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    125 Years of Legacy, Craft
    and Innovation

    What began in 1900 with a few barrels of olive oil and a dream has grown into one of America’s great family business stories. Four generations later, the Basile family still leads Catania Oils with the same values that guided Giuseppe’s first days in Boston: hard work, integrity, and a belief that quality always rises.  Enjoy the journey captured below, from a burlap sack to a Northeast enterprise powered by family, heart, and craft.

    A Timeline ofHeart and Grit

    Every milestone in our history tells the story of perseverance, innovation, and family. It began with a burlap sack and a vision. Catania oils is 125 years strong, and just getting started.

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    1900: A Journey Across the Atlantic

    Giuseppe and Anna Basile immigrate to America with barrels of olive oil. Though the oil was lost to a storm at sea, the vision would endure for generations. Giuseppe begins selling oil door-to-door in Boston’s North End, carrying cans in a burlap sack.

     
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    1930s: The Next Generation Joins In

    Joseph Basile, Giuseppe’s son, begins selling oil while still in school, learning the business from the ground up and cementing a tradition of hands-on leadership.

     
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    1941: Joseph Becomes President of Basile Packing

    At just 24, Joseph takes over the business after his father’s passing, ushering in a new era of determination and growth.

     
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    1945: La Spagnola Brand Acquired

    Joseph purchases the La Spagnola brand from the Boston Macaroni Company, a strategic move that adds legacy value still present in Catania’s portfolio today.

     
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    1946: The Formation of Catania-Spagna

    Joseph partners with cousins to merge Basile Packing, Catania Importing, and Spagna Olive Oil Company, pooling post-war resources and uniting the family enterprise.

     
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    1949: A Family Legacy Expands

    Joseph marries Angelina Cannao, beginning the next generation of the Basile family and the foundation for the company’s future leadership.

     
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    1957: A Leap Forward in Somerville

    Joseph purchases a new building at 22 Kent Street, transforming a neighborhood operation into a regional player.

     
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    1979: Tony Basile’s Bold Pivot

    Recognizing the company’s future, Tony leads a strategic shift to focus solely on oils, setting the stage for Catania’s modern identity.

     
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    1988: Tony Basile Becomes President

    After the passing of his brother Joe, Tony takes on leadership of Catania-Spagna, steering the company into an era of modernization and expansion.

     
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    1989: The Basile Family Memorial Golf Tournament Begins

    Created in Joe’s honor, the tournament still runs today. It became one of the Jimmy Fund’s longest-running charity events, raising over $1.8 million for cancer research as of 2025.

     
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    1994: A New Home in Ayer, Massachusetts

    Catania moves into a new facility at 1 Nemco Way, marking a major expansion and the beginning of tank-naming traditions honoring family, partners, and causes close to the heart.

     
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    2007: Passing $100 Million in Sales

    A milestone achievement reflecting decades of growth, innovation, and customer trust.
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    2016: The Fourth Generation Takes the Helm

    Tony’s son, Joseph, becomes President and ushers in a new era of technology, automation, and expansion under the Catania Oils name.
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    2022: $500 Million in Sales

    Catania surpasses half a billion dollars in annual revenue, a testament to its enduring vision and commitment to excellence.
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    2025: Celebrating 125 Years Strong

    With 125 years of resilience behind them, the Basile family continues to invest in innovation, AI, sustainability, and people, ensuring Catania’s best chapters are still ahead.
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    Charting the Future Through Innovation

    Our success has always come from reinvestment; in people, in technology, and in the future. From automation to sustainability to  AI, every step forward is guided by a simple truth: innovation means nothing without culture. “We Are Family” isn’t just something we say. It’s how we work, lead, and treat every customer and team member who walks through our doors.

    Our Values Lead Us

    Our purpose: We exist to create an everlasting impact with our employees, customers, and community.

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    We Are Family
    The Basile family considers all employees as part of the extended family. Catania Oils provides a respectful, supportive, and positive work environment that encourages healthy conflict to reach our goals. 
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    Customer Focused
    We treat your business like it’s our business. Our relationship goes beyond a product sale; building partnerships by providing industry knowledge and market expertise for our customers to make informed decisions.
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    Authenticity At Our Core
    We pride ourselves on an unwavering commitment to exceed our customers’ expectations, and are devoted to our products’ integrity.
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    Job Well Done
    We continually improve upon our processes, products, and invest in our team members. We are passionate, dependable, and selfless.
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    Own It
    We celebrate our successes and are all accountable for our actions. By being forthright, we foster an environment that promotes continuous improvement.
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    From Our Customers

    Our story is only possible because of the people who’ve trusted us for generations. From global brands to family-owned businesses, our customers have become true partners and friends. Their words remind us why we do what we do, delivering quality, consistency, and care that stand the test of time. We’re proud to share a few of their messages as we celebrate 125 years of family, craft, and lasting relationships.

    We started buying oil from Catania Oils by the gallon over 50 years ago. During that time, we evolved into a bulk customer. Regardless of what we buy from Catania, they make us feel like we are their most important customer. The Basile family and all Catania associates truly live by the values posted across their impressive facilities. As a customer, we know they measure their own success by our success and the strength of our relationship. With Catania, it has never been just about business, it is about relationships between our families, our associates, and our communities.

    Michael Ogan
    President, Bake’n Joy Foods

    Catania Oils supplies our Legal Sea Foods brands with premium-quality oil that we are proud to serve in our restaurants. Their knowledgeable, responsive, and supportive team embodies the perfect partnership qualities. Here's to many more years of success—cheers to 125 more!

    Jennifer Bakr
    Supply Chain Manager, Legal Sea Foods

    When we look at what suppliers we want to do business with, there has to be trust. Catania Oils has been one of our oldest and dearest suppliers. It truly is a partnership.

    Lisa Webb
    Vice President of Operations, Gorton’s Seafood

    Catania Oils has been a supplier partner to Jersey Mike’s for over 7 years. Their consistent product quality coupled with a solid fill rate makes them a “low maintenance” supplier that all chains value in their system. The entire staff is pleasant and professional, putting their customers' needs above all else. We appreciate our relationship with Catania Oils and look forward to many more years as partners.

    Kevin Riddle
    Vice President of Supply Chain, Jersey Mike’s

    I started working with Tony at Catania Oils shortly after my husband passed away suddenly. As a young widow with little business experience, Tony’s compassion, knowledge, and expert guidance were invaluable. It’s wonderful to see the next generation carrying on in the same caring way. Congratulations on reaching this milestone.

    Judi Pearlstein
    President, Saratoga Salad Dressings

    Here at Pop Daddy Snacks, we don't look at Catania Oils as a supplier or a vendor. We like to think of them as a collaborative business partner. The success of Pop Daddy has been driven by the owner's vision, ambition, and innovation but none of it would have meant anything if we didn't have the support of companies like Catania. One of Catania's core values is family and we very much feel like we're a part of that family. So much so that I don't know that we could put a price on the value of our relationship. The pricing is competitive but it's the service of Catania that makes them irreplaceable.

    Scott Combs
    Plant Manager, Pop Daddy Snacks

    Congratulations to Catania on an incredible milestone. 125 years of excellence, innovation, and dedication in the industry. Your commitment to quality and partnership has set the standard for generations. We’re proud to celebrate this achievement with you and grateful for the strong relationship we’ve built together. Here’s to continued success for many more years to come!

    Tony Nammour
    Purchasing Manager, Cedar’s Foods

    We work with Catania because of the relationship we have built over the years. We trust that you are watching the markets and will provide guidance on when to book our oil. Catania Oils’ customer service is excellent and quick to respond to all supply chain issues. Your ability to cover all 14 Sysco OpCos that we operate in is second to none.

    Jim Ebersold
    Senior Director Of Purchasing, Ted’s Montana Grill

    Catania Oils’ proactive approach, deep industry expertise, and insightful guidance on market trends and commodity purchases have made your company an invaluable partner for Aramark and Avendra International. Over the years, our relationship has grown stronger through trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to quality.

    Kevin Spence
    Strategic Sourcing Manager, Aramark + Avendra International

    Catania Oils is a valued and trusted partner who keeps us informed with timely market trends, insightful data, and clear, proactive communication. They reach out before issues arise, provide transparent updates, and make working together seamless.

    Andrea Dean
    Director of Procurement & Commodities Management, Marco’s Pizza

    Catania Oils is Edesia’s secret weapon. They are appreciated and relied upon day in and day out for not only extreme agility, but also competitive, transparent pricing. They know exactly what Edesia values, and they deliver this to us day in and day out. They are one of those suppliers that make the workload easier because we know they have us covered. We truly couldn’t do what we do without Catania.

    Matt Wilke
    Procurement Manager, Edesia Nutrition

    Catania Oils has been a trusted and valued partner throughout our long-standing relationship. Your dedication to quality and collaboration has made a lasting impact, and we’re proud to celebrate this milestone with you. Congratulations on an incredible 125 years!

    Wendi Wilkinson
    Senior Manager of Purchasing, High Liner Foods

    Catania Oils Through the Years

    Enjoy more images of the family, hard work, and heart that tell the story behind every bottle.

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    Joe Basile with truck at Fulton St location, c. 1950

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    An employee admires product posters in the office, c. 1955.

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    Truck at Somerville location c. 1960

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    Joe Basile supervises his son on the filling line, c. 1967
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    Young Anthony Basile working in the loading dock, c. 1970

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    Robert Basile loading in a new oil tank installation c. 1980
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    Catania Spagna truck, c. 1983
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    Robert Basile at work, c. 1985
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    Joseph D. Basile at work, c. 1986. 
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    Royale bottling line, c. 1987
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    New tanks delivered for the Ayer plant expansion, c. 2003
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    Tony Basile with grandson, c. 2007
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    Basile family with truck, c. 2007
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    Joseph and Stephen Basile take the lead, c. 2016
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    Anthony Basile surrounded by the 4th generation leading Catania Oils, 2025.

    A Legacy of Partnership

    For more than six decades, our partnership with Gorton’s has stood as a symbol of mutual trust, respect, and shared success. It’s proof that great things happen when relationships are built on consistency and care.

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