Dainty Foods to open manufacturing facility in the U.S.

Dainty Foods, a Canadian-based producer of private-label rice and ready-to-heat meal solutions, will establish its first U. S. manufacturing plant in Batavia Township, Ohio, at a total cost of US$150 million spread over five years.

The facility is expected to create 240 new jobs.

The 250,000-sf facility is expected to produce up to 250 million units annually, manufacturing retort pouches as well as expanding into cups and bowls.

Production will ramp up in phases, with phase one scheduled to be operational in Q1 of 2027.

“Establishing Dainty USA LLC strengthens our presence in the U.S. market, increases production capacity with world-class automation, and brings innovative, convenient meal solutions closer to American consumers. The site was chosen for its Midwest supply chain strength, workforce, infrastructure, and business-friendly environment. We are proud to invest in the Batavia community, and excited to offer U.S.-produced goods. We look forward to building a strong, long-term partnership in the region,” said James Maitland, CEO of Les Aliments Dainty Foods.

The site will reportedly feature a dedicated rail spur, three inbound loading bays for raw materials, and six outbound bays to support finished goods distribution.