#United States #Greenville #Fruit Fly Defense #DOBE #DisabilityIN

Fruit Fly Defense Achieves a Milestone Certification

Fruit Fly Defense, LLC has made local history by becoming the first business in Greenville, South Carolina to receive the prestigious Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE) certification from DisabilityIN. This remarkable achievement not only highlights the company's commitment to inclusivity but also opens doors to new opportunities within supplier diversity programs across the country.

Founded by a team of passionate individuals with backgrounds in biology and marketing, Fruit Fly Defense specializes in developing natural pest deterrents, particularly targeting fruit flies and gnats. Their innovative products, designed for both residential and commercial use, have gained popularity in homes and establishments such as Chick-fil-A, Dave & Buster's, LongHorn Steakhouse, and select Marriott locations. Utilizing essential oils, Fruit Fly Defense’s Deterrent Discs and Sink Drops disrupt the breeding cycle of pests without the need for harsh chemicals or traps.

Co-founder and president Donny Hayati emphasizes the scientific approach of the company, stating, "Most products on the market treat fruit flies as a surface problem. They trap what is already there and call it a solution." Instead, Fruit Fly Defense targets the breeding sources of these pests, enhancing the effectiveness of their products. This unique strategy allows them to achieve a deterrence rate of 80 to 90 percent in both residential kitchens and large-scale restaurant settings.

The path to achieving the DOBE certification required rigorous validation, confirming that the business is at least 51 percent owned, managed, and controlled by an individual with a disability. This recognition provides a vetted avenue for procurement teams looking to incorporate disability-inclusive suppliers into their chains. As such, being certified as a diverse supplier aligns with the growing focus on disability inclusion within various organizations, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to major universities and government agencies.

Reflecting on their origins, co-founder Caroline Asplundh shares, "We started this company at our kitchen table in Greenville with a product that worked and a problem worth solving. Earning this certification validates what we have been building." The certification not only solidifies their mission but also positions them as partners for organizations seeking effective solutions for pest prevention that come from a diverse ownership perspective.

Fruit Fly Defense is committed to offering natural, chemical-free alternatives to pest control while supporting disability inclusion in the business world. Their success story serves as an inspiration for other businesses looking to break barriers and create meaningful impact. Interested parties can learn more about their products by visiting fruitflydefense.com.

In a landscape where businesses are increasingly recognizing the importance of diversity and inclusion, Fruit Fly Defense leads the way by combining innovative pest control solutions with a commitment to social responsibility. As they continue to grow, their contributions to the community, both in pest management solutions and representation, will undoubtedly resonate across the nation.