Sabatino, the West Haven-based company that cultivates and distributes truffles and truffle products, has opened a new distribution center.
The new 125,000-square-foot facility at 135 Front Ave., expands the company’s warehouse capacity by 40%.
This center will handle production, packaging, and shipping of truffle products including oils, condiments, honey, seasonings and spreads.
Truffles are fungi that grow underground. Their flavor is highly prized in the culinary world, and they are one of the most expensive food products, with some species selling for thousands of dollars per pound.
Sabatino says the facility incorporates automation technology including robotics to enhance efficiency, meaning it can be operated at current staffing levels. However the company plans to hire for more positions in 2025 to facilitate further growth.
“The expansion enables us to better meet growing demand, enhance our service, and uphold our sustainability values,” said Federico Balestra, third-generation owner and CEO. “It’s an important step in our U.S. growth, which also includes our first retail location at New York City’s Grand Central Terminal.”
Sabatino was founded in Italy in 1911. It moved its U.S. headquarters to West Haven from New York in 2012, and has established locations in major cities including Los Angeles and Miami. It still grows its truffles in Italy, along with several other global locations.
