DNO Produce expands fresh-cut capacity

DNO Produce is growing its fresh-cut capacity to meet expanding demand, says Marissa Dake, director of communications and public affairs for the Columbus, Ohio-based company. 

The company is a fresh-cut processor and wholesale produce distributor, with customers in school foodservice, commercial foodservice, retail and meal kit operators.

“We’re expanding our fresh-cut operations, and we’ve built that footprint out so we can not only offer more individually packed, USDA creditable (school) items but also to innovate and bring in new products on the market,” she said. “The new expansion will allow us the ability to do that.”

Dake said the fresh cut expansion, expected to be completed in August, will increase the company’s fresh-cut production capacity by about 33%.

The expansion will allow the company to meet expanding foodservice demand.

“We’re investing in ourselves and responding to the demands of our foodservice customers, particularly those in the K-12 space,” she said.

Foodservice operators continue to show an increasing appetite for fresh-cut options, she said.

“Foodservice is continuing to trend towards that grab-and-go, or buildable, meal style,” she said. “Having produce items, precut and packaged in a five-pound bag, a 10-pound bag, the 2-ounce portions, whatever is needed — having that ability in-house is something that we specialize in, and we’re just continuing to see a demand for it.” 

DNO sell to schools both with government contracts and on a commercial basis. Dake said the company also is very involved with the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, which provides grants to schools to provide fresh produce to kids.

The company offers more than 100 options to schools looking for preportioned produce items for the program.

“We are able to offer really fun stuff,” she said, noting prepacked options are available for kiwis, mangoes, papayas and dragon fruit, among many others.

The program helps kids experience fresh fruits and vegetables they otherwise might not experience and could help influence family shopping and dietary choices.

“The program has the opportunity to make a big difference in the life of the child and their health, their diet and nutrition," she said. “That’s our end goal.”

One of the ways that the company makes fruits and vegetables appealing to kids is changing up the texture. For example, the company creates crinkle-cut mango slices and carrot coins. 

“We provide produce in an approachable size, shape and texture. For example, our crinkle-cut carrot coins. Kids love playing with their food already, why not lean into that experience?” she said, in addition to serving other needs such as holding a dip or being the appropriate size for small kids.

“We listen to the feedback from our school customers in terms of what’s working,” she said. “We think through not just accessibility, but consumption and ensuring that kids are enjoying the experience. Everyone knows fruits and veggies are good for you. We don't need to beat that drum as much.  We want kids to think it's an adventure to be able to eat fruits and veggies.”

Supply chain issues can make it challenging to secure essential products such as packaging, but Dake said the DNO staff is staying nimble, flexible and adaptable in the face of those shortages and higher prices.

“We have been able to make it work,” she said.