Buzz
Many regions proudly declare themselves the epicenter of specific products. While these fun facts often appear on candy wrappers or in casual conversations, locals take immense pride in their hometown’s unique production legacy, feeling a deep, almost personal connection to items like umbrellas or dentures.
The title of 'world capital' isn’t always based on strict criteria. Some towns earn it by being the top producer of a product, while others claim it through sheer local pride. Regardless of the origin, these titles have become enduring symbols of identity for these places. Here are some standout examples.
1. MORTON, ILLINOIS // PUMPKINS
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When you purchase a can of pumpkin, chances are it’s from Libby, whose canning facility is located in Morton, Illinois, proudly known as the Pumpkin Capital of the World. Owned by Nestlé, the plant is surrounded by endless pumpkin fields and accounts for 82 percent of the global canned pumpkin supply. To celebrate this legacy, Morton hosts an annual pumpkin festival featuring attractions like pneumatic pumpkin catapults.
2. LACROSSE, KANSAS // BARBED WIRE
Since the 1960s, LaCrosse, Kansas, has declared itself the global hub of barbed wire, starting with a modest museum collection of 40 barbed wire fences. This led to the formation of the Antique Barbed Wire Society, and today, the Kansas Barbed Wire Museum showcases over 2400 varieties of this so-called 'devil’s rope.' LaCrosse also hosts the annual Antique Barbed Wire Swap & Sell Festival, a tradition since 1967.
3. SCHAAN, LIECHTENSTEIN // FALSE TEETH
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Schaan, the largest city in Liechtenstein, may not be the nation’s capital (that title goes to Vaduz), but it boasts a unique distinction as the global hub for false teeth. This reputation stems from Ivoclar Vivadent, a local denture manufacturer that produces 60 million teeth in 10,000 variations, supplying 40 percent of Europe’s dentures and 20 percent worldwide. The company attributes part of its success to the popularity of its products among Bollywood actors in India.
4. KUROBE, JAPAN // ZIPPERS
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Kurobe, Japan, is widely recognized as the zipper capital of the world, largely due to the dominance of the YKK Group. While there are minor competitors in China, YKK’s commitment to quality is unmatched—they produce their own brass, polyester, and even packaging. This dedication has made YKK zippers the preferred choice for the global apparel industry.
5. QIAOTOU, CHINA // BUTTONS
For those who appreciate the timeless charm of buttons, Qiaotou, China, is the ultimate destination. Known as the Button Capital of the World, this small town produces 60 percent of the globe’s buttons. With over 200 button factories and 1300 shops offering 10,000 varieties, Qiaotou is a button enthusiast’s paradise. (It also has a foothold in the zipper industry, though it doesn’t rival Kurobe’s production.)
6. DALTON, GEORGIA // CARPET
While you might not ponder the origin of your carpet, the residents of Dalton, Georgia, take immense pride in their town’s role as the global carpet capital. Producing 85 percent of U.S. carpets, Dalton owes its legacy to Catherine Evans Whitener, who pioneered tufted bedspreads in the late 19th century. Her family’s company, Evans Manufacturing, later revolutionized the industry by transitioning to carpet production.
7. EAST HAMPTON, CONNECTICUT // WITCH HAZEL
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Nearly all witch hazel in the United States is harvested, processed, and bottled in or near East Hampton, Connecticut, earning the town its title as the nation’s witch hazel capital. While the plant, scientifically known as Hamemelis virginiana, grows in other regions, it thrives most abundantly in eastern Connecticut. American Distilling, based in East Hampton, is the world’s leading producer of this astringent, supplying major brands like Estée Lauder, Neutrogena, and Revlon for use in cosmetics, hair care, and pharmaceuticals.
8. CREMONA, ITALY // VIOLINS
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Cremona, Italy, has reigned as the global center of violin-making since the 16th century, thanks to the craftsmanship of the Amati family, who are credited with inventing the instrument. The tradition continued with renowned luthiers like Andrea Guarneri and Antonio Stradivari. Today, Cremona hosts the annual Stradivari Festival and is home to the Museo del Violino, a year-round museum dedicated to the art of violin-making.
9. ANTWERP, BELGIUM AND KIMBERLEY, SOUTH AFRICA // DIAMONDS
When it comes to diamonds, Antwerp, Belgium, is widely regarded as the global hub, with 80% of the world’s diamonds cut there and over half of all diamonds passing through its 4-block diamond district. However, Kimberley, South Africa, holds the title for the origin of diamonds, being the heart of the De Beers empire and home to five mines, including the famed Big Hole. Both cities proudly claim the title of 'The Diamond Capital of the World.'
10. UNION CITY, NEW JERSEY // EMBROIDERY
Union City, New Jersey, proudly declares itself the 'Embroidery Capital of the World Since 1872,' as announced by a prominent sign on NJ-495. Once bustling with over 40 lace and garment factories, the city’s embroidery industry has largely shifted to mechanized production, primarily in China. Despite this, Union City celebrates its heritage with landmarks like Embroidery Plaza, dedicated in 2014 to honor its rich history.
11. TOLEDO, OHIO // GLASS
Though its glass industry has declined, Toledo, Ohio, still proudly holds the title of the Glass Capital of the World. The city’s legacy is preserved through the 7400-square-foot Glass Pavilion at the Toledo Museum of Art. While the annual Glass Day is no longer celebrated, the mayor occasionally honors local leaders with oversized glass keys, keeping the tradition alive.
12. AKRON, OHIO // RUBBER
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Akron, Ohio, has long been recognized as the global rubber capital, particularly for tire production. Goodyear Tire & Rubber and Firestone Tire and Rubber Company both originated here, alongside BF Goodrich and General Tire and Rubber. At its peak, the city’s air carried the distinct scent of rubber from numerous factories. Today, while many rubber plants have closed, Akron remains home to the headquarters of major tire companies like Goodyear, earning it a slightly updated nickname.
13. SONGXIA, CHINA // UMBRELLAS
While cities like Taipei and Baltimore have competed for the title, Songxia, China, stands out as the global umbrella capital. With over 1000 factories producing around half a billion umbrellas annually—30% of China’s total output—Songxia dominates the industry. Located two hours south of Shanghai, the city manufactures a wide variety of umbrellas, including rain, golf, beach, promotional, kids’, and wedding umbrellas. If you can imagine it, Songxia likely makes it.
14. BALTIMORE // CRAB CAKES
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Baltimore has seen its share of lost titles, from umbrella capital to men’s straw hats and Ouija boards, as industries shifted over time. However, the city still proudly holds the crown as the world’s crab cake capital, a distinction that remains a point of pride for its residents.
15. CALIFORNIA // CAPITAL OF FOOD CAPITALS
If California were a single city, it would undoubtedly be the ultimate hub of food capitals, boasting numerous cities renowned for their unique produce. Gilroy, home to Christopher Ranch, is globally celebrated for its garlic and the annual Gilroy Garlic Festival. Chico is synonymous with almonds, Isleton leads in asparagus production, Castroville is famed for artichokes, and Watsonville dominates strawberry cultivation. The state’s agricultural prowess extends to avocados in Fallbrook, blackberries in McCloud, broccoli in Greenfield, lettuce in Salinas, dates in Indio, and lima beans in Oxnard.
