WILLIAMSTOWN, N.J. — Violet Packing, manufacturer of Don Pepino and Sclafani tomato products based in Williamstown, N.J., merged with DeIorio's Frozen Dough Products, producer of pizza dough products in Utica, N.Y.
According to a news release, LaSalle Capital Group, Chicago, has provided equity capital to support this combination. DeIorio's and Violet have had a successful business relationship for more than 30 years. Production will remain in each company's respective plants, though the combined company will operate under the name of Violet Packing Holdings. Violet resident and chief executive Robert Ragusa will maintain those roles in new company. DeIorio's current president, Richard Viti, will serve as chief financial officer.
"Putting these two companies together greatly increases our capabilities in marketing, financial strength and product research and development," Ragusa said.
Benjamin DeIorio added, "Our two companies offer customers similar advantages in that we provide unique products that satisfy their desired results. Both companies are committed to satisfying these needs whether it be from one of our branded products or by utilizing our capabilities to custom formulate a product for them."
Violet Packing was founded in 1882 as a tomato cannery and was owned and operated by the Sclafani family from 1945 to 2004. Ragusa and LaSalle Capital Group purchased the company in 2004. Chip and Lou Sclafani remain active in the business.
Violet offers a number of quality products including canned tomatoes, pizza and spaghetti sauces, pepper strips and a number of custom-formulated and private label products.
DeIorio's was founded in 1924 by Pat and John DeIorio, who began as bakers of fresh Italian bread and rolls. In 1991 the company began concentrating its production on frozen dough products, which took the company into the wholesale segment by providing frozen dough products to pizza chains, convenience stores and other institutional customers.
Ben DeIorio will remain active in the combined company providing insight and innovation for customer relations and product development. The merged company will make its first joint presentation at the upcoming International Pizza Expo being held in Las Vegas.
