Last month, Duda Farm Fresh Foods, an Oviedo, Fla.-based grower and processor of fresh vegetables and citrus, added an on-site fresh cut corn processing facility in its Georgia sweet corn operation.
The company says this is a pivotal step in its commitment to deliver fresh, more sustainable produce. The company sat down with The Packer to talk about what this new processing capability means for the business.
This new line mirrors the process of Duda’s other existing processing locations in Florida, Michigan and Indiana, where it trims, shucks and packs each ear of corn into a variety of pack sizes.
Jeff Goodale, senior vice president of strategy and business development at Duda Farm Fresh Foods, says this new fresh-cut line reflects growing consumer demand for ready-to-use produce.
“By trimming, shucking and packaging corn on-site, Duda is responding to shoppers’ desire for time-saving meal prep solutions without compromising on freshness or quality,” he says. “This investment aligns with broader trends in value-added produce, where convenience and freshness are key drivers of purchase decisions.”
Duda also says packing the corn in the same area where it is grown helps improve its shelf life. This expansion also highlights Duda’s focus on regional sourcing and sustainability, Goodale adds.
“By processing corn at the source in Georgia from May to November, Duda reduces food miles and extends shelf life — key advantages for retailers looking to minimize shrink and maximize freshness,” Goodale says.
He says the new facility supports tray pack and bulk formats, which gives retailers flexibility in merchandising sweet corn.
Demand for sweet corn remains strong, Goodale says, especially during peak seasonal moments.
“Duda’s expansion in Georgia is a direct response to this sustained interest, allowing the company to better serve regional markets with fresher, locally grown corn,” he says. “The ability to meet Fourth of July demand with the new facility underscores both the popularity of sweet corn and the importance of regional supply chains in maintaining product quality and availability.”
