COLAVITA

Colavita is an Italian company best known for its olive oil. Founded in 1938, the company has a rich history rooted in traditional food production. Let's delve into the details:

1. Origins and Family Heritage:

   • The Colavita story begins in the quaint hilltop village of Sant'Elia a Pianisi, located in the Molise region of Italy.
   • Two small family businesses emerged there:
     • One family operated a stone mill for crushing homegrown olives, producing fine extra virgin olive oil.
     • The other family gathered the durum wheat harvest and milled the wheat into semolina grain to create fresh pasta for the local market.
   • Both families became experts in their trades, passing down knowledge through generations. These families were both Colavita families.

2. Product Range:

   • Colavita's authentic specialty products include:
     • Olive oils: Harvested at the point of maturity and pressed immediately afterward.
     • Durum wheat semolina pasta: Made from 100% durum wheat and using certified mountain spring water called ""Acqua del Molise.""
     • Balsamic and wine vinegars: A full selection of high-quality vinegars.
     • Traditional and organic pasta sauces: Prepared according to Colavita family tradition.
     • Marinated vegetables and spreads: Ready-to-serve options that reflect Italian flavors.

3. Leadership and Management:

   • As of 2010, the brothers Enrico and Leonardo Colavita run the company.
   • Enrico serves as President, while Leonardo holds the position of General Manager.
   • Other family members also contribute to management roles, including Leonardo's son Giovanni, who was previously the President of Colavita USA.

4. Colavita USA:

   • Colavita USA, headquartered in Edison, NJ, has been importing and distributing premium Italian products since 1979.
   • The company's reputation has become a benchmark for Italian quality products worldwide.
   • Colavita USA markets a wide range of Colavita products, maintaining the same commitment to quality and tradition.
   • The U.S. facilities operate in both Edison, NJ, and Dixon, CA.

5. Quality and Tradition:

   • Giovanni Colavita, the current CEO of Colavita USA, emphasizes the importance of quality and tradition.
   • The family continues the tradition of producing extra virgin olive oil and specialty food products using ancestral knowledge.
   • Colavita products undergo rigorous testing to ensure only the best reaches consumers' tables.

6. Italian Lifestyle and Mediterranean Diet:

   • Italians understand that food nourishes not only the body but also the soul.
   • Homecooked meals connect families and friends, enriching lives.
   • Colavita aims to bring this family tradition to kitchens worldwide through its products and Mediterranean Diet-inspired recipes.

7. Commitment to Sustainability:

   • Colavita is aware of environmental concerns and takes initiatives to ensure sustainable production.
   • The company participates in recycling and waste programs, striving for zero waste in its facilities.

In summary, Colavita's legacy spans generations, rooted in quality, tradition, and a passion for authentic Italian flavors. Whether it's their olive oil, pasta, or other specialty products, Colavita continues to be a trusted family brand worldwide.