About the Virginia Manufacturing Cup
The Virginia Manufacturing Cup is the Commonwealth’s premier competition honoring the innovation, craftsmanship, and economic strength of Virginia’s manufacturing sector. Hosted by the Virginia Manufacturers Association (VMA), the annual program highlights the remarkable diversity of products made across Virginia—from ships to microchips, electric vehicles to aerospace components, essential foods, and everyday consumer goods.
Each year, manufacturers and their workforces take center stage as the public helps determine what they believe is The Coolest Thing Made in Virginia. Finalists and winners are recognized at the Virginia Manufacturing Gala in November, where category winners and overall Best in Show honorees are announced. The Gold Best in Show winner earns the title of The Coolest Thing Made in Virginia.
Why the Virginia Manufacturing Cup Matters to Manufacturers
The competition exists to:
- Showcase the talent, creativity, and economic value of manufacturers operating in the Commonwealth
- Increase public awareness of the importance of manufacturing and the products made in Virginia
- Engage employees, local supporters, and industry partners in celebrating manufacturing excellence
Participation is free, open to the public, and inclusive across the full breadth of Virginia’s manufacturing sector.
Competition Information
2026 Schedule
Submit Product Nominations: June 1 – August 31 (UPDATE: Nominate by Friday, September 11!)
Vote for Products: September 21 – October 9
Results Announcement: November 6 at the Virginia Manufacturing Gala
Entry Rules & Product Eligibility
To maintain fairness and support the mission of the competition, the following rules apply:
- The product must be made in Virginia. Corporate headquarters may be located elsewhere.
- The entry must involve a manufacturing process.
- Example: A restaurant preparing fresh pizzas is not eligible. A food manufacturer producing frozen pizzas is eligible.
- Unlimited nominations: Individuals may nominate as many products as they wish.
- Participation is free. VMA membership is not required.
- Custom products are eligible if the company has a valid SIC or NAICS code and uses a manufacturing process.
- Products assembled in Virginia are eligible, even if components come from outside the state, as long as final assembly occurs in Virginia.
- Ineligible products include:
- Alcohol products
- THC or hemp‑derived products
- Products not legal for sale at both the state and federal levels
- Products not legal in all 50 states
- Products that cannot be sold to individuals 18 years or older
- Companies may enter up to three products total. If more than three are nominated, organizers will work directly with the company to select the three advancing entries.
- Organizers reserve the right to combine categories with fewer than three competitors.
Competition Journey
1. Public Nomination Period
Virginia-made products are nominated using an online form on the competition website.
2. Promotion & Engagement
Nominated companies are encouraged to:
- Use social media, press outreach, and other channels to promote their product
- Engage employees to vote daily and elevate their entry
3. Popular Round Voting
The public votes for what they believe is The Coolest Thing Made in Virginia. The website displays each product’s name, manufacturer, and description. Individuals may cast up to five votes per day.
4. Winners Announced at the Virginia Manufacturing Gala
The VMA announces:
- Bronze, Silver, and Gold winners in each industry category
- The top three vote‑getters overall, recognized as Bronze, Silver, and Gold Best in Show
- The Gold Best in Show—the official winner of the Virginia Manufacturing Cup
A company representative must be present at the Gala to receive the physical award.
5. Winner Eligibility
A Gold Best in Show product is not eligible to compete again for three years.
Voting Guidelines
To maintain integrity in the voting process:
- Electronic voting is open to the general public.
- Paid advertising is strictly prohibited.
If a nominee uses paid ads to promote their product in the contest, the product will be disqualified.
Industry Categories
- Food, beverage, and tobacco
- Textiles, apparel, and leather
- Lumber, wood, and paper products (non‑furniture)
- Furniture and fixtures
- Printing and publishing
- Chemicals, allied products, and pharmaceuticals
- Petroleum refining and related industries
- Rubber and miscellaneous plastics products
- Stone, clay, glass, and concrete
- Primary metal industries
- Fabricated metal products (excluding machinery and transportation equipment)
- Industrial and commercial machinery, equipment & instruments—including:
- Computer equipment
- Electronic and electrical equipment
- Measuring, analyzing, and controlling instruments
- Photographic, medical, and optical goods
- Watches and clocks
- Transportation equipment
- Miscellaneous manufacturing—including jewelry, silverware, musical instruments, toys, sporting goods, artist materials, buttons, costume novelties, brooms, brushes, caskets, and other manufactured goods
