Skip to main content
Hit enter to search or ESC to close

Narrow down your searches to:

  • All
  • Food is Living
  • Industry
  • Farmers & Growers

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
  • Exemplary Targets
  • Awarded Gold Membership

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.

 

Case Studies

Explore Origin Green Gold Members

  • Gold Member

    Greenhill Fruit Farm Ltd - Gold Member

    Greenhill Fruit Farm Ltd, a family-run business in Co. Wexford led by Eamonn and Deirdre Crean, combines three generations of fruit-growing expertise. They produce premium berries using traditional and modern methods, supplying roadside stalls and major Irish retailers nationwide.

    View Story
  • Gold Member

    Glenpatrick - Gold Member

    Glenpatrick, founded in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, is a leading Irish manufacturer of bottled water and soft drinks. The company supplies private-label and branded beverages to retailers across Ireland, the UK, and Europe, and is recognised for its innovation and commitment to sustainable packaging solutions.

    View Story
  • Gold Member

    Ballymaloe Foods - Gold Member

    Ballymaloe Foods, founded in 1990 in Cork by Yasmin Hyde, produces award-winning relishes, sauces, and dressings. Rooted in a family tradition of producing the best products they can in the most sustainable way they can, the company exports globally and remains committed to using natural ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

    View Story