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The North Carolina Specialty Foods Association (NCSFA) recently announced the winners of its 2026 Best in Taste Awards, the state’s premier recognition honoring excellence and innovation among North Carolina’s artisan and specialty food producers. This year’s competition featured entries across 11 product categories, reflecting the depth and diversity of the state’s thriving specialty food community.

FLETCHER — The smoke has cleared and a champion has been named at the 2026 Got to Be NC Whole Hog Cookoff at the N.C. Mountain State Fair. Showtime’s Legit BBQ of Benson, captained by Kevin Peterson, took home first place and the $2,000 grand prize, earning bragging rights as this year’s champion.

Grate Sauces & Rubs of Goldsboro, captained by Ralph LeGrand, finished second, earning $1,500, while Killing Time Grilling Crew of Clinton, captained by Tim Walters, took third place and $1,000.

FLETCHER — Great North Carolina barbecue starts with the people who raise it, cook it and support it. From farmers raising quality pork to pitmasters tending the fire for hours, whole hog barbecue brings together agriculture, tradition and community. 

The Got to Be NC Whole Hog Barbecue Cookoff, featuring 11 competitive cooking teams, returns to the N.C. Mountain State Fair Saturday, Sept. 12. The contest celebrates every part of the farm-to-table  connection, and serves up some good barbecue for a good cause along the way.

Pack the car and head for the mountains Saturday, Sept. 12, as the 2026 High Country Farm Tour gives visitors a firsthand look at the farms, farmers and agricultural businesses that make Watauga County a special place to grow, raise and enjoy local food.

Six farms and one winery will welcome visitors of all ages for a day of exploring High Country agriculture. Guests can meet farm animals, explore vegetable and flower farms, visit a working vineyard and learn firsthand how local food is grown and produced.