Made in Asheville. Yep, that sure has a nice ring to it. From clothing and accessories to snacks and other fun finds, we’ve rounded up 20 things homegrown in and near the Land of the Sky.
Shopping
Ingles Markets
In 1963, Robert Ingle opened the first Ingles market here in Asheville. Fast forward to present day and the grocery chain has more than 200 locations across the Southeast. The company is headquartered nearby in Black Mountain.
Earth Fare
Did you know that the first store opened in Asheville as “Dinner for the Earth” in 1975, offering natural foods, local meats, and produce? In 1994, it became Earth Fare, and three years later, the health food store began expanding — today, there are 20 locations across the Southeast.
East Fork Pottery
All of the highly sought-after ceramic pieces are crafted in the Asheville factory. The dinnerware, cookware, and drinkware come in a variety of ever-changing colors, from earth tones to vibrant hues. Bonus: It’s a Certified B Corporation and the company regularly partners with local nonprofits, so you can feel extra good about buying that mug.
Seltzer Goods
From tea towels and tote bags to puzzles and pens, there are a plethora of items that boast the brand’s adorable and creative illustrations.
Food
Celtic Sea Salt
Recognize the royal blue bag? The brand’s different salts are harvested around the world, but the family-owned company is based in Arden.
Poppy Popcorn
Ginger Frank founded Poppy in Asheville in 2014, and 10 years later, the sweet and savory popcorn flavors can be found in stores across the country, from Miami to Portland.
Lusty Monk Mustard
The uber-flavorful, coarse-ground mustard packs a punch. It’s made locally but distributed to markets across the US, meaning folks in 100+ cities will have “no more boring sandwiches.”
Spicewalla
Founded by Meherwan Irani of Chai Pani, the spice brand is a favorite of chefs, home cooks, and even T-Pain. The company’s production facility is right here in Asheville, along with a retail location in the Grove Arcade.
French Broad Chocolate
The confection company creates chocolate from beans to bars at its Riverside Drive factory, which can produce up to 50 tons of chocolate per year. Plus, you can take a tour to see the process.
Darë Vegan Cheese
The company began selling its plant-based cheeses at farmers markets in 2019. But now the delicious wedges, spreads, and cheesecakes can be found through more than 400 vendors across the US.
Tupelo Honey
The restaurant began serving up its made-from-scratch Southern fare in 2000. Its Asheville location was its first, but since then, they’ve expanded to more than 20 locations and counting.
Outdoor gear
Eagles Nest Outfitters
The outdoor brand designs and tests its products — like the popular ENO hammock — at its headquarters here in Asheville. Plus, this year the company is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
Diamond Brand Gear
The brand’s history stretches way back to 1881, when it was founded as a fur and feather distribution business. But by 1920, it was all about tents and tarps. In 1942, Diamond Brand made the move to WNC. Today, the company employs more than 40 craftspeople at its South Asheville factory, creating canvas wall tents and upcycled bags with zero-fabric-waste manufacturing.
Bellyak
The unique kayak is designed for you to lie on your stomach and paddle using your hands. The Asheville-made product isn’t only for recreational fun, though. It’s also useful for water rescue.
Industry Nine
The company manufactures and hand-builds specially designed wheels, parts, and other components for mountain bikes. You can shop ready-to-ride products or custom design your dream wheels.
Clothing and accessories
Opie Way
The shoe company creates luxury, handcrafted sneakers for men and women in its Asheville factory.
Rite of Passage Clothing
The slow fashion brand produces coats, tops, dresses, and more from local and ethically sourced textile producers. The RAD store also shares a space with its in-house production facility, Sew Co., which designs and produces products for an array of clients.
SoulKu
Local moms have been handcrafting gorgeous gemstone jewelry pieces since 2011.
Health and Wellness
Gaia Herbs
The organic herbal product brand sources herbs from its Mills River greenhouse and Brevard farm. The company offers supplements like Black Elderberry, Milk Thistle, and even a line in collaboration with supermodel Gisele Bündchen.
Everyday Oil
The hydrating blends of botanical oils are created in Black Mountain. The multi-use products are lauded by The New York Times, Vogue, and GQ (as well as by City Editor Grace).
Tech
General Electric (GE) Aerospace
The Asheville manufacturing facility creates ceramic matrix composite (CMC) parts for aircraft engines. In March, GE invested $11.3 million into the Asheville facility to introduce new machinery.
Netmaker
Founded in 2021, this tech startup created a fast virtual private network (VPN) for companies to build secure networks.
Fun finds
Aluminati Guitar Company
Forged from a team of dedicated craftsmen, this company builds sustainable guitars from nontraditional materials such as aluminum and carbon fiber.
Moog synthesizers
Inventor Bob Moog moved to Asheville in 1978 and began teaching in UNC Asheville’s music department. In 2011, Moog Music opened its headquarters in the 828. The company has reduced staff and changed locations since being acquired by inMusic in 2023, but instruments like the Moog One and Minimoog Model D will continue to be designed and manufactured in Asheville.
Drinks
Riverbend Malt House
The fermenters may not produce any brews directly, but they’re responsible for supplying breweries across the South with a key ingredient. The biz supplies malt for small or large batch beers and spirits.
Beer + cider
Listen, we couldn’t pick just one brewery to highlight here. That’s why we linked our comprehensive guide to Asheville’s breweries and cideries, which includes more than 50 spots to sip.
Sarilla
These organic, alcohol-free craft beverages are made with herbs, teas, and fruits.
Asheville Tea Company
The tea makers craft the perfect brew using locally grown herbs and botanicals, like marshmallow root from Kestrel Herb Farm.
Buchi
The kombucha brand began in an Asheville kitchen in 2008, but in 2020, the brand transitioned to private-label manufacturing with three East Coast facilities. You can find Buchi’s products at plenty of stores here in the 828.
Devil’s Foot Beverage Co.
You can find the beloved farm-to-can sodas all over town. We love the sparkling limeade. Plus, the brand has two canned craft cocktails, a vodka lemonade, and a Carolina mule.
