When Giuseppe Basile began selling olive oil door-to-door in Boston’s North End in 1900, he could not have imagined his entrepreneurial dream would one day grow into a fourth-generation, $500 million operation supplying household names like Utz, Stacy's, Cedar's, Gorton's and Ken's. What he did imagine - and insist on - was family, honesty, and hard work. Those values remain the backbone of Catania Oils 125 years later.
In this segment from WCVB’s “Made in Mass,” reporter Doug Meehan visits the Catania Oils production facility to explore how the company grew from a one-man operation into the multi-million-dollar business it is today, highlighting its history, culture, and commitment to quality products.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this transformation is how much happens under one roof. There are few dull moments at the Catania Oils facility, where the screech of trains and trucks making deliveries blends with the hum of production on the factory floor. Inside, the production of oil is balanced with the creation of packaging solutions, while a state-of-the-art testing facility ensures every shipment meets rigorous quality standards.
Despite the scale of operations today, the company remains firmly rooted in family tradition. The same values Giuseppe held dear - family, honesty, and hard work - remain central today and have endured through generations of family leadership. This legacy can be seen throughout the facility, where oil tanks are named for family members, and the late Joseph O. Basile’s fedora hangs on the wall as a reminder of the dedicated family and employees who helped build the company.
Catania Oils’ blend of heritage and innovation has been a key factor in its continued success. As the company evolves, it remains committed to providing authentic, high-quality products - an approach that has helped establish it as a trusted partner and manufacturer for some of the most recognizable brands in the food industry.
Segments like “Made in Mass” reflect the diversity of businesses that call Massachusetts home and provide an opportunity for companies like Catania Oils to showcase their unique histories, products, and cultures. These features provide a behind-the-scenes look at the companies helping to power Massachusetts’ economy and continuing its long tradition of innovation.
Catania’s story is a reminder that, with hard work and integrity, even the smallest operation can become a generational success. In the 125 years since Giuseppe first hand delivered his olive oil in Boston's North End, Catania has continued to grow and evolve as a manufacturer, shaped by the family values and commitment to quality it was founded on.
Watch the segment for a look into how Catania Oils continues to grow.