(RALEIGH) — The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services named Garner-based Butterballas the 2013 N.C. Exporter of the Year. “From 2009 to 2011, we saw turkey exports nearly double in North Carolina,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler in a press release. “Butterball makes up a significant percentage of those exports and is deserving of this honor,"

Company representatives were recognized at a presentation during the annual Ag Development Forum at the State Fairgrounds Jan. 31. The Exporter of the Year award acknowledges agribusinesses that have excelled in exporting agricultural products around the world.

Butterball exports more than 100 million pounds of turkey products to more than 50 countries annually. In addition, the company develops new products that cater to international markets and customs. As a result, Butterball is able to export 15 percent of its annual volume through products the U.S. market cannot absorb.

Joel Coleman, general manager of international sales, and Scott Singleton, international sales manager, accepted the award on behalf of Butterball.

For more information about N.C. ag exports, go to the website for the NCDA&CS International Trade Office at http://www.ncagr.gov/markets/international.