Alliance One North America of Wilson and Universal Leaf North America of Nashville, NC have been named the 2026 Exporters of the Year by Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. The announcement was made at the annual Ag Development Forum, an event organized by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) in conjunction with the Southern Farm Show.
The Exporter of the Year award recognizes companies for their accomplishments in international trade, market growth, and contributions to agricultural exports from North Carolina. This year marks the first time two companies have received the honor simultaneously.
“This is the first time we have awarded two Exporters of the Year at the same time, but both companies’ expertise in exporting North Carolina tobacco and helping make connections for our tobacco industry makes them well deserving of this honor,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “As key players in the international tobacco arena, their insights, knowledge and contacts have been invaluable in helping us establish and grow international marketing opportunities for N.C. grown and processed tobacco. These relationships are crucial to our work.”
Alliance One was created in 2005 through a merger between DIMON Incorporated and Standard Commercial Corporation. Both were established names in tobacco processing with more than 150 years combined experience as suppliers. Alliance One contracts with approximately 300,000 growers on five continents, operates in 20 countries, and sells products into nearly 80 countries worldwide.
Matt Drake accepted the award on behalf of Scott Gupton, president of Alliance One North America.
Universal Leaf Tobacco North America also has a long history in tobacco. Founded in Richmond, Virginia in 1918, its regional headquarters is now located in Nashville, NC. The company’s Nash County facility is ISO-certified and considered one of the most advanced processing sites globally. Universal Leaf operates across more than 30 countries on five continents and supplies four major types of tobacco: flue-cured, burley, oriental, and dark varieties.
Clayton Frazier accepted the award as president of Universal Leaf North America.
“Tobacco remains an important crop in North Carolina, with our state leading the country in tobacco production and tobacco being the top crop produced in the state,” Troxler said. “We are fortunate to have offices for both of our honorees in North Carolina where I happen to believe the very best tobacco is grown.”
According to information from the official website of NCDA&CS, agriculture—including agribusiness—contributes $102 billion annually to North Carolina’s economy. The department manages various specialized divisions such as forest services for resource management while supporting community farming practices (source). It also focuses on food safety standards and promoting sustainable agriculture (source). Steve Troxler has served as commissioner leading these efforts (source). Additionally, North Carolina leads national production not only for sweet potatoes but also for tobacco (source).
