Frank Donio Inc. experimenting with fairytale eggplant in 2025
Frank Donio Inc. experimenting with fairytale eggplant in 2025
Frank Donio Inc., a proud Jersey Fresh grower, packer and wholesaler, is heading into the new season with another round of new high tunnels.
“We started using them about four years ago and every season we’ve added more,” said Annie Pape, special projects and brand manager for the Hammonton, NJ-based company. “The idea is that they trap heat and to raise the temperature for the crops growing inside so we can start growing and picking earlier and then stretch out longer at the end. With it being covered we can block out heavy rains to get more control on irrigation. Anytime you can control a factor in farming, you’re in a better spot.”
The company is also trying out some new varieties this year, with one it’s really excited about being the fairytale eggplant.
“It’s part of what we’re calling our Small Batch Harvest line that’s going to feature these seasonal specialty items,” Pape said. “It’s been a fun challenge figuring out how to grow, pack and market something a little different and I think people are going to be excited to see something new on the shelf.”
Even though Frank Donio’s deals in a lot of items, blueberries are what it tends to be recognized for.
“We’ve done a ton of year-round volume over the last decade or so and even more since we’ve invested in our import farm, but the Jersey season is still a big deal for us,” Pape said. “Same with our veg items. Even with year-round volume, the Jersey season with eggplant, squash, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes and others still holds a special place in our business.”
So far, the upcoming season is looking really good with Pape noting the bees are out of the blueberry fields and there’s been good weather for pollination.
“We’re looking at a nice promotable volume of berries in Jersey,” she said. “We’ve also been expanding our organic program every season. Some are fields that we transitioned into organic and some were already certified fields that we planted new varieties in. With organic demand still going up, that’s something we’re happy to keep building on.”
New Jersey has always been home for the company, since Pape’s great-grandfather started in the produce business in 1933.
“It’s always been a family business and so many on our team have been working with us for years and years,” Pape said. “We have a lot of long tenured employees and they’re a really important part of our success. We’re located in a great spot to service the whole Northeast with local product when we’re in season. There’s also such a strong farming tradition in this area and that’s a pretty cool thing to be a part of.”
Frank Donio works with a range of customers though the majority are retailers and foodservice companies.
“What makes those relationships work is trust and communication,” Pape said
When looking at the future, for Frank Donio, it’s all about strategic long-term growth.
“We’re always looking for ways to bring new items to our customers that actually add value and help us stand out,” Pape said. “Because of our size and our team and the fact that we are the grower, we’re uniquely able to do that. We can move quickly and still be very intentional about it.”
The company just recently added some ripening equipment to its facility, which brings more control of the product in-house.
“It’s the kind of investment that really supports everything else we’re doing and helps us keep raising the bar,” Pape said.
