Visit Discussed Local Growth, Workforce and Fair Trade
Claremont, NH – October 28, 2025 – North Country Smokehouse (NCS) welcomed New Hampshire’s Governor Kelly Ayotte and Chief of Staff Chris Connelly to the Claremont facility, to engage with company leadership, tour the plant, and taste what happens when craftsmanship and good conscience come together. The group enjoyed a sampling of responsibly raised smoked meats handcrafted right here in the Granite State. Center-of-plate discussions revolved around local workforce investment, sustainable agriculture, and cross-border trade to support the state’s economic future.
Founded in 1912 and operating in Claremont for more than a century, the company has deep roots in New Hampshire. Today, NCS is among the state’s largest private employers with 135 full-time employees operating across multiple shifts. During the visit, NCS reinforced its commitment to keeping land ownership, investment, and jobs in New Hampshire. A long-standing supporter of state and local initiatives, the company recently sponsored the reopening of the SAU6 Culinary Arts Program for the 2026 school year, has helped to raise more than $2 million for the New Hampshire High Hopes Foundation, and provides ongoing support of community youth athletics, local food shelves, and extracurricular community programming.
As part of the duBreton family of brands, NCS has a vested interest in fair trade and cross-border commerce, noting the potential impact tariffs could have on the company’s U.S. & Canadian supply chain operations. “Equitable trade encourages reinvestments in the local economy, facilitates job growth, sustains farmers, and stabilizes food prices.” says Vincent Breton, President. “Governor Ayotte’s attention to jobs and economic development echoes exactly what we’re doing here – investing in people, property and progress the ripples well beyond our borders.”
As North America’s leading supplier of organic and Certified Humane pork, the cross-border collaboration between duBreton and North Country Smokehouse is a vital part of the food supply chain and strengthens both economies. “Local investments and equitable trade relationships allow New Hampshire businesses to compete globally while rooted in their communities.” says Breton.
