Italian foods importer and distributor Colavita USA is adding a new brand to its portfolio.

The Edison-based family-owned and operated company announced the acquisition of Vitelli Foods in a March 5 press release. The Englewood-headquartered target owns Luigi Vitelli brand pasta and tomatoes. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Colavita believes the move will strengthen its position as the third-largest importer of Italian pasta in the United States as well as boost its presence in the tomato market.

Founded in 1885, Luigi Vitelli is reportedly the first Italian food brand registered in the U.S. It was primarily involved in the canned tomato business until the mid-1990s. Now known as Vitelli Foods, the company imports pasta, beans and other Italian specialties for distribution at major supermarket chains across the country. A member of the Vitelli family, Claudia Vitelli, still manages the company.

Also a family-owned and operated business, Colavita has been producing, importing and distributing specialty foods since 1938. It has a presence in over 80 countries worldwide. In the U.S., Colavita is a leading national brand of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic and wine vinegar and pasta. It has distribution throughout the retail, e-commerce, club and food service sectors.

Under the Vitelli Foods banner, Colavita aims to leverage its distribution network and industry expertise to increase Luigi Vitelli products’ reach and recognition, emphasizing its unique history and Italian authenticity.

Preserving an ‘icon brand’

In a statement, Colavita USA Chief Executive Officer Giovanni Colavita  said, “Luigi Vitelli is an iconic brand that we want to preserve and introduce to the next generations, continuing the great work done by Claudia Vitelli and Roy Taormina. I’ve known Claudia for years and have always respected and admired what she has built, preserving the great family tradition that we share.”

“The Vitelli brand’s importance to the history of Italian food in this country is truly unmatched,” Colavita continued. “In fact, this year marks the 125th anniversary of Vitelli’s membership in the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the U.S., an organization that includes Amerigo Vitelli among its founders.”

The acquisition follows Colavita’s successful integration in April 2023 of O Olive Oil & Vinegar. The line of specialty olive oils and vinegars is made using fresh, California-sourced ingredients.