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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Canada-Based Dainty Foods Plans Batavia Township, Ohio, Manufacturing Operations

03/08/2026
Canada-based Dainty Foods, a producer of ready-to-heat meal solutions, plans to establish operations in Batavia Township, Ohio. The up to $150 million project is expected to create approximately 240 jobs.

The investment will include the renovation of a 250,000-square-foot facility which will produce up to 250 million units annually, manufacturing retort pouches as well as expanding into cups and bowls. Operations are scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2027.

"This investment marks a transformative milestone in Dainty's growth strategy," said James Maitland, CEO of Les Aliments Dainty Foods Inc. "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 US produced goods, we look forward to building a strong, long-term partnership in the region."

To support the project the Ohio Tax Credit Authority (TCA) approved a 1.671 percent, 10-year Job Creation Tax Credit.

“Dainty Foods’ decision to establish its first U.S. operation in Ohio is a testament to the competitive advantages our state offers global companies looking to access the American market,” noted JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “With an $85 million initial investment and 240 new jobs coming to Batavia Township, Dainty Foods’ commitment strengthens Ohio’s manufacturing base and delivers real opportunity for hardworking Ohioans.”

Dainty Foods, a subsidiary of France-based Marbour Group, sources and prepares private-label microwaveable rice and meal pouches for grocery and convenience retailers across North America.

“Dainty Foods supports our region’s proven ground of success for booming foreign-direct investment combined with the food, flavoring and beverage sector,” added Kimm Lauterbach, president and CEO of REDI Cincinnati. “It adds to a growing network of more than 500 foreign-owned businesses that have put down roots in our region, with many continuing to reinvest, expand, and deepen their long-term commitment to the Cincinnati region.”

“This project represents confidence in Clermont County’s workforce, infrastructure, and long-term vision,” said Kristofer McClintick, director of the Clermont County Department of Community and Economic Development. “Investments like this expand our tax base to support schools and safety services, create quality jobs for our residents, and strengthen our competitive position in the region. It is exactly the kind of strategic growth we have been working toward.”

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