Cheerwine Makes Top 15 in North Carolina Manufacturing Contest

Cheerwine, the fizzy cherry drink from Salisbury has clinched a finalist spot in the NC Chamber's 2025 "Coolest Thing Made in NC" contest. Competing in the Medium Business group, the soft drink maker stands among 15 top picks in this statewide showdown.

A whopping 188 products entered the race this year: the most in six years of running. Public interest has surged, with vote counts shooting past 25,500.

"The contest highlights the pride North Carolinians have in the products built right here at home," said NC Chamber President and CEO Gary Salamido, according to Queen City News.

Five makers duke it out in the Medium Business bracket. Next to the cherry soda stand Regulator Marine's boats from Edenton, meat products from Carolina Packers in Smithfield, sea vessels by World Cat/HC Composites of Tarboro, and food items from Garner Foods in Winston-Salem.

Up in the Large Business ring, Charlotte's own Carrier Chillers faces four rivals. Their cooling units roll off the line at their north Charlotte plant on West WT Harris Boulevard.

The small business field sparkles with fresh talent. Among the five competitors shine Atlantic Beach's salt makers and AFEX, crafting fire safety gear in Raleigh.

Making things matters big in North Carolina. Factory work powers over 13.3% of state money and puts food on the table for one in ten workers.

Want to pick a winner? Hit up coolestthingmadeinnc.com by Thursday, Sept. 25. Mark your calendar: winners take their bow Oct. 2, when the NC Chamber names the best in each group.