Kinston Goes Whole Hog, Sets World Record for BBQ Sales
BBQ Fest on the Neuse sells 4,775 barbecue sandwiches — and raises more than $140,000 for local profits
KINSTON (MAY 5, 2025) — The NC Pork Council and Smithfield Foods teamed up with the BBQ Fest on the Neuse on Saturday, May 3 to set a Guinness World Record for the most pulled pork barbecue sandwiches sold in eight hours.
Festival organizers sold a total of 4,775 barbecue sandwiches — setting a Guinness World Record and carving Kinston’s place in barbecue history. And these weren’t just any barbecue sandwiches — they were pulled pork sandwiches featuring award-winning pork, slow-cooked by the best pitmasters in the state.
“When it comes to barbecue, North Carolina has a proud tradition of leadership. Setting a World Record for the most barbecue sandwiches ever sold is one more way we are proving that North Carolina is the Barbecue Capital of the World,” said Roy Lee Lindsey, CEO of the North Carolina Pork Council.
The BBQ Fest on the Neuse hosted the state’s largest whole hog cookoff — featuring nearly 100 teams — as part of the festival. Pork from the competition was chopped and sold at the BBQ Chop Tent on Heritage Street across from the Farmers Market. All proceeds from the sales were donated to local community organizations including the Lenoir County 4-H and Youth Development Programs, the Ronald McDonald House, the Lenoir County Master Gardeners and Children’s Garden, Downtown Kinston Revitalization, CSS Neuse Museum, Community Council for the Arts, SmartArt Kinston, and Mary’s Kitchen, among others.
“We have forever etched Kinston’s place in barbecue history,” said Tammy Kelly, a BBQ Fest on the Neuse board member. “We are so grateful for the community’s support and thankful that we were able to raise more than $140,000 for local non-profits in our community.”
The NC Pork Council sponsors the annual NC Whole Hog Barbecue Series, featuring dozens of competitions across the state throughout the year. The winner of the BBQ Fest on the Neuse — Mark Copeland, a former state champion from Askewville — qualified for the state championship, which will be held in Raleigh on May 17-18 in conjunction with the Got to Be NC Festival.
“Smithfield was proud to be part of this record-breaking event to support local nonprofits in North Carolina,” said Kraig Westerbeek, president of hog production for Smithfield Foods. “Our 10,000 North Carolina team members salute the people of Kinston for earning their place in the record books while supporting these vital community organizations.”
About the NC Pork Council
The NC Pork Council is the voice of North Carolina’s pork industry, advocating for the family farmers and industry partners who work hard every day to produce quality pork the right way — safely, responsibly, and sustainably. North Carolina is one of the top pork-producing states in the country, ranking third nationwide and contributing $10.8 billion to our state’s economy each year. Whether through advocacy, education, or community outreach, the NC Pork Council works to support responsible, smart farming practices and to ensure the continued success of the industry. Learn more at www.ncpork.org.
About Smithfield Foods
Smithfield Foods (Nasdaq: SFD) is an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. With a diverse brand portfolio and strong relationships with U.S. farmers and customers, we responsibly meet demand for quality protein around the world.