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 14 to August 16, to submit your product to the Made in NC Awards. After the submission period, our esteemed panel of judges will spend from August 17 to October 5, 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 October 6.
★ 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
★ 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
★ 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.)
★ 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
★ 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
Unsure about which category your product falls into? Feel free to reach out to us at madeinnc@ourstate.com. Products may only be submitted to one category. Note: 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.
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.
