A Little Bit of History

Sellitto with Some Workers
in the Early Years

By the middle of the 19th century, the area around Naples, Italy, was known for the large-scale cultivation and canning of sun-ripened tomatoes.  In 1949 Alfonso Sellitto looked beyond the valley - La Valle - where he grew his crops and envisioned an enterprise that would bring the vibrant flavors of the land he tended to the four corners of the globe.

In the lean years following World War II, he began with a modest operation and by 1960 the company's products were found throughout Italy.

By 1965, La Valle was among the first companies to export canned San Marzano tomatoes to the United States under other well-known labels.  In 1982, the La Valle brand of whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes was introduced to the United States.  

As La Valle has grown, so has its product line.  In addition to whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes, the company now offers sun-dried tomatoes, preserved whole cherry tomatoes, ground tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato puree, artichoke hearts, whole artichokes, a variety of beans and other legumes, marinated mushrooms, roasted peppers, olive oils, balsamic vinegar and a variety of pasta.  The La Valle line also includes Organic whole peeled tomatoes and organic tomato puree.

Preserving old-world traditions while embracing new-world standards, the latest generation of La Valle Foods family remains dedicated to delivering the authentic flavor of exceptional Italian food products to tables around the world.