A Connecticut cheesemaker with roots in the New Haven area dating back to the early 1950s has been purchased by an Italian food company.
In a statement, Bologna-based Granarolo S.p.A. announced it has acquired 100% of Calabro Cheese Corp. of East Haven.
Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.
Calabro produces and markets fresh dairy products, and is particularly known for its ricotta, mozzarella and burrata cheeses. It distributes to buyers in New England, New York and New Jersey, as well as markets in the southern and western U.S.
“We are convinced that with our two teams working together we can increase the business in the United States,” Calabro Chairman Frank Angeloni said of the linkup. “We want to express our gratitude and appreciation to our loyal customers who contributed to our success for almost 7 decades and are confident this acquisition will continue to benefit them in the coming years.”
Granarolo officials said the Calabro deal will serve as a launching point for the company to expand operations and grow market share in the U.S.
According to its website, Calabro was formed in 1953 by Joseph Calabro and his father Salvatore. They grew the business by delivering cheese, sausage, ice cream and other products to small Italian grocery stores and families in the New Haven, Hartford, Fairfield and Waterbury areas.
The company built its East Haven production and distribution facility in 1981.
