Cooking FAQ

How long should I marinate chicken before grilling?

Marinate for at least 30 minutes to 24 hours for optimal flavour absorption.

What's the best method for cooking crispy chicken wings?

Bake, air-fry or deep-fry wings until golden, then toss in a sauce or seasoning for added flavour.

What's the secret to making flavourful fajitas?

Marinate strips of beef or chicken in a mix of lime juice, cumin, and chili powder before cooking.

What’s a good side dish to complement chicken fajitas?

Serve with sautéed peppers and onions, guacamole, salsa, and sour cream for a complete meal.

How do I grill chicken skewers without them sticking to the grill?

Oil the grill grates and marinate the chicken in oil to prevent sticking; also, avoid turning the skewers too often.

What are the best cooking methods for each Glacial Treasure product?

Chicken Souvlaki / Pork Souvlaki: grill (best) or pan-sear over medium-high heat, 4-5 minutes per side.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast: oven-bake at 200°C for 22-25 minutes (best consistency), grill (best flavour), or air fry at 200°C for 12-15 minutes (fastest).

Chicken Shawarma: oven-roast at 220°C for 20-25 minutes on a sheet pan until edges caramelize.

Shish Tawook: grill or oven-roast, 20-25 minutes total cooking time.

Any product: cook to internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) for chicken, 71°C (160°F) for pork. Rest 3-5 minutes before serving.

How do I cook chicken wings on the barbecue for maximum flavour?

Grill wings over medium heat, basting with a flavourful sauce until crispy and cooked through.

What's the recommended cooking time for chicken wings in the oven?

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45-50 minutes, turning halfway, until wings are crispy and cooked through.

Can you share tips for grilling a juicy gyro meat?

Use a mix of ground meat, spices, and fat; shape into a loaf and grill on a rotisserie for authentic gyro flavour.

What's the ideal temperature for cooking a stuffed chicken?

Cook stuffed chicken at 375°F (190°C) until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

What internal temperature should chicken reach when cooked?

For chicken (all products): 74°C (165°F) at the thickest point.

For pork (Pork Souvlaki): 71°C (160°F) at the thickest point.

Use a meat thermometer to verify — visual cues alone can be misleading, especially with marinated or seasoned products. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, not touching the skewer or any bone.

After reaching temperature, rest the meat for 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute and finishes the cooking gradient.

Can I use Glacial Treasure products in an air fryer?

Yes. Most Glacial Treasure products work well in an air fryer. General guidance:

Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast: 200°C for 12-15 minutes, flip halfway
Souvlaki (remove chicken from skewers if they don’t fit): 200°C for 10-12 minutes, shaking basket halfway
Chicken Shawarma: 200°C for 12-15 minutes, shaking basket every 5 minutes

Always thaw completely before air frying. Do not overcrowd the basket — pieces need space between them for hot air to circulate. Check internal temperature (74°C for chicken, 71°C for pork) before serving.

Poultry FAQ

What's the difference between chicken and poultry?

Chicken is a type of poultry, and poultry refers to domesticated birds raised for meat or eggs.

What temperature should poultry be stored at?

Poultry should be stored at or below 40°F (4°C) to minimize bacterial growth and maintain freshness.

What is salmonella, and how do you get it?

Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. It is commonly found in raw poultry, and contamination can occur through inadequate cooking or cross-contamination.

What are the guidelines for buying poultry?

Look for plump, moist, and firm poultry with no off-putting odor. Check for proper packaging and ensure it’s within the expiration date.

How long can raw poultry last in the fridge?

Raw poultry should be consumed within 1-2 days of purchase if stored in the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C).

Chicken FAQ

How do I handle raw chicken safely in the kitchen?

Use separate cutting boards, wash hands and utensils thoroughly, and cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Chicken flavours that work on a pizza

Try our gyro, jerk-flavoured, shawarma-flavoured or sliced chicken from D&D Poultry.

What spices are commonly used in D&D Poultry's tandoori chicken?

Tandoori spice mix includes cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne, and garam masala for a flavourful blend.

How do I make a quick and tasty chicken stir-fry?

Stir-fry sliced chicken from D&D Poultry with vegetables in a hot wok, using soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for flavour.

How do I make a unique and tasty jerk chicken pizza?

Top pizza dough with sliced jerk chicken from D&D Poultry, pineapple, red onions, and mozzarella for a Caribbean-inspired pizza.

Can you suggest a creative way to use sweet chili Thai chicken in a salad?

Toss sliced sweet chili Thai chicken with mixed greens, mango, and a lime vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.

How long does frozen chicken last?

Frozen chicken can be stored for up to 9-12 months in a well-maintained freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or lower.

How do I properly thaw frozen chicken?

The safest and best-quality method is refrigerator thawing:

Move the sealed package from freezer to fridge
Allow 24 hours per 2.5 kg of product (a standard package of souvlaki thaws overnight)
Place on a plate or tray to catch any moisture

Faster methods when needed:

Cold water thawing: submerge the sealed package in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. About 30 minutes per 500g.
Never thaw at room temperature — bacteria can grow in the outer layer while the interior remains frozen.

Do not use hot water. Do not use the microwave unless you plan to cook immediately after (the outer edges will begin cooking during microwave thawing).

How should I store leftover cooked chicken?

Refrigerate cooked chicken within 2 hours of cooking. Store in an airtight container at 4°C (40°F) or colder. Refrigerated cooked chicken is safe to eat for 3-4 days. When reheating, bring the internal temperature back up to 74°C (165°F) at least briefly.

For longer storage, cooked chicken freezes well for up to 3 months. Portion it before freezing so you can pull only what you need for future meals.

Can I refreeze chicken that has been thawed?

If chicken has been thawed in the refrigerator and has stayed at proper refrigeration temperature (4°C / 40°F or colder) the entire time, it is generally safe to refreeze — but the quality will decline. Each freeze/thaw cycle affects texture and flavour.

We recommend thawing only what you plan to cook. If you accidentally thaw more than needed, cook the extra portions and refrigerate the cooked chicken rather than refreezing raw thawed product. Cooked chicken can be safely refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to three months.

Greek Cuisine FAQ

What is kafta, and how is it traditionally prepared?

Kafta is a Middle Eastern dish made with minced meat (usually lamb or beef), onions, and spices, often grilled on skewers.

What is tzatziki sauce?

Tzatziki is a Greek yogurt-based sauce with cucumber, garlic, and dill.

What's the difference between a gyro and a shawarma?

Both are rotating meat dishes; gyro is Greek, often made with lamb, while shawarma is Middle Eastern, typically using chicken or beef.

Can you suggest a creative way to use tirokafteri as a dip?

Serve tirokafteri as a dip for pita bread, veggies, or as a flavourful spread on sandwiches.

How do I make a quick and flavourful chicken shawarma wrap?

Fill a wrap with sliced shawarma-flavoured chicken from D&D Poultry, lettuce, tomatoes, and tzatziki sauce for a delicious handheld meal.

Halal FAQ

What is Halal?

Halal food refers to items that are permissible and prepared according to Islamic dietary laws, involving specific slaughter practices and the exclusion of prohibited ingredients.

Are your products halal?

Yes. D&D Poultry is halal certified across our full product line. Documentation from a recognized certifying body is available on request. Halal certification is a core commitment for us — we’ve supplied halal chicken to Ontario restaurants and food service operators for decades, well before halal became a mainstream requirement.

Is halal meat preparation different from regular meat preparation?

Yes, halal meat must be slaughtered according to Islamic dietary laws, ensuring ritualistic practices.

Are your products halal certified? What certifying body?

Yes. D&D Poultry is halal certified across the full product line. Certification is from a recognized halal certifying body, with documentation available on request. We’ve supplied halal chicken to Ontario food service and retail for decades.

For food service clients or retail buyers requiring specific certifying body documentation for their procurement or client-facing needs, we can provide the current certification documents. Contact Darko at darko@ddpoultry.com.

Marinade and Sauce FAQ

Can you provide a recipe for a delicious kebab marinade?

Combine yogurt, garlic, ginger, and various spices; marinate meat for at least 2 hours before grilling.

What are the essential ingredients for a tasty souvlaki marinade?

Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano are classic ingredients for a flavourful souvlaki marinade.

How do I prepare a homemade sweet chili Thai sauce?

Mix sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, ginger, and lime juice for a simple and delicious Thai-inspired sauce.

Can you suggest a unique twist on chicken tacos with tzatziki?

Toss cooked pasta with grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, and pesto for a quick and tasty dish.

Can you share a recipe for a delicious chicken and pesto pasta?

Swap traditional salsa for tzatziki, and add cucumber, feta, and olives for a Greek-inspired taco.

Can you recommend a marinade for tandoori chicken skewers?

Marinate chicken in a mix of yogurt, ginger, garlic, garam masala, and turmeric for authentic tandoori flavour.

What are the essential ingredients for a flavourful kafta sauce?

Create a sauce with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and parsley for a tasty accompaniment to kafta.

What is the key to a flavourful jerk chicken marinade?

Combine scallions, thyme, allspice, soy sauce, and Scotch bonnet peppers for an authentic Jamaican jerk marinade.

What's in your marinades?

Our marinades use recognizable ingredients — no proprietary chemical blends or unusual preservatives. Specifically:

Souvlaki marinade (Chicken and Pork): olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper — Anastasia Dikeos’s original Greek recipe
Shawarma marinade: cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, cinnamon, cardamom, garlic, lemon, olive oil
Shish Tawook marinade: yogurt, lemon, garlic, tomato paste, garam masala, turmeric, cayenne
Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast: lemon zest, black pepper, salt, olive oil

Full ingredient lists are printed on every package. What’s not in our marinades: modified starches, phosphates, MSG, artificial flavours, or preservatives.

Middle Eastern Cuisine FAQ

What is tafta, and how is it typically prepared?

Tafta is a Middle Eastern dish made with ground meat (often beef or lamb) and various spices, usually grilled or pan-fried.

What's the best way to season beef for a kebab?

Use a mix of garlic, onion, cumin, paprika, and coriander for a flavorful kebab seasoning.

Can you suggest a side dish to pair with chicken kebabs?

Serve chicken kebabs with couscous, grilled vegetables, or a refreshing cucumber salad.

What's the best method for grilling chicken thighs with a Mediterranean twist?

Marinate chicken thighs in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and oregano; grill until fully cooked with a crispy skin.

What's the difference between Chicken Souvlaki and Chicken Shawarma?

Both are marinated chicken but they come from different food traditions and use different marinades. Chicken Souvlaki is Greek. The marinade uses olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Clean, bright, herbaceous. It’s grilled and typically served with pita, tomato, red onion, and tzatziki.

Chicken Shawarma is Middle Eastern. The marinade uses cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, cinnamon, cardamom, garlic, and lemon. Bold, complex, warming. It’s typically roasted or grilled, sliced or shredded, and served in wraps with garlic sauce, pickles, and vegetables.

What's the difference between Chicken Souvlaki and Pork Souvlaki?

The marinade is the same — Anastasia Dikeos’s original Greek recipe of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano. The difference is the protein.

Chicken Souvlaki is leaner and more forgiving for cooks who want a straightforward grilled protein. Pork Souvlaki is richer and juicier — the small amount of natural fat in pork gives it a fuller mouthfeel and stronger flavour.

In Greek tradition, pork was actually the original souvlaki. Chicken became popular more recently. Both are worth trying — they’re not competitors, they’re different tools for different meals.

D&D Poultry FAQ

Where does D&D get its chicken from?

D&D Poultry purchases a ton of products locally in Ontario. Our bigger chickens come from local Mennonite farmers. We also carry a wide variety of Halal products.

Do you ship on retail orders?

Yes, we offer shipping options for both retail and wholesale orders. Shipping details and costs will be provided during the checkout process.

What are your Cash & Carry hours?

Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm. Saturday 9am to 3pm. Closed Sunday. We recommend calling ahead at 416-609-9300 to confirm stock on specific products before making a special trip.

Do I need a membership to shop at your Cash & Carry?

No. Our Cash & Carry is open to the general public. No membership card, no signup, no annual fee. Walk in during business hours and shop.

Is there a minimum order for Cash & Carry purchases?

No minimum. Buy as much or as little as you need. Whether you want a single package of souvlaki for tonight or a large order to fill your freezer for the month, we welcome you.

Do you offer delivery for retail customers?

Not directly through the Cash & Carry — that operation is walk-in only. However, we do have an online ordering system through Restolabs (app1.restolabs.com/onlineorder/DD-Poultry) for select products with pickup at 300 Milliken Blvd. If you’re a restaurant, catering company, or food service operator asking about delivery for wholesale supply, please see the Food Service FAQ below or contact Darko Janovski at darko@ddpoultry.com.

Do you accept credit and debit cards?

Yes. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Interac debit. Cash is also accepted.

Can I place a phone order for pickup?

Yes. Call 416-609-9300 during business hours to check stock and reserve product for pickup. This is especially useful for larger orders or if you’re driving from outside the GTA to make sure the products you want are available when you arrive.

Do you have a loyalty program or discount for regular customers?

We don’t currently operate a formal loyalty program at the Cash & Carry. Our pricing is set at manufacturer-direct levels — we’re already selling at wholesale prices that most grocery stores can’t match, so there isn’t a separate discount tier. For food service operators buying at consistent volumes over time, pricing arrangements are available. Contact Darko Janovski at darko@ddpoultry.com.

Can I request specific products in advance if you don't currently have them in stock?

Yes. If you need a specific product for a party, event, or larger order, call ahead at 416-609-9300 with at least 3-5 business days notice. We can often pull specific items from our production schedule for confirmed orders. This is especially useful for larger volumes, custom pack sizes, or products that rotate through our Cash & Carry inventory.

Do you offer bulk pricing for large family orders?

Our Cash & Carry pricing is already manufacturer-direct wholesale — the reason many families discover us and become regulars is the consistent value we offer versus supermarket pricing. For truly large orders (case quantities or higher), call ahead and speak with our team about pricing options.

Do you deliver? What is your delivery area?

Yes, we deliver directly to food service clients across Ontario. Our primary direct-delivery area covers the GTA and southern Ontario. For accounts further afield or for national chain accounts, delivery logistics are typically coordinated through McCormack Bourrie Sales & Marketing.

Delivery schedules are established during the account setup process. Frequency and timing depend on your volume and preferences.

What is the process for privately labelled products?

Private label products depend on the complexity of the product and the packaging specifications.

What certifications do you hold?

D&D Poultry is:

HACCP certified since 2006
Halal certified across the full product line
CFIA registered (Canadian Food Inspection Agency)
Gluten-free, soy-free, and nitrite-free across our core Glacial Treasure line
Top Choice Award winner (2025 and 2026)

All certifications include documentation available on request for procurement processes.

Can you provide certification documentation for my procurement or audit process?

Yes. HACCP certification, halal certification, and CFIA registration documentation are all provided on request for buyers who need them for procurement, audits, or client-facing claims. Product specification sheets are also available for any product in our range. Contact Darko to request documentation. For institutional and government accounts with specific documentation formats or requirements, we can often accommodate those requirements — please discuss your needs upfront.

Is your chicken Ontario-raised?

We source Ontario-raised chicken wherever possible. Our facility is in Toronto, and our farm partnerships are primarily with Ontario producers. Our Omega-3 line specifically comes from a fifth-generation Mennonite farm operation — Country Poultry Processing.

Ontario sourcing is a core part of our operating philosophy — three generations of the Dikeos family have committed to supporting Ontario’s agricultural community. When Ontario supply requires supplementation from elsewhere in Canada, we source from Canadian producers.

What is Omega-3 chicken?

Omega-3 chicken is raised on a diet that includes natural Omega-3 sources — in our case, flaxseed — which results in significantly higher Omega-3 fatty acid content in the meat itself. The Omega-3 is ingested through the bird’s diet, not added after processing.

Our Omega-3 line comes from Country Poultry Processing — fifth-generation Mennonite farmers whose birds are free-run, hormone-free, drug-free, and fed a natural mix of corn, barley, and flaxseed.

Omega-3 chicken is available at our Cash & Carry (seasonal availability — call 416-609-9300 to confirm) and to food service operators who want to offer a premium locally-sourced chicken option.

What is IQF and why does it matter?

IQF stands for Individually Quick Frozen. Each piece of chicken is flash-frozen individually before packaging, rather than freezing the whole bag as a single block.

Practical benefits: pieces don’t clump together in the bag, you can pull exactly the portions you need without thawing the whole package, there’s no waste from partial thaw cycles, and the product cooks more evenly because each piece freezes and thaws at the same rate.

For food service operators, IQF format also delivers better portion control and predictable yield.

What allergens are in your products?

Standard allergens present in our products vary by item:

Chicken and pork are naturally present in relevant products
Shish Tawook contains dairy (yogurt) in the marinade
Breaded products (Chicken Tenders, Cutlets, Bites) contain wheat/gluten
Tzatziki contains dairy
Tirokafteri contains dairy (feta cheese)

Our core marinated Glacial Treasure line (Chicken Souvlaki, Pork Souvlaki, Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast, Chicken Shawarma) contains no dairy, no gluten, no soy, no nuts, no eggs. Always verify against the specific product label for confirmation, especially if you have serious allergies.

Are your products kosher?

No, our products are halal certified but not kosher. These are distinct dietary certifications with different requirements, and we don’t currently hold kosher certification.

What are Tzatziki and Tirokafteri, and where can I buy them?

Both are homemade Greek dips made in-house at our Toronto facility using Anastasia Dikeos’s original recipes:

Tzatziki: creamy yogurt-based dip with cucumber, garlic, dill, olive oil, and lemon. The classic accompaniment to souvlaki, gyros, and grilled meats.

Tirokafteri: spicy Greek cheese dip made with feta, roasted red peppers, olive oil, and a careful balance of heat. Bold, distinctive, and unique to the Greek tradition.

Both are available at our Cash & Carry at 300 Milliken Blvd, Toronto (open Monday to Friday 9am–5pm, Saturday 9am–3pm) and to food service clients. They are not currently available at Fortinos or other retail locations. To our knowledge, no other Ontario chicken processor makes their own Tzatziki and Tirokafteri in-house.

Can I visit your facility for a tour?

Our Cash & Carry retail area at 300 Milliken Blvd is open to the public during business hours (Monday to Friday 9am–5pm, Saturday 9am–3pm), so any visit lets you see the retail floor and meet whoever is working the counter — often a member of the Dikeos family.

Full production facility tours are available in limited circumstances — primarily for food service prospects, potential retail buyers, or media interested in the family story. Contact Darko Janovski at darko@ddpoultry.com to inquire about a facility visit.

What is D&D Poultry?

D&D Poultry is a Toronto-based chicken processor that has been serving Ontario for over thirty years. We were founded by Kostas and Anastasia Dikeos, who came from Greece and built the business from scratch. Today D&D Poultry is run by their four children — Betty (VP of Sales & Marketing), Alex (Project Manager), Georgia (Finance Manager), and Bobby (Production Coordinator). Five grandchildren of the founders also work across the operation.

We supply Ontario restaurants, banquet halls, catering companies, institutional food programs, and grocery retailers. We also operate a Cash & Carry open to the public at our facility at 300 Milliken Blvd, Toronto.

Are your products gluten-free?

Our core Glacial Treasure line — including Chicken Souvlaki, Pork Souvlaki, Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast, Chicken Shawarma, and Shish Tawook — is gluten-free. Our marinades do not contain gluten ingredients.

Breaded products in our food service and Cash & Carry lines contain gluten because of the breading. Always check the specific product label if you have celiac disease or a serious gluten sensitivity, and contact us if you have questions about a specific item.

GLACIAL TREASURE FAQ

What is Glacial Treasure?

Glacial Treasure is our retail brand of premium frozen chicken products, launched in 2026. After thirty years of manufacturing chicken under other brand names for major Ontario grocery retailers, Glacial Treasure is the first time D&D Poultry has put our own name on a grocery shelf.

The core Glacial Treasure line is gluten-free, soy-free, nitrite-free, HACCP certified, and halal certified. Every product is made in our HACCP-certified Toronto facility using Ontario-sourced chicken where possible.

Where can I buy Glacial Treasure?

Glacial Treasure is available at a wide selection of Fortinos locations across Ontario. Use the store locator at fortinos.ca to find the location nearest you. Look for our packaging in the frozen poultry section.

You can also buy the full Glacial Treasure range — plus every other D&D Poultry product including items not yet in grocery — at our Cash & Carry at 300 Milliken Blvd, Toronto. Open Monday to Friday 9am–5pm, Saturday 9am–3pm. No membership required.

What Glacial Treasure products are currently at Fortinos?

Three products are currently in stock at Fortinos: Chicken Souvlaki, Pork Souvlaki, and Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast.

Additional products from our launch lineup — including Shish Tawook, Chicken Shawarma, and the Chicken & Pork Souvlaki mixed skewer — will roll out at Fortinos as our production capacity expands.

How long do frozen Glacial Treasure products last in my freezer?

At -18°C (0°F) or colder, our products maintain peak quality for at least six months and are safe to eat for significantly longer. The Best Before date on the package represents our conservative estimate of peak quality — a product used shortly after that date is not unsafe, just past its optimal window.

For maximum freshness, we recommend using products within one to two months of purchase. Keep the freezer at proper temperature, store the product on lower shelves (not the door), and rotate stock as you buy new.

What's the best way to cook frozen souvlaki from your Glacial Treasure line?

Thaw completely first. Overnight in the fridge is best. If you need to thaw faster, place the sealed package in a bowl of cold water for 20-30 minutes.

Then grill over medium-high heat (400-425°F on a gas grill) for 4-5 minutes per side. The internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F) at the thickest point. Rest the skewers for 3 minutes off the heat before serving. This resting step matters — it lets the juices redistribute and makes a real difference in the final product.

Alternative methods: oven-roast at 220°C (425°F) for 20-25 minutes turning once, or pan-sear over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side.

FOODSERVICE FAQ

Who do I contact for wholesale or foodservice inquiries?

For independent restaurants, smaller catering operators, and single-location food service operations, contact Darko Janovski, our Director of Sales and Marketing, directly:

Email: darko@ddpoultry.com

Phone: 416-609-9300

For large multi-location restaurant chains, national accounts, institutional food service, and large hospitality groups, D&D Poultry is represented by McCormack Bourrie Sales & Marketing — a Concord, Ontario food broker since 1992. Start by contacting Darko, and if your account fits the McCormack Bourrie profile, he’ll route the introduction appropriately.

What is your minimum order for food service accounts?

Minimums vary by product and by the nature of the account. For established food service clients, we can accommodate smaller order sizes on regular delivery schedules. For new accounts building volume, we typically discuss minimums during the initial consultation.

Contact Darko at darko@ddpoultry.com to discuss what makes sense for your operation.

How do I open a food service account with D&D Poultry?

The process is straightforward:

Initial call or email with Darko Janovski to discuss your operation, products, and volume
Sample delivery of relevant products for you to evaluate in your kitchen
Review of specifications, pricing, and delivery arrangements
Small trial order to verify supply chain and product performance
Full account setup with regular delivery schedule

Most accounts move from first conversation to full supply within 4-6 weeks.

What's your lead time on food service orders?

For established accounts on regular delivery schedules, standard lead time is typically 3-5 business days from order to delivery for the GTA. Same-week fulfillment is often possible for regular customers.

For custom products, special orders, or large event volumes, lead times vary based on production schedule. Discuss your typical needs with Darko during account setup so we can plan appropriately.

Do you offer credit terms for food service clients?

Yes. Standard credit terms are available for established food service accounts. Terms are set during account setup based on your business profile and expected volume. New accounts typically start with prepaid or on-delivery payment for the first 30-60 days, transitioning to standard terms after payment history is established.

Can you develop custom products for our restaurant or brand? (Private label)

Yes. D&D Poultry has developed private label and custom products for Ontario restaurants and grocery brands for over thirty years. Our process typically starts with an NDA to protect your proprietary concept, followed by recipe development, sample testing rounds, and scaling to production.

Timeline for a new private label product from concept to production supply is typically 8-16 weeks depending on complexity.

Past and current white label clients include major Ontario grocery retailers. We’re happy to discuss custom product opportunities under NDA. Contact Darko Janovski to start the conversation.

Do you work with restaurant chains?

Yes. D&D Poultry supplies restaurant chains and multi-location operators across Ontario. For chain accounts, we typically work through McCormack Bourrie Sales & Marketing — our Concord, Ontario food broker partner since 1992 — because their team specializes in the coordination that multi-location operators need.

Contact Darko for the initial conversation. If your account fits the chain profile, McCormack Bourrie will be brought in appropriately.

Do you work with catering companies?

Yes. Catering companies are one of our largest food service segments. Our IQF frozen product formats — including Chicken Souvlaki, Pork Souvlaki, Chicken Shawarma, Kafta, Stuffed Chicken Breast, and Chicken Wings — are designed for catering operations that need portion flexibility, consistent quality across events, and reliable supply.

Our homemade Tzatziki and Tirokafteri, made from the Dikeos family’s original Greek recipes, are also available to food service and catering clients.

Do you work with institutional food service — hospitals, schools, government?

Yes. D&D Poultry supplies institutional food service programs including healthcare facilities, long-term care homes, educational institutions, and government food programs across Ontario. Our HACCP certification, halal certification, and Ontario sourcing align with the procurement requirements of most institutional buyers.

For institutional accounts, D&D typically works through McCormack Bourrie Sales & Marketing — their team has specific experience with the procurement processes, documentation requirements, and volume patterns of institutional food service.

Can I get samples before committing to a supply arrangement?

Yes. Sample delivery is a standard part of our food service onboarding process. Contact Darko at darko@ddpoultry.com with the products you’d like to evaluate and the size of your intended volume, and we’ll arrange samples in appropriate quantities for you to test in your kitchen. Sample cost handling depends on the account size and volume potential — we’ll discuss this in the initial conversation.

Do you provide product specification sheets?

Yes. Spec sheets are available for every product in our food service line — including cut, portion weight, marinade or seasoning description, format (fresh, IQF frozen, fully cooked), cooking recommendations, packaging details, and nutritional information. Contact Darko to request spec sheets for specific products.

What's the shelf life of your foodservice products?

For IQF frozen products stored at -18°C (0°F) or colder: minimum 12 months from production date, with best quality within 6-9 months.

For fully cooked chilled products: shelf life varies by product — typically 7-14 days refrigerated, or freezable per package instructions.

For fresh chicken products: standard fresh chicken shelf life applies — typically 3-5 days refrigerated from delivery. Specific Best Before dates are printed on all packaging. Contact us for detailed shelf life documentation on any product.

What does HACCP mean, and why is it important?

HACCP stands for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points. It’s a globally recognized food safety management system that identifies potential hazards at every stage of food production and puts documented controls in place to prevent them.

For a food processor, HACCP certification means: documented food safety procedures at every step, regular third-party audits, full traceability from receiving to shipping, and immediate response capability if a food safety issue is ever identified.

D&D Poultry has been HACCP certified since 2006 — nearly two decades of continuous certification. It’s the standard required by Ontario’s top hospitals, restaurant chains, and government food programs.

Are your products gluten-free, soy-free, and nitrite-free?

Our core Glacial Treasure line — Chicken Souvlaki, Pork Souvlaki, Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast, Chicken Shawarma, and Shish Tawook — is gluten-free, soy-free, and nitrite-free.

Products with breading (Breaded Chicken, Chicken Tenders, Chicken Cutlets, Chicken Bites) contain gluten because of the breading ingredients.

Always check the specific product label for confirmation, and contact us with allergen questions if you have serious sensitivities.