The 2026 Flavors of Carolina Show once again proved why it stands as North Carolina’s premier food and beverage networking event. Bringing together the best of the state’s farms, fisheries and food businesses, the event connected producers directly with buyers from retail, wholesale and foodservice sectors, all under one roof.
This year’s show highlighted the strength and diversity of North Carolina agriculture, with 200 food and beverage companies exhibiting their products. A total of 757 buyers attended, creating a high-energy environment focused on discovery, connection and growth. From fresh produce and meats to artisan cheeses, craft beverages and packaged goods, the showroom floor reflected the innovation and quality that defines the state’s No. 1 industry.
The impact of the event was clear. An overwhelming 97% of buyers reported meeting new North Carolina suppliers, and 95% said they plan to start new business relationships with those companies. Early projections estimate more than $5 million in new purchases of North Carolina products as a direct result of connections made during the show, further reinforcing the event’s role as a powerful economic driver for the state.
“The Flavors show not only gives us the opportunity to get in front of buyers, but to sample our products and tell our story,” said the respondent for Battle Tested Craft BBQ Sauce. “We wouldn’t be where we are today if not for the Flavors of Carolina show. Because we have been able to work with local grocers in North Carolina, we were just accepted into Walmart and awarded our first 50 stores.”
For buyers, the show offered a one-stop opportunity to discover new products and emerging trends. For producers, it provided a platform to grow their businesses and bring more North Carolina products to shelves and menus across the country.
“I made great connections here and the plans I made for going forward with others are even more valuable,” said Mark Blevins. “This is an excellent event, and I’d say that anyone who is looking for N.C. products or looking to get their local products to a wider audience should definitely make it a priority to spend as much time as they can at this event with people who can help meet those goals.”
Beyond business, the show also made a meaningful community impact. Surplus food items were donated to A Simple Gesture Food Recovery, totaling 2,522 pounds of food that will help feed North Carolinians in need. It’s a reminder that the benefits of agriculture extend far beyond the marketplace.
The continued success of the Flavors of Carolina Show reflects the strength of the partnerships behind it and the momentum of the Got to Be NC program. More than just an event, it is a catalyst for economic growth by supporting local businesses and strengthening supply chains across the food and beverage industries.
As the 2026 show demonstrated, when North Carolina agriculture comes together, the results are not only flavorful, but they’re also impactful.
Looking ahead, mark your calendars for next year’s events at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex: The Got to Be NC Buyer Exchange on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2027, followed by the Flavors of Carolina Show on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2027.