Mt. Olive Pickle Co. exits Great American State Fair over Confederate flag

[Yonnie3]

by: Pel Law
Posted: Jun 29, 2026 / 01:48 PM EDT
Updated: Jun 30, 2026 / 07:01 AM EDT

PITT COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) — Mt. Olive Pickle Company has withdrawn from the Great American State Fair in Washington D.C. after a Confederate flag was included in an exhibit.

The company told WNCT they were invited to participate in the North Carolina exhibit:

“Mt. Olive Pickle Company was invited to participate in the North Carolina exhibit for the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., as part of America’s 250th celebration. We are proud of our North Carolina roots, and we agreed to be a part of an exhibit, as presented to us, that would represent the best of our great state.“

---snip---

Mt. Olive Pickle Co. said, “we were unaware that an image of the Confederate flag was included in a video as part of this exhibit, and we have withdrawn our participation. Our company stands on values of human dignity, opportunity, and freedom.”

from WNCT TV

https://www.wnct.com/news/mt-olive-pickle-co-exits-great-american-state-fair-over-confederate-flag/

[Haggard Celine]

1. Guess I'll keep buying those pickles.

[Prof. Toru Tanaka]

5. We just quartered up the last few pickles from a gallon jar of Mt. Olive dills.

Mt. Olive makes good pickles and they are cheaper than Vlasic’s. They are celebrating their 100th year as a company and I am glad to see they are taking a positive stand on this issue.

[Haggard Celine]

8. Me too!

It's always nice to see a company you support doing the right thing. So often it's not the case.

[hamsterjill]

48. We use their jalapenos, too.

They have some that are just right - not too mild and not too hot.

[GoCubsGo]

14. Been craving their Majestic smoky BBQ bread and butter pickles.

They just got added to my shopping list!

[BaronChocula]

41. Checking to see what's in my fridge

Yup.
Mt. Olive. They can stay.

[MIButterfly]

2. We need more companies like Mt. Olive Pickle Co. to take a similar stand

Are they a national company? Because I sure would give them my business.

ETA: I looked them up and they're at Kroger and Meijer so a jar of their pickles will be on my next shopping list.

[W_HAMILTON]

10. And, in my opinion, they're the best out there!

Very tart and vinegary -- just how I like 'em!

I tried Grillo's since so many people had been talking them up lately, but was quite disappointed...

[RedWhiteBlueIsRacist]

3. That's great news, and I can keep my several jars of Mt Olive pickles. Which are quite tasty!

[niyad]

4. I have always liked Mt. Olive pickles. Now even more!

[LilElf70]

6. So I'll ask

Who was responsible for the display of the confederate flag?

Maybe I missed it.

[dave99]

7. probably the shitstain

[Ritabert]

27. Probably some Republican conressman from NC.

[obamanut2012]

33. The booth was run by private people, not the state of NC

[Skittles]

9. WTF

the fascist GOP wants to eliminate any references to SLAVERY because it "makes America look bad", but they want to display that POS flag at the "GREAT AMERICAN STATE FAIR" ?????

THAT IS SOME SERIOUSLY FUCKED UP SHYTE RIGHT THERE

[Evolve Dammit]

25. We're still fighting the Civil War. The racism and schism remains.

[Skittles]

26. yup

and they very much need a second beatdown

[thomski64]

51. I'm not over the Civil War either..

..fuck traitors!

[Stacey Grove]

11. Good job

Wish I wasn't watching my sodium intake, otherwise, I'd buy some Mt. Olive pickles.

[Tanuki]

18. They have some special reduced sodium products!

https://www.mtolivepickles.com/our-pickle-products/reduced-sodium-pickles/



"Enjoying our popular pickles here at Mount Olive Pickle Company Does not mean that you have to feel guilty about it afterward. Our wide variety also accommodates those who are looking to stay health-conscious, Which is why we offer our reduced-sodium pickles in our lineup of delicious pickles. We know that some people have to watch how much sodium they have in their diet, and we believe that watching your sodium intake should mean sacrificing a refreshing and delicious snack.

Reduced-Sodium Pickles for Any Occasion

Mount Olive Pickle Company is proud to offer reduced-sodium pickles In our popular pickle spear fashion, as well as sweet pickle relish. Each of these products offers a delightful hint of sodium without any of the worries that come from regular sodium pickles. Just like the rest of our pickles, our low-sodium pickles are pasteurized to the precise temperature necessary and then quickly cooled to give them a strong shelf life so you can enjoy the first bite out of a jar just as much as the last bite.

How Will Our Pickles Enhance Your Next Meal

We believe our pickles are the perfect way to punch off any meal into a five-star banquet, and watching your sodium shouldn’t keep you from enjoying the pickles that we put our love and care into making. Because our reduced-sodium pickles taste just as great as any other pickle, we offer you can seamlessly substitute the reduced-sodium pickles into any of our favorite Mount Olive Pickle recipes. Whether you were looking to add a bit of crunch to your next charcuterie board or you want to zest up your burger sauce with a bit of relish, You can keep your favorite pickles in your meals while still watching your sodium."

[deurbano]

34. We get their sugar free sweet gherkins.

[Girard442]

12. Got a sudden craving for pickles.

Pretty sure this 74-year-old dude isn't pregnant.

[malaise]

13. Great news

Nice decision for their 100th anniversary

Back in 1926, local business leaders established the Mt. Olive Pickle Company to create a new market for area farmers. They chose to name it for their small hometown of Mount Olive, located in rural Eastern North Carolina. Today, nearly 100 years later, Mt. Olive is the #1 best-selling brand of pickles, peppers and relishes in the U.S.

https://www.mtolivepickles.com/

[Jersey Devil]

16. Mt Olive Pickle is in Wayne County about 50 mi east of Raleigh

and near Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro. Every year they host the North Carolina Pickle Festival in Mt Olive, which is a great deal of fun and is well attended, so they know a thing or two about what should or shouldn't be in a state fair.

[malaise]

17. I learn new stuff daily

Thanks

[Tanuki]

38. Mark your calendars, folks!

April 24, 2027! 🥒

https://ncpicklefest.org/

[Vinca]

15. Good! I love their products and always buy them.

[lonely bird]

19. Mrs. Bird loves their Bread and Butter pickles

Their address is at the corner of Cucumber and Vine.

[travelingthrulife]

20. They were unaware a confederate flag was part of their video?

LOL. Tell me another one.

[Yonnie3]

22. It doesn't appear to be their (MT. Olive's) video.

It was likely one of the other sponsor's slide show. I've read several news stories and the sponsor who made the slide show wasn't named, but I saw a Helo logo displayed on the same screen in one news story.

"Three businesses — SPEVCO, Richard Childress Racing, and Operation Helo — have stepped up to be the primary sponsors of the North Carolina pavilion" from https://www.carolinajournal.com/sponsors-step-up-as-nc-officially-sits-out-america-250-fair/

[Ritabert]

28. There were several displays by NC companies. They probably didn't know it was in the room.

[FakeNoose]

21. This is a brand that I'm unfamiliar with, but I'll look for them in Pittsburgh

I always try to support the companies that make a difference.
Thank you Mt. Olive Pickle Co., and Happy 100th Birthday!

[Ritabert]

29. They're very good.

[Wonder Why]

23. I wonder if their latest move was because of the expected hit to their business and whether they signed up for it withou

bothering to check what they were doing - or some execs didn't care enough about who they were dealing with.

Unil I read more about how they got into this mess in the first place, I think I'll stick with Claussen when I buy pickles.

[Ritabert]

31. I don't think they had any idea some other NC company put that up.

Once they saw reports from social media they withdrew.

[Wonder Why]

36. I don't know how much they paid but I'll bet it was enough that Due Diligence was in order. I stand by my comments.

[KT2000]

40. The state declined to participate

due to costs so the businesses in the state contributed to a booth promoting North Carolina businesses. That was when they saw a video showing the confederate flag.

Mt. Olive and Claussen are of the very few pickles not made in India now.

[Evolve Dammit]

24. That's how it's done. And I do buy their pickles sometimes. Maybe exclusively now!

[Ritabert]

30. Love their pickles and now I can continue to buy them.

[Mysterian]

32. Great to hear that

I buy a lot of their products.

[abbeyco]

35. My new favorite pickle brand!

Time to put this family’s pickle love behind a brand that stands on decency & principles.

[KT2000]

37. Most pickles are made in India now

But not Mt. Olive. They are one of the few besides gourmet brands that are made in the US.

[Raven123]

39. Didn't know that. Thanks

[TexLaProgressive]

42. I'm pleased to have a jar of Mt Olive Pickles in my fridge.

[ultralite001]

43. Pickle Power...

More power to ya, Mt Olive...

Happy Birthday!!!

[czarjak]

44. But, but...

“My heritage!” Is what defenders of hate say.

[Warpy]

45. No one should be surprised by any of this

since the whole aim of this thing was to recreate an all white, all Republican, fake upper midwestern MAGA campaign event.

I still expect there to be enough attendance over the weekend to call it a crowd, but just. People will want to sho up for the fireworks even if the cornball fake state fair turns them off.

[rambler_american]

46. This morning

I bought a large jar of dill pickle sandwich slices and a large jar of jalapenos, both Mt Olive brand. Glad to know I am helping support a company that supports American values.

[Exp]

47. I like it! But damn, their pickles are waaaay too salty for my tastes. I make my own anyway w/ everyday cukes in a big

jar and poured over with hot apple cider vinegar, sugar, peppercorns, a little salt and dill weed. Sometimes I'll add baby carrots and red onion. They're done in six hours. Deeeeee-lish !!!!

[calimary]

50. Ooooooooooh! MOST intriguing!

Thanks for the recipe, Exp! I just might have to try it!

Put “everyday cukes in a big jar and poured over with hot apple cider vinegar, sugar, peppercorns, a little salt and dill weed. Sometimes I'll add baby carrots and red onion. They're done in six hours. Deeeeee-lish !!!!”

[mountain grammy]

49. Good for them.. I use a few of their products

good quality and a little less expensive. Happy to keep them in my kitchen.

[murielm99]

52. Oh, no.

Now I want pickles, lots of pickles.