Our Story

Hampton Farms is the leading roaster of in-shell peanuts in the United States.

Based in Severn, North Carolina, our company stays true to the vision of our founders by committing to produce the finest peanut-based snacks and services with integrity, honesty and the pride of American farmers.

We produce and market a variety of products from raw in-shell peanuts to nut butters. 

For generations, our farmers have been carefully cultivating the fields and tending to every crop, caring for our peanuts from seed to shelf, and creating a tradition of quality that you can see, taste and smell. Hampton Farms peanuts taste the very best because we continually roast to ensure you always get a fresh and delicious peanut – delivering that fresh-roasted peanut crunch every time. From community festivals, to ballparks, to backyard barbecues, Hampton Farms nuts are a great snack for sharing and enjoying anytime, anywhere.

G. Dallas Barnes, grandson of the founder, continues to lead the Hampton Farms family of companies. 

    Our History

    1917

    The Barnes family begins farming peanuts in northeastern North Carolina.

    1946

    Upon returning from a tour in World War II, George Dallas Barnes, got together with three other families to start a peanut company working directly with American peanut farmers. The families formed Severn Peanut Company, a “sheller” in the peanut industry. George Barnes’s son, “Mutt “ Barnes got involved with Severn Peanut from day one, later becoming president of the organization and leading it until the 1980s.

    1958

    Meherrin Agricultural was formed to provide “grower” services to farmers in the Southeastern United States.

    1989

    Hampton Farms was founded to complete our full set of services. Hampton Farms roasts, packs and markets finished peanut products direct to customers.

    1990

    Mutt Barnes’ son, Dallas Barnes, took over leadership of Severn Peanut and Meherrin.

    1996

    Acquired Martinelli’s Peanuts in Springfield, Massachusetts. This provided a production facility in the Northeast to provide service to that important region. 

    1997

    Acquired Portales Select Peanut Company in Portales, New Mexico. This facility provided the ability for Hampton Farms to effectively provide services to the western half of the US. It operates today, roasting Virginia and Valencia peanuts and delivering to all classes of trade.

    2003

    Acquired Jimbo’s Jumbos in Edenton, North Carolina. The facility in Edenton now operates as the primary facility for ingredients of all types of peanut products, from granulated toppings to industrial peanut butter. This location also roasts our delicious Gourmet Style peanuts.

    2005

    Acquired Olde Tyme Foods in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts. The “Olde Tyme Nut Butter Grinders” have become a staple of the natural food industry, enabling retailers to provide freshly ground nut butters direct to consumers. This acquisition is also where we got our start in the cotton candy business.

    2011

    Acquired Ava's Dried Fruit and Snacks. Ava's produces snacks for supermarkets in the Northeast. Acquisition by Hampton Farms has allowed for increased quality and variety.

    2011

    Acquired Tanner Nut Company of Tarboro, North Carolina - which now serves as the Hampton Farms Specialty Division producing such wonders as Honey Roasted Cashews, Honey Chipotle Peanuts and Wildernuts™ Nut Trios.

    2013

    Hampton Farms introduces an organic line of peanut butter.

    2017

    Hampton Farms introduces an almond butter facility in Lubbock, Texas. This is one of the few peanut-free facilities that produces almond butter in the US.

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    Our Mission

    Environment: Protecting God’s Creation and Promoting Excellence in Our Work Environment
    Quality: Reflecting the Highest Quality and Care in All Products and Services
    Understanding: Understanding Employee Needs for a Balanced Work-Personal Life; Promoting a Family-Friendly Workplace
    Integrity: Honoring God by Conducting All Business with Honesty and Integrity
    People: Promoting a Workplace Encouraging Creative Solutions from Our Most Important Asset, Our People