DNI Group, LLC is a premier importer, manufacturer, and distributor of high-quality Asian food products, specializing in Japanese cuisine. Based in Novato, California, DNI Group serves foodservice, retail, and wholesale markets across North America with an emphasis on authenticity, sustainability, and operational excellence. With decades of experience in sourcing and developing premium seafood and ready-to-serve Asian appetizers, DNI has become a trusted partner to restaurants, distributors, and culinary professionals.
Core Business and Product Offerings
DNI Group curates a diverse portfolio of premium frozen and chilled products, designed to meet the needs of chefs, sushi bars, retail grocers, and institutional foodservice.
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Seafood:
- Sushi Ebi (cooked and butterflied shrimp)
- Nobashi Ebi (stretched raw shrimp for tempura)
- Kani Kama (imitation crab sticks)
- Soft Shell Crab: Cleaned, individually packed
- Atlantic Salmon: Sashimi grade, available smoked or fresh-frozen
- Sushi Style Cold Smoked Salmon: Vacuum-packed for optimal shelf life
- Katsu Hamachi: Yellowtail, sashimi grade
- Yellowfin Tuna: Frozen-at-sea, high-grade for sashimi
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Appetizers & Side Dishes:
- Karaage: Japanese-style fried chicken
- Tempura Shrimp: Breaded and fried, ready-to-serve
- Gyoza: Dumplings available in pork, chicken, and vegetable
- Shumai, Harumaki: Traditional Japanese spring rolls and steamed bites
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Desserts:
- Japanese Crepe Cakes: Multi-layer crepe cakes in assorted flavors including matcha, vanilla, and chocolate.
Each product is meticulously sourced from vetted suppliers and processed under strict quality controls in accordance with U.S. food safety standards.
Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
DNI Group excels in delivering products that balance convenience with authenticity. Its key differentiators include:
- Sushi-Grade Assurance: DNI specializes in sashimi-grade seafood, ensuring its products meet the high standards of Japanese culinary professionals.
- Vertical Integration: From source to shelf, DNI manages the product journey with global sourcing offices and quality control teams in Asia and the U.S.
- Brand Portfolio Diversity: Offers multiple tiers of product lines to suit budget-sensitive buyers and high-end culinary operations.
- Cold Chain Integrity: Investments in cold chain logistics and warehousing allow for superior freshness and reliability upon delivery.
Financials and Market Reach
While privately held and not publicly disclosing financials, DNI Group demonstrates strong market penetration and category dominance:
- Distribution Footprint: Nationwide reach through partnerships with major Asian food distributors, restaurant supply chains, and specialty grocers.
- Product Volume: Estimated to process and distribute millions of pounds of seafood annually across sushi restaurants and grocery deli counters.
- Customer Segments:
- Foodservice (restaurants, hotel groups, sushi bars)
- National and regional food distributors
- Supermarket chains and specialty Asian food markets
Target Markets
DNI Group serves a variety of sectors with a focus on Japanese cuisine:
- Restaurants & Hospitality: Sushi bars, izakayas, fast-casual Asian dining chains
- Retail & Supermarkets: High-end Asian markets and grocery store sushi counters
- Wholesale & Distributors: Regional foodservice distributors and supply companies
- Institutional Foodservice: College campuses, hospitals, and hospitality vendors seeking Asian-inspired meals
Their tailored SKUs and product formats support both back-of-house kitchens and front-of-house ready-to-eat applications.
Capabilities and Infrastructure
- Global Sourcing: Direct relationships with seafood farms and processing plants in Asia, South America, and Europe.
- Cold Storage & Logistics: Maintains temperature-controlled warehouses and strategic distribution hubs across the U.S.
- Quality Assurance: In-house QA teams oversee import inspections, packaging, labeling, and regulatory compliance.
- Private Label Services: Offers white-label manufacturing and co-packing for distributors and chains seeking branded Asian food products.
Certifications and Compliance
- FDA-Approved Processing Facilities
- HACCP-Compliant operations for seafood and frozen foods
- MSC-Certified options available for sustainably sourced seafood
- BRC and SQF Certified suppliers in international processing plants
Customer Testimonials
“DNI’s seafood products are consistently high-quality and reliable. Their Nobashi Ebi and smoked salmon are staples in our sushi program.” — Executive Chef, Regional Sushi Chain
“Working with DNI Group has streamlined our sourcing. Their customer service and delivery consistency have been top-notch.” — Distributor, West Coast
“Their crepe cakes and appetizers give our grab-and-go line an edge over the competition.” — Prepared Foods Director, National Grocery Chain
Brands Under DNI Group
- Crane Bay: Premium frozen seafood and appetizers
- Maneki: Value-oriented Asian food staples
- Tezukuri: Artisan-style products crafted for authenticity
- Passport Cuisine: International culinary selections
- Maneki Value: Budget line for volume buyers
Achievements and Recognition
- Recognized by major Asian food distributors as a preferred seafood vendor.
- Trusted supplier for over 500+ sushi programs in supermarkets across the U.S.
- Regular participant in Seafood Expo North America and other international trade shows.
- Committed to ongoing product innovation in response to changing consumer demands and culinary trends.
DNI Group continues to raise the bar for Asian cuisine in North America by merging global sourcing, rigorous quality standards, and culinary innovation—empowering chefs and retailers to deliver exceptional, authentic experiences.
