Dainty Foods, a notable Canadian supplier of branded and private-label packaged rice products, is launching its inaugural manufacturing facility in the United States.
The company, which is a subsidiary of the France-based Marbour Group, has selected Batavia Township in Ohio for the construction of a 250,000 square-foot production plant. This project represents an initial investment of $85 million, projected to increase to $150 million over a five-year period.
Once fully operational, the plant is expected to create approximately 240 jobs, with the first phase of production slated to begin in the first quarter of 2027. Since its acquisition by Marbour in 2015, Dainty Foods has already been supplying the U.S. market with a diverse portfolio that includes raw packaged rice—such as basmati and jasmine—as well as rice-based flavored side dishes and baking mixes.
The Ohio facility will focus on producing private-label rice pouches. Additionally, there are plans to introduce rice cups and bowls, aligning with the growing consumer demand for convenient meal solutions in the food and beverage industry. The plant is anticipated to manufacture up to 250 million units annually once it reaches full capacity.
Dainty Foods CEO James Maitland remarked, “This investment marks a transformative milestone in Dainty’s growth strategy.” He further emphasized that establishing Dainty USA enhances the company’s presence in the U.S. market, boosts production capabilities with state-of-the-art automation, and brings innovative meal solutions closer to American consumers.
The facility will incorporate three inbound loading bays for raw materials, alongside six outbound bays for the distribution of finished products throughout the United States. Dainty Foods has stated that the plant will leverage advanced technology and automation to enhance efficiency, product quality, and overall supply chain performance.
Notably, the company’s retail partners include major players like Walmart, Sobeys, and Safeway, as detailed on its website. In 2024, Marbour attracted investments from private equity firms, including Cerea Partners, Société Générale Capital Partenaires, and BNP Paribas Développement, acquiring a minority stake in the business. While the financial specifics of the investment remain undisclosed, Marbour was generating approximately €300 million (around $348.2 million today) in annual revenue at that time.
In addition to Dainty Foods, Marbour operates various subsidiaries, such as Soboriz, which produces the Le Forban rice brand, and Craf, which supplies the Riz Craf line. The company also owns UK-based FEI Foods, known for its microwaveable rice pouches, rice snack pots, and porridge pots.
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