100-Year-Old Pickle Company Stands Up For Its Values

Mt. Olive Pickle Company has been making pickles in Mount Olive, North Carolina since 1926. For a century it has been one of the most beloved regional food brands in the South, a staple of grocery stores, cookouts, and sandwich shops nationwide. When the company was invited to represent North Carolina at the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C. as part of America's 250th birthday celebration, it was a significant honor. They said yes. Then they found out that a video playing at their exhibit contained an image of the Confederate flag, something the company had not been told about and had not approved. They did not hesitate. Mt. Olive Pickle Company walked away from the entire event immediately, issuing a statement that was as clear as it was brief: "We were unaware that an image of the Confederate flag was included in a video as part of this exhibit, and we have withdrawn our participation." The statement continued: "Our company stands on values of human dignity, opportunity, and freedom."

No lengthy corporate strategy. No hedging. No waiting to see which way the wind blew. A 100-year-old pickle company from a small town in North Carolina was put in an uncomfortable position it did not ask for, and it responded by saying exactly what it stood for and walking out the door. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein separately condemned the display and the flag was subsequently removed. Mt. Olive Pickle Company is still making pickles in Mount Olive, North Carolina, exactly as it has been doing since 1926. Some things do not change. The values you stand on are one of them.

Source:https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/04/dc-state-fair-pickle-company-withdrawal