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State Pride

Not Many People Realize America’s Favorite Pickles Come From Mount Olive, North Carolina

Mount Olive Pickle Company in North Carolina produces America's favorite pickles, peppers, and relishes.

Published Dec 15, 2020

Written by 

Robin Jarvis

Do you love pickles? America's favorite pickles, peppers, and relishes are made in North Carolina in the small town of Mt. Olive at the Mount Olive Pickle Company, a large-scale manufacturing facility that employs approximately 500 people year round to make pickles, peppers, relishes and more.

If you love pickles and haven't tried America's favorite, then what are you waiting for? Enjoy home-grown cucumbers brined in a secret recipe.

A pizza topped with pickles and peppers, sliced into pieces, with hands reaching for a slice and a jar of dill chips nearby.
Facebook/Mt. Olive Pickles

There are some competing stories about the origin of pickled cucumbers, which are said to have been 'invented' some 4,000 years ago.

A colorful spread featuring pickles, cheese, crackers, and wraps, with Mt. Olive jars in the background.
Facebook/Mt. Olive Pickles

Some say they originated in China, while others believe the first pickles came from the Tigris Valley of Mesopotamia. But if you're from North Carolina, there's only one pickle to be concerned with: Mount Olive Pickles.

Mount Olive Pickle Company got its start back in 1926 as a company that would brine cucumbers for other companies to pickle.

A man stands on the porch of the Mount Olive Pickle Co. building, with barrels and an old car nearby.
Facebook/Mt. Olive Pickles

That model quickly fell by the wayside and Mount Olive Pickle Company began taking the process from start to finish.

In the 1920s, a Lebanese immigrant living in nearby Goldsboro saw an opportunity with cucumber crops that were going to waste.

A man stands on a platform above a large barrel, while another man tosses cucumbers into it on a farm.
Facebook/Mt. Olive Pickles

When the first model for the company (to brine the cucumbers for other manufacturers) failed, it took a lot of ingenuity and hard work, but the Mount Olive Pickle Company prevailed.

It's now the #1 pickle brand in America.

A vintage truck advertising "Mt. Olive Pickles" with the slogan "They're Better" on its side.
Facebook/Mt. Olive Pickles

With many products on the shelves in stores around the U.S.

A flat lay of various pickles and cucumber slices on a wooden surface, featuring green packaging and jars.
Facebook/Mt. Olive Pickles

The manufacturing facility in Mt. Olive is located at the corner of Cucumber and Vine Streets.

A street sign for Cucumber and Vine, with a Mr. Olive restaurant sign and flags in the background under a blue sky.
Google Maps/Rosanne Addessi

Ordinarily, when a pandemic isn't afoot, the gift shop at Cucumber and Vine is a great place to stock up on pickles and pickle-themed gifts.

But for now, the best way to get your pickle fix is to visit your local supermarket.

Map showing the location of Mt Olive Pickle Company, Inc. in North Carolina, near major highways and cities.
Google Maps

Or, you can always order pickles and gifts online direct from the company.

So did you know America's favorite pickle is made right here in North Carolina? Learn more about Mount Olive Pickle Company by visiting its website here.

What are some other things made in North Carolina that we should write about? Let us know by submitting your comments here!

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