About Our Expertise in Refrigerated Foods

Commitment to Excellence in Leadership

Andrew Smart’s approach to leadership is centered around one key principle: building strong, cohesive teams. As the CEO of two diverse businesses, he understands that fostering collaboration and mutual respect among his employees is essential for driving success. He places a high value on creating an environment where everyone is empowered to contribute their best ideas; quality is the foundation of every decision. This emphasis on teamwork and quality has been critical to the continued growth and success of Core Catalyst Food Sciences and Duke Sandwich Company.

Andrew believes that companies should strive for profitability and focus on making a positive impact. Whether it’s through innovation, customer service, or giving back to the community, he consistently looks for ways to improve and ensure that his businesses contribute positively to society.

Discover Fresh Foods: A Legacy of Trust and Innovation

Since 2005, Andrew has been CEO of DiscoverFresh Foods, known for its homemade-style food products. Specializing in dips, spreads, granola, and desserts, DiscoverFresh Foods operates from a Safe Quality Food Program (SQF)-certified facility, ensuring its products meet rigorous safety and quality standards. Under his leadership, the company has grown its reputation for excellence and reliability, becoming a trusted partner to major brands like Hidden Valley® Ranch, Texas Pete® Hot Sauce, and Louisiana Hot Sauce.

In addition to manufacturing food products, DiscoverFresh Foods offers consulting services that assist food companies with product development, testing, and marketing. This full-service approach has helped many clients bring their products to market more efficiently while maintaining high standards for safety and taste. Andrew’s ability to build and maintain these critical relationships has been a cornerstone of DiscoverFresh’s success.

Core Catalyst Food Sciences: Advancing Food Safety and Testing

In 2018, Andrew identified a growing need for a high-quality, reliable laboratory in South Carolina that could offer advanced food safety testing services. To fill this gap, he founded Core Catalyst Food Sciences, an ISO-IEC 17025-recognized laboratory specializing in food safety and quality testing. Core Catalyst’s services include microbial testing, shelf-life studies, and challenge trials, which help clients assess the effectiveness of preservatives and packaging.

Through Core Catalyst, Andrew has helped food companies improve their products' safety, quality, and shelf life. His team works closely with clients to identify risks and recommend solutions to ensure products meet safety standards and consumer expectations. Clients like the U.S. Waffle Company, Lean Kitchen Company, and Spartanburg Meats rely on Core Catalyst for its food testing and quality assurance expertise.

Duke Sandwich Company: A Staple of Greenville’s Culinary Scene

In addition to his food manufacturing and testing work, Andrew owns Duke Sandwich Company, a beloved local establishment in Greenville, South Carolina. Known for its homemade mayonnaise and sandwiches, Duke Sandwich Company has earned a loyal following for its high-quality offerings. The menu caters to various tastes, from classic sandwiches like grilled cheese and tuna salad to specialty options like chicken salad croissants.

Andrew’s dedication to quality is evident in every sandwich, ensuring that only the freshest ingredients are used. The company also offers sides and desserts, further solidifying its reputation as a go-to spot for delicious and satisfying meals. Duke Sandwich Company has become a key part of the Greenville community with its warm atmosphere and commitment to great food.

Education and Philanthropy: Giving Back to the Community

Andrew Smart’s educational background includes studying at Clemson University, where he played football for two seasons, and Wingate University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in history. His sports experiences taught him the values of discipline and teamwork, which have greatly influenced his business leadership style.

Andrew is also deeply committed to philanthropy. He has supported various causes, particularly those related to education and community development. As a former board member of IPTAY, the fundraising organization for Clemson Athletics, and as a Cornerstone Partner, he and his wife, Julie, have made significant contributions to the university, including a donation of over $2.5 million. In addition, he and Julie donated $2 million to Wingate University in 2022 to help fund a new student-athlete training facility.

His charitable work extends to organizations such as the American Heart Association, reflecting his belief in the community's importance of health and wellness.

Leaving a Lasting Legacy

Andrew Smart’s impact extends far beyond the companies he leads. Through his work at DiscoverFresh Foods, Core Catalyst Food Sciences, and Duke Sandwich Company, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. His efforts have advanced the food industry and helped support essential causes in his community.

His leadership continues to inspire, and his dedication to improving both his businesses and the lives of others ensures that his legacy will be felt for years to come. Whether through his professional accomplishments or philanthropic efforts, Andrew Smart of Greenville is a leader committed to making a difference.

Vertical Integration Consulting provides hands-on guidance to help refrigerated and frozen food brands thrive in the US market. Our decades of industry experience ensure your brand reaches its full potential.