In North Carolina, the meat processing industry plays a key role in the state's economy, providing a range of products from fresh poultry to specialty meats. This includes large players like Butterball, known for turkey, as well as specialized firms like Freirich Foods, which focuses on smoked meats. As consumer preferences shift towards sustainably sourced and health-conscious options, companies in this sector are adapting to meet these demands. The industry's future looks promising, with innovation in meat processing and an increasing emphasis on animal welfare and environmental responsibility taking center stage.

The 22 meat processing companies featured here vary in size, with many employing over 1,000 individuals. These firms are headquartered throughout North Carolina, including areas like Clinton, Garner, and Salisbury. Established between 1925 and 2016, these companies specialize in various products, from turkey and poultry to smoked meats and eco-friendly beef. Family ownership is prevalent, highlighting the traditional values upheld within the industry, alongside a notable emphasis on quality and sustainability through innovative practices.

Read on to uncover the top meat processing companies in North Carolina.

Top 22 Meat Processing Companies in North Carolina

1. Prestage Farms

• Website: prestagefarms.com
• Ownership type: Family Owned
• Headquarters: Clinton, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Latest funding: Other (Grant), $25.0M, February 2023
• Founded year: 1983
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• LinkedIn: prestage-farms

Prestage Farms, based in Clinton, North Carolina, is a family-owned company that has been in operation since 1983. Specializing in turkey and pork production, Prestage Farms is dedicated to high-quality animal care and sustainable practices. The company manages all aspects of its operations, from feed manufacturing to food safety, ensuring that their products meet rigorous quality standards. They market their turkey and pork under the Prestage Farms and Prestage Foods brands, supplying both consumers and businesses. In addition to meat production, Prestage Farms engages in grain purchasing to support local farmers and has developed renewable energy initiatives, including a cogeneration energy plant that utilizes turkey litter. This commitment to community and environmental stewardship is a core part of their business philosophy. Recently, they secured funding of approximately $24.95 million, indicating their active role in the industry and potential for growth.

2. Butterball, LLC

• Website: butterball.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Garner, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 99%
• Latest funding: December 2010
• Founded year: 1954
• Headcount: 5001-10000
• LinkedIn: butterball-llc

Butterball, LLC, based in Garner, North Carolina, is a prominent food manufacturer specializing in turkey and poultry products. Established in 1954, the company has grown to employ between 5,001 and 10,000 individuals, primarily in the United States. Butterball offers a wide array of products, including whole turkeys, deli meats, turkey burgers, and various cuts of turkey, appealing to consumers who prioritize nutritious meal options. The company emphasizes quality and convenience, making it a favored choice for families. Butterball is also committed to animal care and well-being, as highlighted in their corporate social responsibility initiatives. Their products are widely available across major retailers, ensuring accessibility for consumers. Butterball's focus on health-conscious offerings, such as antibiotic-free turkey, aligns with current consumer trends towards healthier eating. They have not reported any recent funding, indicating stability in their operations and market presence.

3. Freirich Foods, Inc.

• Website: freirich.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Salisbury, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: freirich-foods-inc-

Freirich Foods, Inc., based in Salisbury, North Carolina, is a private meat processing company founded in 1999. The firm specializes in a variety of high-quality meat products, including smoked meats, corned beef, and delicatessen items. Freirich serves a dual market, supplying both businesses like supermarkets and delicatessens, as well as individual consumers seeking flavorful and safe meat options. The company places a strong emphasis on food safety and quality assurance, having implemented a USDA-approved Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan since its inception. Freirich Foods has built a reputation as a trusted name in the meat industry, with a commitment to producing safe and wholesome products. Their sustainability efforts, which include the use of solar panels and recycling initiatives, reflect a modern approach to meat processing that resonates with today's environmentally conscious consumers.

4. Mays Meats Inc

• Website: maysmeats.net
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Taylorsville, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 1976
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: mays-meats-inc

Mays Meats Inc, based in Taylorsville, North Carolina, is a private meat processing and distribution company that has been in operation since 1976. The company specializes in providing a variety of fresh and frozen meats, grocery products, and wholesale food services to local restaurants, grocery stores, and consumers. Mays Meats operates a retail store that offers high-quality meat products, including their signature Sugar Grove Country Ham. They also provide custom meat processing services, ensuring that all products meet USDA standards. With a workforce of approximately 70 employees, Mays Meats has expanded its operations to include a fleet of 16 refrigerated delivery trucks, servicing a delivery area within a 150-mile radius of Taylorsville. The company has a strong focus on community engagement and supports local farms by processing their livestock, further solidifying its role in the regional meat supply chain.

5. Villari Food Group

• Website: villarifoods.com
• Ownership type: Family Owned
• Headquarters: Warsaw, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 1925
• Headcount: 201-500
• LinkedIn: villari-food-group

Villari Food Group, based in Warsaw, North Carolina, is a family-owned meat producer with a rich history dating back to 1925. The company specializes in high-quality pork products, offering a variety of fresh and smoked meats. Their product line includes butcher-quality pork, naturally hardwood smoked bacon and ham, and all-natural seasoning meats. Villari Foods serves a broad customer base, including consumers, retailers, and foodservice businesses. The company is dedicated to sustainability and animal welfare, sourcing its products from local farms and ensuring that its operations reflect a commitment to ethical practices. With a workforce of 201-500 employees, Villari Foods continues to play a significant role in the meat processing industry, focusing on quality and community engagement.

6. House of Raeford Farms

• Website: houseofraeford.com
• Ownership type: Family Owned
• Headquarters: Rose Hill, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 1955
• Headcount: 5001-10000
• LinkedIn: house-of-raeford

House of Raeford Farms, established in 1955 and based in Rose Hill, North Carolina, is a family-owned poultry producer. The company specializes in fresh and further processed chicken products, serving a wide range of customers, including retailers and food service providers. House of Raeford operates its own hatcheries and processing plants, which allows for stringent quality control throughout the production process. This integrated approach ensures that they can deliver high-quality and safe poultry offerings. The company also emphasizes its commitment to food safety, animal welfare, and environmental stewardship, reflecting its responsibility as a corporate citizen. With a workforce of over 1,475 employees, House of Raeford continues to innovate and adapt to consumer preferences, making it a notable player in the poultry processing industry.

7. Joyce Farms

• Website: joyce-farms.com
• Ownership type: Family Owned
• Headquarters: Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 1962
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: joyce-farms

Joyce Farms, established in 1962 and based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a family-owned company dedicated to providing high-quality meat products. They specialize in poultry and beef, focusing on heritage breeds that are raised using humane and sustainable practices. Their offerings include both retail and wholesale options, catering to top chefs and consumers who appreciate flavor and quality. Joyce Farms emphasizes transparency in food sourcing, ensuring that their products contain no antibiotics, added hormones, or artificial ingredients. They have developed a reputation for their Heritage line, which features old-world breeds known for their culinary excellence. Additionally, they employ regenerative agriculture methods to enhance soil health and animal welfare, further solidifying their commitment to sustainability in the meat industry.

8. Goodnight Brothers

• Website: goodnightbrothers.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Boone, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 1948
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn: goodnight-brothers

Goodnight Brothers, based in Boone, North Carolina, is a private meat processing company that has been specializing in the art of dry curing hams since its founding in 1948. The company focuses on curing, aging, and packaging country ham, serving both the food service and retail sectors, as well as individual consumers. Goodnight Brothers prides itself on its artisan products, which are crafted using traditional methods passed down through generations of Appalachian forefathers, combined with modern technological advancements. Their product range includes various types of country ham, bacon, and pork skins, all available for online purchase. The company has maintained a strong presence in the market, emphasizing quality and detail in its offerings, which are shipped promptly to customers. Goodnight Brothers has not reported any funding, indicating a self-sustained operation.

9. Case Farms, Inc.

• Website: casefarms.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Troutman, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Latest funding: Other (Grant), $500,000, October 2024
• Founded year: 1986
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• LinkedIn: case-farms-inc.

Case Farms, Inc. is a private poultry processing company based in Troutman, North Carolina, founded in 1986. The company specializes in the production and processing of poultry products, serving clients in the food service and retail sectors. With a workforce of approximately 888 employees, Case Farms operates several facilities across North Carolina and Ohio, emphasizing efficient production and logistics. The company is dedicated to providing high-quality poultry and related services, ensuring that they meet the demands of their customers. Recently, Case Farms secured a grant of $500,000 in October 2024, which reflects their ongoing commitment to growth and development within the poultry industry.

10. Carolina Packers Inc

• Website: carolinapackers.com
• Ownership type: Family Owned
• Headquarters: Smithfield, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 1941
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: carolina-packers-inc

Carolina Packers Inc, based in Smithfield, North Carolina, is a family-owned food manufacturer that has been crafting meat products since 1941. The company is particularly renowned for its Bright Leaf Hot Dogs, which have become a staple in Southern cuisine. Carolina Packers serves a broad customer base, including individual consumers and businesses, providing a range of high-quality meat products such as sausages, bacon, and bologna. Their products are available for online ordering and can also be found in various grocery stores and restaurants across North Carolina. The company prides itself on its traditional methods and local sourcing, ensuring that their offerings reflect the rich culinary heritage of the region.

11. Hickory Nut Gap

• Website: hickorynutgap.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Fairview, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 1916
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: hickorynutgap

Hickory Nut Gap, founded in 1916 and located in Fairview, North Carolina, is a private meat producer that specializes in regenerative farming practices. The company offers a range of products, including 100% grassfed beef and pasture-raised pork, catering to consumers and businesses that prioritize sustainability and animal welfare. Hickory Nut Gap operates a farm store and engages with the community through CSA programs, which allow customers to receive regular deliveries of fresh meat products. The company has established a network of partner farms across several states, ensuring that their meat is sourced from farms that adhere to their high standards of animal care and environmental stewardship. Their commitment to transparency and quality has garnered a loyal customer base, making them a notable player in the meat processing industry.

12. ANCO Equipment & Services, LLC

• Website: ancoeas.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: High Point, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 1902
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: anco-rendering-equipment-llc

ANCO Equipment & Services, LLC, founded in 1902 and based in High Point, North Carolina, is a manufacturer and service provider that specializes in custom equipment solutions for the rendering and food processing industries. The company offers a wide range of products, including raw material handling systems, cookers, dryers, hydrolyzers, and automation controls. Their equipment is designed to cater to various sectors, particularly meat and pet food processing. ANCO also provides engineering services and maintenance support, ensuring that their clients can achieve optimal operational efficiency. With a focus on custom solutions, ANCO works closely with clients to understand their unique processing needs, thereby enhancing productivity and reducing costs. Their extensive experience in the industry and commitment to customer service further solidify their role as a significant player in the meat processing sector.

13. Stormberg Foods LLC

• Website: stormbergfoods.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Goldsboro, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 201-500
• LinkedIn: stormbergfoods

Stormberg Foods LLC, founded in 2016 and based in Goldsboro, North Carolina, is a private company that specializes in the production of air-dried meat snacks, particularly biltong. The company caters to health-conscious consumers by emphasizing natural ingredients and traditional flavors. With a production facility in the USA and another in South Africa, Stormberg Foods combines modern food processing techniques with a heritage of meat trading that spans five generations. They offer co-packing services, allowing other brands to utilize their expertise in meat snack production. Their commitment to quality is evident in their sourcing of USDA-approved beef and their focus on maintaining high standards of food safety and processing. Stormberg Foods also produces a range of products suitable for various dietary preferences, including Keto and Paleo diets, making them a relevant player in the meat processing industry.

14. Prestige Farms

• Website: prestigefarms.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 67%, Nigeria 33%
• Founded year: 1965
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: prestige-farms

Prestige Farms, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been a prominent player in the poultry industry since its founding in 1965. The company specializes in producing and distributing high-quality chicken products, catering to over 2,000 food service customers, including restaurants and supermarkets. With a production capacity exceeding 1 million pounds of fresh poultry each week, Prestige Farms emphasizes stringent quality control and superior service. Their processing techniques, which allow chickens to rest before processing, contribute to the tenderness and flavor of their products. The company operates multiple distribution centers across the southeastern United States and has expanded its reach through acquisitions of smaller poultry processors. Prestige Farms is federally inspected daily, ensuring compliance with industry standards. Their commitment to customer satisfaction and product quality positions them as a notable entity in the meat processing sector.

15. American Skin Food Group

• Website: asfg.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Burgaw, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 1930
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: american-skin-food-group

American Skin Food Group, based in Burgaw, North Carolina, is a meat snack manufacturer with a rich history that dates back to 1930. Originally part of a meat packing company known as Wanet’s Sausage, the firm shifted its focus to pork rinds in 1981 under the vision of Neil Blake. In 1998, the company expanded by acquiring Grandad’s Real Bacon Rinds and relocating both businesses to Burgaw. Today, American Skin operates a USDA-inspected facility and is recognized for its high-quality pork skin products, serving both consumers and businesses. Their product line includes various types of pork rinds and cracklings, catering to a growing demand for meat snacks in the market.

16. Brookwood Farms BBQ

• Website: brookwoodfarms.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Siler City, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 1978
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: brookwood-farms

Brookwood Farms BBQ, founded in 1978 and located in Siler City, North Carolina, is a private company that specializes in producing authentic Southern-style pit-cooked barbeque products. With a workforce of 51-200 employees, the company has maintained a family legacy of delivering rich, smoky flavors through traditional cooking methods. They utilize USDA-approved cuts of meat, which are slow-cooked over hickory charcoal, ensuring a genuine barbeque experience. Brookwood Farms serves a variety of customers, including supermarkets, restaurants, and K-12 institutions, providing pre-cooked meats and sauces that are designed for convenience and ease of preparation. Their product offerings include pulled pork, beef barbeque, and chicken barbeque, among others, all packaged for quick heating and serving. The company has not reported any funding, indicating a self-sustained growth model. Their focus on quality and tradition positions them as a notable player in the meat processing industry.

17. Boone Brands

• Website: boonebrands.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Sanford, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: boone-brands

Boone Brands, based in Sanford, North Carolina, is a private food manufacturer with a history that dates back to 1942 when it was originally founded as Patterson Packing Company. The company specializes in a variety of canned and packaged food products, prominently featuring meat items such as sausages, stews, and sauces. Their product offerings include well-known brands like Beverly Bulk Sausage®, Mrs. Fearnow's Brunswick Stew®, and Patterson's® line of products, which are recognized for their quality and convenience. Boone Brands serves both consumers and restaurant operators, providing meal solutions that emphasize high-quality ingredients. With a workforce of around 51-200 employees, Boone Brands continues to build on its legacy of food manufacturing, focusing on delivering consistent quality and exploring new product development opportunities.

18. Summerfield Farms (NC)

• Website: summerfieldfarms.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Summerfield, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 1929
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: summerfield-farms-nc-

Summerfield Farms (NC) is a private working farm and event venue located in Summerfield, North Carolina. Founded in 1929, the farm specializes in producing 100% grass-fed and grass-finished beef, alongside certified organic produce. The farm spans over 600 acres and is dedicated to sustainable agricultural practices that restore and enhance the land. Summerfield Farms not only sells its beef directly to consumers through its market but also offers bulk purchasing options, catering to a growing demand for high-quality meat. The farm hosts various events, including culinary experiences and weddings, which further connect the community to its agricultural roots. Their focus on health and wellness is evident in their commitment to providing nutrient-dense, antibiotic-free meat, appealing to a health-conscious consumer base.

19. Transbotics, A Scott Company

• Website: transbotics.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Latest funding: July 2018
• Founded year: 1982
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: transbotics

Transbotics, A Scott Company, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a corporate entity founded in 1982. The company operates with a workforce of 11-50 employees and is part of Scott Automation, which specializes in manufacturing automation solutions across various industries, including Food & Beverage and Meat Processing. Transbotics focuses on providing advanced automation technologies that enhance operational efficiency and safety in meat processing. Their product range includes automated guided vehicles and systems that streamline processes such as palletizing and handling, specifically designed to improve yield and reduce waste in meat production. Their commitment to innovation in meat processing automation positions them as a significant player in this sector.

20. Tipper Tie

• Website: tippertie.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Apex, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 72%, Germany 28%
• Latest funding: $160.0M, November 2016
• Founded year: 1952
• Headcount: 201-500
• LinkedIn: tipper-tie

Tipper Tie, founded in 1952 and based in Apex, North Carolina, is a prominent supplier of clip packaging machines. The company operates under JBT Corporation, which specializes in technology solutions for food processing and packaging. Tipper Tie's product range includes a variety of clippers, from tabletop models to fully automated high-speed systems, designed to seal, clip, net, bag, and hang a wide array of products. Their expertise is particularly strong in the meat and poultry sectors, where their machines play a crucial role in ensuring product integrity and safety. Beyond food processing, Tipper Tie also serves industries such as explosives and adhesives, showcasing their versatility. With a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, Tipper Tie continues to innovate and support manufacturers in optimizing their packaging processes.

21. CPM Wolverine Proctor

• Website: wolverineproctor.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Lexington, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1989
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: cpm-wolverine-proctor-ltd

CPM Wolverine Proctor, founded in 1989 and based in Lexington, North Carolina, is a private company with a workforce of around 102 employees. The firm specializes in manufacturing advanced processing equipment tailored for the food, chemicals, tobacco, and fiber industries. With over 200 years of combined industrial experience, they provide customized solutions aimed at enhancing efficiency and product quality for commercial producers. Their equipment range includes dryers, coolers, ovens, and other machinery that can be utilized in various food processing applications, including meat and poultry. The company is recognized for its innovative technology and engineering capabilities, which support the production of high-quality food products, including meat substitutes and protein products. They maintain tech centers in both the USA and the UK, allowing them to offer extensive support and testing for their clients' processing needs.

22. Computerway Food Systems

• Website: mycfs.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: High Point, North Carolina, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 1986
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: computerway-food-systems

Computerway Food Systems, founded in 1986 and based in High Point, North Carolina, is a private company that provides specialized technology solutions for the food processing industry. With a workforce of 28 employees, the company focuses on integrated systems that enhance operational efficiency and reduce labor costs, particularly in poultry processing. Their offerings include advanced sizing solutions and comprehensive inventory management systems designed to streamline production processes. The company has developed a reputation for its innovative approach to automating tasks such as weighing, labeling, and tracking, which are crucial for meat processing operations. Computerway Food Systems has built a strong customer base across North and South America, serving over 400 clients. Their commitment to providing 24/7 support and tailored solutions reflects their dedication to the food processing sector, making them a significant contributor to the industry's technological advancement.

Meat Processing Insights: Key Companies in North Carolina

Company	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Ownership
Prestage Farms	Clinton, North Carolina, United States (USA)	1001-5000	1983	Family Owned
Butterball, LLC	Garner, North Carolina, United States (USA)	5001-10000	1954	Private
Freirich Foods, Inc.	Salisbury, North Carolina, United States (USA)	11-50	1999	Private
Mays Meats Inc	Taylorsville, North Carolina, United States (USA)	51-200	1976	Private
Villari Food Group	Warsaw, North Carolina, United States (USA)	201-500	1925	Family Owned
House of Raeford Farms	Rose Hill, North Carolina, United States (USA)	5001-10000	1955	Family Owned
Joyce Farms	Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States (USA)	51-200	1962	Family Owned
Goodnight Brothers	Boone, North Carolina, United States (USA)	1-10	1948	Private
Case Farms, Inc.	Troutman, North Carolina, United States (USA)	1001-5000	1986	Private
Carolina Packers Inc	Smithfield, North Carolina, United States (USA)	51-200	1941	Family Owned
Hickory Nut Gap	Fairview, North Carolina, United States (USA)	11-50	1916	Private
ANCO Equipment & Services, LLC	High Point, North Carolina, United States (USA)	11-50	1902	Private
Stormberg Foods LLC	Goldsboro, North Carolina, United States (USA)	201-500	2016	Private
Prestige Farms	Charlotte, North Carolina, United States (USA)	51-200	1965	Private
American Skin Food Group	Burgaw, North Carolina, United States (USA)	51-200	1930	Private
Brookwood Farms BBQ	Siler City, North Carolina, United States (USA)	51-200	1978	Private
Boone Brands	Sanford, North Carolina, United States (USA)	51-200	2015	Private
Summerfield Farms (NC)	Summerfield, North Carolina, United States (USA)	11-50	1929	Private
Transbotics, A Scott Company	Charlotte, North Carolina, United States (USA)	11-50	1982	Corporate
Tipper Tie	Apex, North Carolina, United States (USA)	201-500	1952	Corporate
CPM Wolverine Proctor	Lexington, North Carolina, United States (USA)	51-200	1989	Private
Computerway Food Systems	High Point, North Carolina, United States (USA)	11-50	1986	Private

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