Piedmont Food Processing Center - PFPC

10/12/2026

We’re excited to welcome Kid Clover, a Durham born small business creating colorful, caffeine-free herbal teas designed especially for children and families.
Founded by Lesley, Kid Clover grew from a love of gardening, herbs, nature, and helping children discover where plants and food come from. Their playful blends feature ingredients such as chamomile, lemon balm, peppermint, ginger, hibiscus, and butterfly pea flower.
Beyond tea, Kid Clover creates opportunities for children and families to explore herbs, make their own tea blends, and discover the wonderful world of plants.
Come meet Kid Clover at PFPC’s 2nd Annual Open House & Pop-Up Market! on October 22, 2026 between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM at Piedmont Food Processing Center, 500 Valley Forge Road, Hillsborough, NC 27278

10/12/2026

Crisp, flavorful, plant based, grain free, and made without dairy, these crackers are perfect on their own or paired with your favorite dips, spreads, cheese, and salads. Come meet Big Wheel Foods and discover a deliciously crunchy way to enjoy simple, wholesome ingredients at PFPC’s 2nd Annual Open House & Pop-Up Market! on October 22, 2026 between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM at Piedmont Food Processing Center, 500 Valley Forge Road, Hillsborough, NC 27278

10/11/2026

We’re excited to welcome Quandary Lake Mushrooms, a women and minority owned family farm in Swepsonville, North Carolina, growing beautiful specialty mushrooms for local chefs, home cooks, and food lovers.

From fresh oyster and chestnut mushrooms to their delicious Herb & Walnut Mushroom Pâté, their products showcase just how flavorful and versatile locally grown mushrooms can be. Their pâté also earned 1st place in the Plant-Based category from the North Carolina Specialty Foods Association.

Come meet the growers, discover something new, and take home delicious locally grown mushrooms and specialty products at PFPC’s 2nd Annual Open House & Pop-Up Market! on October 22, 2026 between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM at Piedmont Food Processing Center, 500 Valley Forge Road, Hillsborough, NC 27278

10/11/2026

Created by Abena Antwi, Queen’s Jollof Sauce brings the rich and comforting flavors of West Africa to your kitchen. Inspired by her Ghanaian heritage, Abena created this flavorful sauce using slow-roasted tomatoes, vegetables, and herbs, offering an easy and delicious way to make Jollof Rice and so much more.

Add it to rice, soups, stews, meats, fish, eggs, pasta, and more!

Come meet Queen’s Jollof Sauce and discover an easy and delicious way to bring the flavors of West Africa into your kitchen at PFPC’s 2nd Annual Open House & Pop-Up Market on October 22, 2026 from 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

10/10/2026

White Swan Farm & Forge brings the bright, distinctive flavor of ginger to the local food community.
Discover their delicious collection of ginger products, including ginger syrup, pickled ginger, salad dressings, ginger juice, ginger powder, frozen ginger cubes, and sugar free options.
Come meet White Swan Farm & Forge at the PFPC's 2nd Annual Open House & Pop Up Market and discover the many delicious ways ginger can be enjoyed.

09/04/2026

08/27/2026

Big congratulations to Quandry Lake Mushroom!

We’re thrilled to celebrate Quandary Lake Mushrooms, a PFPC producer, for taking 1st Place in the Plant-Based Food Category at the NC Specialty Food Association’s Annual Taste Awards!

This is such a well-deserved recognition of the creativity, quality, and deliciousness they’re bringing to North Carolina’s specialty food scene. We’re proud to have Quandary Lake Mushroomsry Lake Mushroom as part of the PFPC community and can’t wait to see what they grow next!

Help us give them a big CONGRATULATIONS!

07/27/2026

Fresh out of the oven, Habey's HEELS are in full production! These iconic foot-shaped cookies are handcrafted with care and are just one example of the incredible products being made by local food entrepreneurs at PFPC.

From concept to commercial production, we're proud to support businesses like Habey's Kitchen as they grow and bring unique products to market.

Ready to treat yourself? Order your own Habey's HEELS at habeyskitchen.com.

Every batch tells a story—and we're honored to be part of the journey.

07/17/2026

What is Cyclospora?

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can contaminate fresh produce and cause a foodborne illness called **cyclosporiasis**. Because it isn't killed by simply rinsing fruits and vegetables with water, prevention starts with good agricultural practices and safe food handling throughout the supply chain.

**Symptoms may include:**
• Frequent, watery diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Stomach cramps
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Fatigue

Symptoms typically begin about **1 week after exposure** and can last for several weeks if left untreated.

**Foods most commonly linked to Cyclospora outbreaks:**
• Fresh cilantro
• Basil
• Bagged salads and leafy greens
• Raspberries
• Snow peas and other fresh produce

**What food businesses can do:**
Purchase produce from reputable, approved suppliers.
Follow strict employee handwashing practices.
Prevent cross-contamination during preparation.
Wash produce thoroughly—even though washing won't eliminate Cyclospora, it can help reduce other contaminants.
Train staff on proper food safety procedures and illness reporting.

At Piedmont Food Processing Center, food safety isn't just about passing inspections—it's about protecting your customers and your business.

07/16/2026

Behind every 100 is a small business chasing a dream.

This board represents entrepreneurs who are building food businesses from the ground up—and doing it with an unwavering commitment to food safety.

Seeing client after client obtain perfect sanitation scores reminds us that success isn't just measured in great products. It's measured in the standards our clients uphold every day.

Congratulations to all of our PFPC clients who have earned a 100 sanitation grade! We couldn't be more proud.