DNO Produce welcomes Nick Middleton as director of wholesale sales

DNO Produce, a Columbus, Ohio-based fresh-cut processor and wholesale distributor, has hired Nick Middleton as wholesale sales director. Middleton will apply his industry expertise and relationships to grow DNO’s wholesale produce category as well as build its presence in freight-forwarding networks, said the company.

Middleton brings a combined 20 years of experience in retail and wholesale produce roles to DNO. He most recently served as a commodity manager at Castellini Company. Previously, he was procurement director at Crosset Company, a subsidiary of Castellini.

“There couldn’t be a better time for Nick to join our growing team,” Jeremy Taylor, DNO vice president of sales and marketing said in a news release. “Nick has a trusted reputation within the industry, depth of knowledge around fresh produce, and a wealth of grower relationships. His vision for the category and understanding of logistics networks will expand our capacity to provide the highest quality product and customer experience.”

“I look forward to taking the lead, expanding DNO’s wholesale program, and developing new logistics solutions for our growers and our customers,” said Middleton. “Throughout my career, I have been energized by the complex and nuanced demands of the produce industry. I am excited to establish this new position at DNO.”

Middleton began his produce career as a college student, working his way up from a salad bar clerk to produce manager at a Kroger store.

Founded in 1989, DNO is a family-owned company providing fresh, ready-to-eat fruits and vegetables across the Midwest. DNO’s FRESHEALTH product line offers individually packaged produce for school nutrition programs, foodservice operations, retail grab-and-go and meal kit offerings.