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Bord Bia

Gold Member Case Study - Donnelly Fresh

Founded in 1979 at Dublin’s Smithfield Market, Donnelly Fresh is a leading Irish fresh produce company. With expertise in sourcing, farming, and food innovation, it delivers high-quality, sustainable produce and prepared foods to retail and foodservice partners across Ireland.

Open field landscape with purple flowers in the foreground
Gold Member
Donnelly Fresh Logo

Sustainability Achievements

In 2024, Donnelly Fresh reduced water consumption, surpassing its milestone by 18.8%, supported by five initiatives including mapping, training, and infrastructure upgrades.

  • Targets Reported Raw Materials Certification, Supplier Certification, Packaging, Energy/Emissions, Waste, Water, Biodiversity, Product Health and Nutrition, and Community Engagement.
  • Exemplary Targets In 2024, Donnelly Fresh reduced water consumption, surpassing its milestone by 18.8%, supported by five initiatives including mapping, training, and infrastructure upgrades.
  • Awarded Gold Membership 2025

In 2024, Donnelly Fresh achieved a significant reduction in water consumption per unit of output, decreasing from 8.42 m³/t in 2023 to 6.7 m³/t. This performance exceeded the company’s milestone target by 18.8%, reflecting its strong commitment to water stewardship and operational sustainability.

To support this achievement, Donnelly Fresh completed five targeted initiatives aimed at improving water efficiency across its operations. One staff member participated in the Water Stewardship Programme, enhancing internal expertise and awareness of best practices in water management. This training laid the foundation for more informed and effective decision-making around water use.

A key initiative involved drafting a comprehensive water map for the site, enabling the company to better understand water flows, identify high-usage areas, and prioritise reduction opportunities. This mapping exercise was complemented by a review of potential water-saving projects, ensuring that future investments are guided by data and aligned with operational needs.

Infrastructure upgrades also played a critical role. Two chilled water tanks were upgraded to improve efficiency and reduce water loss, while two wash tanks were removed to eliminate unnecessary water use. These changes contributed directly to the reduction in water intensity and demonstrate Donnelly Fresh’s commitment to continuous improvement.

 

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