By Timothy S. Donahue
Top Takeaways:
- State recognition: Alliance One was named 2026 Exporter of the Year by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
- Global reach: Award honors the company’s role in exporting compliant U.S. leaf tobacco to international markets.
- Farmer focus: Company emphasized support for North Carolina growers and the state’s agricultural economy.
Alliance One International’s subsidiary, Alliance One North America, has been named the 2026 Exporter of the Year by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, underscoring the company’s role in moving U.S. leaf tobacco into global markets.
The award was presented Feb. 5 at the 20th annual Agricultural Development Forum, held alongside the Southern Farm Show. North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler presented the award to Matt Drake, director of U.S. procurement, crop science and value chain, on behalf of Alliance One North America.
“The state of North Carolina was built on the value of tobacco and the importance of the farmer, and Alliance One North America works each day to honor that legacy,” Troxler said. “Their efforts ensure the tobacco exported from our state is of the quality desired in the global market, and I am proud to recognize Alliance One North America as a 2026 Exporter of the Year.”
The Exporter of the Year award recognizes agribusinesses that demonstrate exceptional achievement in overseas sales, market expansion, and in strengthening North Carolina’s global agricultural footprint. Tobacco remains one of the state’s most significant agricultural exports, and North Carolina consistently ranks among the top tobacco-producing states in the U.S.
“Receiving the Exporter of the Year award is a tremendous honor and reflects our dedication to delivering high-quality, compliant leaf tobacco to customers around the world while supporting North Carolina’s agricultural economy,” said Scott Gupton, senior managing director of Alliance One North America.
Alliance One North America operates as part of Alliance One International’s global leaf platform, sourcing, processing, and exporting tobacco for multinational manufacturers. The company maintains direct relationships with growers across the region, providing agronomic support, quality control, and compliance oversight to meet international customer standards.
In North Carolina, where tobacco has long been a foundational crop, the recognition underscores the continued role of leaf exports in supporting rural economies and maintaining the state’s presence in the global tobacco supply chain.
