New Jersey-based Italian foods importer and distributor Colavita USA is partnering with online bulk products retailer Boxed Inc. to manage its third-party, direct-to-consumer (DTC) logistics.

As part of the agreement announced Feb. 6, Colavita, which has its U.S. headquarters in Edison, will outsource logistics functions such as inventory management, warehousing and fulfillment to Boxed’s flagship automated fulfillment center in Union.

Family owned and operated since 1938, Colavita’s products can be found in more than 80 countries worldwide. After entering the major U.S. market in 1978, Colavita has become a leading distributor to retail grocery chains, specialty food stores and wholesale suppliers, as well as restaurants, caterers and other food service operators. It is also a major partner and supplier for meal kit company HelloFresh and big box chain Walmart.

For Colavita – whose products include a variety of premium vinegars, olive oils, pastas, sauces and vegetables – the deal with Boxed stands to boost its continental U.S. e-commerce distribution, the companies said in a press release.

“Our relationship with Boxed as a vendor has always been strong. We are beyond excited to expand that synergy to include their supply chain and fulfillment expertise,” said Giovanni Colavita, chief executive officer of Colavita USA.

New York City-headquartered Boxed also said it is exploring opportunities with other companies to leverage its expertise with warehousing, order fulfillment and shipment.

“We have established relationships with hundreds of vendors like Colavita, and now we are in a position to provide them with all of their supply chain and logistics operations needs,” said Alison Weick, president of e-commerce at Boxed.

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