Alamance Foods, Inc. (AFI), headquartered in Burlington, North Carolina, is a family-owned food and beverage manufacturing company recognized for its legacy of innovation, high-volume production capabilities, and trusted consumer brands. With over 100 years of operational history, AFI is a key player in the U.S. dairy, frozen novelty, and beverage markets, offering both branded and private-label products to major retailers nationwide.
Core Business and Product Portfolio
Alamance Foods operates multiple vertically integrated manufacturing divisions, producing a diverse range of products including whipped toppings, cold foam coffee toppers, freeze pops, and bottled water. Their facilities are designed to meet high-throughput demands while adhering to strict quality and food safety standards.
Key Product Categories
Whipped Creams
Classic Cream: Traditional dairy-based aerosol whipped cream
Whipt: Non-dairy whipped topping designed for vegan and allergen-sensitive consumers
Cold Foam Toppings
Coffee Toppers: Shelf-stable cold foam blends in flavors like Mocha, White Chocolate, Salted Caramel, and Vanilla
Freeze Pops
Fun Pops: Iconic shelf-stable, freeze-at-home pops in fruity flavors
Groovy Glacier: Licensed character and theme-based freeze pops
Beverages
Triton Water: Purified bottled water line
Fun Pops Drinks: Sweetened beverages associated with the freeze-pop brand
Happy Drinks: Fun-themed, flavored drinks for children
Private Label Products
Contract manufacturing for national retailers in all of the above categories
AFI’s comprehensive manufacturing capabilities allow them to formulate, fill, package, and label to meet both branded and retail-partner specifications.
Unique Selling Proposition
Alamance Foods' strength lies in its co-manufacturing flexibility, innovation in product formats, and proven scalability. The company was one of the first to commercialize aerosol whipped toppings for the retail channel and has since expanded into plant-based and functional topping categories to serve the evolving consumer demand.
Their in-house R&D team develops:
Shelf-stable dairy and non-dairy emulsions
Cold-foam formulations compatible with hot and cold beverages
Annual production capacities are estimated to include:
Over 150 million whipped cream cans
Over 1 billion freeze pops per year
Tens of millions of bottled beverages
Their facilities are supported by advanced logistics systems and a robust cold-chain distribution network across North America.
Market Reach and Distribution
Alamance Foods distributes its products through:
Major national retailers (Walmart, Kroger, Target)
Convenience stores and dollar stores
Foodservice and hospitality chains
International exports, particularly to Latin America and Asia
They maintain strong relationships with private label buyers, offering competitive lead times, certified compliance, and customized formulations.
Certifications and Compliance
SQF Level 3 Certification
FDA Registered and Inspected Facilities
Kosher and Halal Options
Allergen Control Programs
Plant-Based and Vegan Certifications (Whipt Line)
AFI implements strict food safety protocols and maintains an on-site quality assurance team in each facility.
Leadership and Governance
Led by William C. Scott Jr., Alamance Foods has remained privately held and family-operated, prioritizing sustainable growth, product integrity, and long-term partnerships with clients and retailers.
The leadership team combines multi-generational industry experience with modern operational practices and digital transformation in manufacturing.
Target Markets and Consumer Segments
Alamance Foods serves a wide range of consumer segments:
Mainstream grocery shoppers seeking affordable, nostalgic snack and beverage options
Health-conscious and dairy-free consumers (via the Whipt line)
Families with children, through fun and functional product formats
Coffee and beverage enthusiasts looking for convenient cold foam add-ons
Their private label program also appeals to:
Retailers aiming to expand in-house offerings
Foodservice operations seeking white-labeled whipped toppings and beverage enhancements
Innovation and Product Development
Recent developments include:
Expansion of the Whipt line with additional non-dairy flavors
R&D on sugar-reduced and functional foam toppers
Eco-conscious packaging trials for aerosol and beverage lines
AFI frequently exhibits at leading industry expos including Natural Products Expo West and PLMA’s Private Label Show.
Recognition and Media Mentions
“Alamance Foods delivers nostalgia with innovation. Their cold foam launch was one of the smartest product pivots in dairy this year.” – Food Navigator USA
“Private-label retailers love them for their flexibility and reliability. They deliver high-volume solutions with high-touch service.” – Store Brand Executive Magazine
Strategic Outlook
Looking ahead, Alamance Foods aims to:
Scale non-dairy and better-for-you segments
Expand e-commerce and D2C visibility
Invest in automation and smart manufacturing
Explore licensing and brand collaboration opportunities
Through innovation, tradition, and manufacturing excellence, Alamance Foods, Inc. continues to be a cornerstone of the American food and beverage industry—serving generations of consumers and trusted by major retailers coast-to-coast.