(Williamstown, NJ; Utica, NY) — Two leading northeast food producers merged on January 27, 2007. Violet Packing, LLC, manufacturer of Don Pepino and Sclafani tomato products based in Williamstown, New Jersey combined with DeIorio’s Frozen Dough Products, producer of pizza dough products in Utica, New York.
LaSalle Capital Group, Chicago, has provided equity capital to support this combination. DeIorio’s and Violet have had a successful business relationship for over 30 years.
Production will still remain in their respective plants – tomato processing in Violet’s Williamstown facilities and the frozen dough production carried out in DeIorio’s Utica plant. The combined company will operate under the name of Violet Packing Holdings, with Violet’s President and CEO, Robert Ragusa serving as President and CEO of the newly combined company. DeIorio’s current President, Richard Viti will serve as CFO of the combined company.
         
According to Violet Packing Chairman, Walter Freedman, “We’re bringing together two very strong high-quality Italian family brands to make a more powerful company.” Both companies’ long-time brands, Don Pepino, Sclafani, and DeIorio’s will continue to be featured. Ragusa stated, “Putting these two companies together greatly increases our capabilities in marketing, financial strength, and product research and development.”
         
Benjamin DeIorio, of DeIorio’s 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.”
         
Both companies have a rich history in the food industry. Violet Packing was founded in 1882 as a tomato cannery and was owned and operated by the Sclafani family from 1945 to 2004. Robert Ragusa and LaSalle Capital Group purchased the company from the Sclafani family in 2004. Chip and Lou Sclafani remain active participants in the business. Violet offers a number of quality products including various 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. The two brothers established their business with a dedication to the highest standards of quality and service. To this day, all DeIorio’s products are produced using only the finest ingredients and by combining “Old World” tradition with the latest technology. In 1991 the company began concentrating its production on frozen dough products. This took the company out of fresh baked product store-delivered- business and into the wholesale segment, 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 newly merged company will make its first joint presentation at the upcoming International Pizza Expo being held in Las Vegas, Nevada from March 20 – 22, 2007. This will offer Violet Packing Holdings an excellent venue for developing further sales and marketing opportunities in the pizza industry. 

Additional information is available at www.donpepino.com and www.deiorios.com