dyed, and quilted goods. Decorative pieces such as candles, ceramics, and glasswork also fall into this category. Visual art, such as wall prints, is included as long as items can be merchandised or reproduced for sale.

Entries may include:

• Paper
• Pottery
• Glass
• Artisan textiles
• Fine basketry
• Woodwork
• Metalwork
• Instruments
• Candles
• Artisan soap
• Body products
• Other

Home & Garden

This category is for products that serve a purpose in your home. Perhaps you build the best rocking chairs in your county or whittle beautiful serving utensils from reclaimed wood. Hardware and lighting fall into this category, as well as kitchen accessories and sustainable design. And don’t forget about the garden! This category also includes tools and accessories that make the outside of your house as beautiful as the inside. Cleaning and laundry products are included, too.

Entries may include:

• Furniture
• Rugs and floor coverings
• Lighting
• Home decor
• Functional dishware and serveware
• Kitchen tools and utensils
• Cleaning and laundry products
• Toys and games
• Hobby and recreation
• Tools for home or garden

Unsure about which category your product falls into? Feel free to reach out to us at madeinnc@ourstate.com. Items may only be submitted to one category.

Note: Products may only be submitted to one category. Once all submission forms are received at the end of the entry period, an Our State representative will contact you if a sample of your product is required. Please do not mail in a sample if you have not received an email.