Andrew Smart of Greenville, SC
President and CEO of DiscoverFresh Foods, Inc.
Andrew Smart, of Greenville, South Carolina, is a distinguished entrepreneur and CEO with a track record of success in the food industry. As the head of Core Catalyst Food Sciences and Duke Sandwich Company, he has built a career focused on quality, innovation, and community. His leadership is marked by a dedication to high standards, strong team-building, and an unwavering commitment to positively impacting his industry and local community.
Leading with Integrity and Teamwork
Andrew Smart’s approach to leadership emphasizes the importance of integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. He believes excellent businesses are built on strong, supportive teams and prioritizes creating environments where his employees are empowered to contribute their best work. At both Core Catalyst Food Sciences and Duke Sandwich Company, he has fostered a culture of mutual respect and high expectations, which has been key to the success and growth of his companies.
Through his leadership, Andrew has ensured that quality is always at the forefront of decision-making. Whether it’s food production, customer service, or client relationships, his focus on quality has allowed his companies to build a reputation for excellence and reliability. He strongly advocates for the idea that a company’s success is closely tied to the development and well-being of its people.
DiscoverFresh Foods: A Foundation of Quality
Andrew’s journey in the food industry began with DiscoverFresh Foods, where he has served as CEO since 2005. DiscoverFresh Foods is known for producing homemade-quality food products like dips, spreads, granola, and desserts. Operating out of SQF-certified facilities, the company upholds the highest food safety and product quality standards.
What sets DiscoverFresh Foods apart is its comprehensive service offering. In addition to manufacturing its products, the company provides consulting services that help other brands navigate the complexities of product development, marketing, and design. Through partnerships with major brands like Hidden Valley® Ranch, Texas Pete® Hot Sauce, and Louisiana Hot Sauce, DiscoverFresh Foods has become a trusted partner for food companies looking to bring new products to market.
Andrew’s leadership at DiscoverFresh Foods is characterized by his focus on long-term partnerships and a commitment to creating products that meet the needs of both businesses and consumers. His ability to deliver high-quality products while maintaining strong client relationships has been central to the company’s success.
Core Catalyst Food Sciences: Enhancing Food Safety
In 2018, Andrew expanded his expertise in food safety with the launch of Core Catalyst Food Sciences, an ISO-IEC 17025-recognized laboratory specializing in food testing and quality assurance. Core Catalyst offers a wide range of services, including microbial testing, shelf-life studies, and challenge trials, all designed to ensure that food products meet the highest safety and quality standards.
Core Catalyst plays a crucial role in helping food manufacturers mitigate risks and improve the safety and quality of their products. By providing fast, accurate results and personalized consultations, the lab has become an essential resource for companies looking to ensure their products meet local and international regulations. U.S. Waffle Company, Lean Kitchen Company, and Spartanburg Meats are just a few of the clients who rely on Core Catalyst for its expert services in food safety.
Under Andrew’s leadership, Core Catalyst has grown into a respected name in the food testing industry, known for its precision, efficiency, and commitment to customer satisfaction.
Duke Sandwich Company: A Community Favorite
Alongside his food manufacturing and safety work, Andrew owns and operates Duke Sandwich Company, a popular local business in Greenville, South Carolina. Known for its homemade sandwich spreads and classic comfort food, Duke Sandwich Company offers a variety of sandwiches, sides, and desserts that have become a staple in the local community.
The company’s menu includes various options, from classic sandwiches like grilled cheese and tuna salad to unique offerings such as chicken salad croissants and pimento cheese. The quality of the ingredients and the dedication to customer satisfaction are evident in every meal served at Duke Sandwich Company, which has earned a loyal following among locals.
Andrew’s passion for quality and service shines through at Duke Sandwich Company, where he continues to provide delicious food and create a welcoming atmosphere for all who visit.
Education and Community Engagement
Andrew Smart is also deeply committed to education and community service. He attended Clemson University, played football for two seasons, and later graduated from Wingate University with a Bachelor of Arts in history. His time as a student-athlete shaped his leadership style and instilled in him a strong work ethic and team-oriented mindset.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Andrew has supported various charitable causes. He and his wife, Julie, have significantly contributed to Clemson University, including a $2.5 million donation from the Cornerstone Partner program. They also donated $2 million to Wingate University in 2022 to support the development of a student-athlete training facility. Furthermore, he and Julie are dedicated to promoting health and wellness and have supported organizations like the American Heart Association.
A Lasting Impact
Andrew Smart has significantly impacted the food industry and his community through his leadership in food manufacturing, safety, and local businesses. His focus on quality, teamwork, and customer service has driven the success of his companies, and his philanthropic efforts continue to make a difference in the lives of many.
Andrew’s legacy is one of dedication to excellence and service. Whether through his businesses or charitable contributions, he remains committed to improving the food industry and positively impacting his community.