Who We Are

Who We Are

Rooted in New Jersey since 1950, Violet Foods is built on a legacy of simple ingredients, honest recipes, and real tomato flavor.

We're home to three heritage brands — Don Pepino, Sclafani, and Fattoria Fresca — each with its own story, but all united by one thing: quality you can taste.

The Northeast's favorite pizza sauce. Kettle-cooked since 1950.

Italian-inspired ingredients trusted by American kitchens since 1896.

Tomato products made with vine-ripened, locally grown Jersey Fresh tomatoes.

Violet Foods has a 125+ Year Brand Heritage

ABOUT US
1880s–Early 1900s

1880s–Early 1900s

FAMILY ROOTS & FIRST RECIPES

  • The Sclafani family began in the food industry in the late 1800's when they came to the U.S. from Italy.
  • The business and product line grew and the next generation took over Sclafani Brothers in the 1930's, renaming it the Joseph L. Sclafani Company.
  • The products included canned tomatoes and vegetables, pasta, olive oil and other Italian specialties. Distribution expanded from the New York area west to Chicago.
Mid 1900s

Mid 1900s

THE BIRTH OF DON PEPINO

  • Pioneer in the handling of bulk tomatoes and became a leading producer of canned tomato products. Brother Dominick Sclafani had culinary talent and developed a unique fully prepared pizza sauce in 1950.
  • He named the sauce Don Pepino and it became one of the Company's best sellers with the original recipe still used to this day.
  • The secret behind the Sclafani / Don Pepino success is the quality of the products themselves. Jersey tomatoes are considered the best tomatoes in the U.S., and most of the Company's products are grown near the Sclafani / Don Pepino southern NJ packing plant.
Today

Today

VIOLET FOODS LEGACY

  • Today the Sclafani and Don Pepino brands are recognized as the finest canned tomatoes and sauces in the industry.
  • Many of the finest restaurants in the U.S. use Don Pepino and Sclafani products. They are also available in many grocery stores and retail accounts, where customers enjoy a local, high-quality tomato taste.
  • B&G Foods acquired the Don Pepino and Sclafani brands of tomato products in November 2010, and in 2025 sold the brands to Amphora Equity Partners, who re-named the parent company Violet Foods to pay tribute to its past namesake.

from field to can
within 24 hours

from field to can within 24 hours

From New Jersey Soil 
to Your Table

Our tomatoes grow in the mineral-rich soil of South Jersey, long known for producing the most flavorful, nutrient-dense varieties. From there, our farmers quickly transport them to our Williamstown facility, where we use classic kettle-cooking techniques and small-batch care to bring out bold, fresh flavor. We believe transparency matters — that’s why we keep our process simple, clean, and visible.

Clean, Visible, and Honest

Clean, Visible, and Honest

We believe transparency matters — that’s why we keep our process simple, clean, and visible.

The Brand That Started It All

Since 1950, Don Pepino has been kettle-cooked in small batches using fresh Jersey tomatoes. It's a trusted staple for pizzerias, restaurants, and families who want rich flavor and real ingredients, every time.

Explore Don Pepino

Classic Italian Flavor Since 1896

Since 1896, Sclafani has delivered quality without compromise. From crushed tomatoes and pasta sauces to oils and vinegars, every product honors traditional Italian food values—simple, honest, and made to bring people together around the table.

EXPLORE SCAFANI

Made with Locally Grown Jersey Tomatoes

Crushed and packed at peak ripeness just miles from where they’re grown, Jersey Fresh tomatoes are exactly what they say—pure tomatoes, always fresh. No sugar, no citric acid, no fuss. Just a clean start for any dish.

EXPLORE FATTORIA FRESCA

Who We Serve

Families & Home Cooks

We keep our recipes clean and the prep simple — so every home cook can make a meal worth sharing.

Chefs & Pizzerias

Our Don Pepino sauces are used in commercial kitchens and small pizzerias across the country. Bold flavor, consistent results.

Grocers & Distributors

With high-velocity SKUs, clear shelf appeal, and legacy demand, our brands bring value to every retail partner.

Find Us Near You

Whether you’re shopping online or browsing your local store, Violet Foods brands are easy to find. Look for Don Pepino, Sclafani, and Fattoria Fresca in trusted retailers across the U.S.

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