Cento Fine Foods

Italian Specialty Foodscento.com

Cento Fine Foods is a New Jersey-based, privately held importer and distributor of authentic Italian food products, founded in 1964, offering 1,000+ SKUs across eight brands to retail consumers, food-service operators, and restaurants nationwide.

Company typePrivate
Founded1964
HeadquartersNew Jersey, Trinidad & Tobago
Headcount101–250
GTM typeB2B and B2C
OfferingHardware or Manufacturing

What Cento Fine Foods does

Cento Fine Foods is a New Jersey-based, privately held importer and distributor of authentic Italian food products, founded in 1964 by Alfred Ciccotelli. The company offers more than 1,000 SKUs across eight wholly-owned brands — the flagship Cento label plus Anna, Bellino, Ferrara, La Florentine, Maurizio, Little Gina's, and La Bella Valentina — spanning San Marzano and other canned tomatoes, prepared pasta sauces, extra virgin olive oil, MSC-certified tuna and anchovies, vinegars, beans, artichokes, peppers, olives, stocks, soups, spices, bread crumbs, and confectionery. Products are sourced from Italy (notably the Campania region for San Marzano tomatoes and Modena for balsamic vinegar) and authenticated through independent third-party partners including Agri-Cert, PAC, Trace Register, MSC, the International Olive Council, NAOOA, NSF International, and USDA Organic.

The underlying technology stack is conventional for branded food distribution: a Shopify-powered direct-to-consumer storefront at shop.cento.com, Google Analytics and Google Ads for digital marketing, and a proprietary traceability layer (Find My Field, Back To My Boat, Bottle To Branch) that lets consumers trace tomatoes to the field, tuna to the boat, and olive oil to the branch of origin. Quality and compliance are reinforced by ISO 22005:20008 supply-chain traceability certification, USDA Organic, Non-GMO verification, FSC-certified aseptic packaging, Kosher certification, and BPA-free can linings since 2014.

Cento operates a dual-channel go-to-market model. Retail consumers purchase through grocery and specialty retailers nationwide and through the company's DTC e-commerce store, while a dedicated food-service division supplies chefs, restaurants, pizzerias, and institutions with the same specification-matched product line used in the consumer business. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; revenue and ownership are likewise undisclosed. The company faces a proposed California federal class-action lawsuit filed on May 4, 2026 seeking at least $25 million in damages over alleged misrepresentation of its San Marzano tomato certification status.

Cento Fine Foods firmographics

Firmographics

Name: Cento Fine Foods
Legal name: Cento Fine Foods Inc.
Website: https://cento.com
Company type: Private
Founded year: 1964
Operating status: Operating
Headcount range: 101–250 employees
Short description: Cento Fine Foods is a New Jersey-based, privately held importer and distributor of authentic Italian food products, founded in 1964, offering 1,000+ SKUs across eight brands to retail consumers, food-service operators, and restaurants nationwide.
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

Cento Fine Foods industry classification

Industry

Product category: Italian Specialty Foods
NAICS: Fruit and Vegetable Preserving and Specialty Food Manufacturing (3114), Specialty Canning (311422), Food Manufacturing (311), Cookie, Cracker, and Pasta Manufacturing (31182)
SIC: Food And Kindred Products (2000), Canned, Frozen & Preservd Fruit, Veg & Food Specialties (2030), Wholesale-Groceries, General Line (5141), Miscellaneous Food Preparations & Kindred Products (2090)
akta.pro primary industry: International Specialty Ingredients & Import Markets (CRAHAFAL)
akta.pro secondary industries: Pesto, Cooking Pastes & Concentrated Flavor Bases Manufacturing (AFAKADAN), Salad Dressings & Vinaigrettes Manufacturing (AFAKADAC), Ethnic Groceries & Shelf-Stable Foods Wholesale (AFAIAIAA), Specialty Condiments, Sauces & Pickles Wholesale (AFAIAIAJ), Breakfast Foods & Cereals (Cereal, Granola, Oatmeal) (CRADAAAE)

Keywords

Italian food distribution
Imported Italian groceries
San Marzano tomatoes
Specialty food manufacturing
Food service supply

Where Cento Fine Foods is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

HQ city: New Jersey
HQ country: Trinidad & Tobago
HQ region: Latin America

Offices1 record

Markets served

Cento Fine Foods business model

Business model

GTM type: B2B and B2C
Offering type: Hardware or Manufacturing
Cost components: Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

Consumer Retail Products: Sale of branded Italian food products (tomatoes, olive oils, pasta, seafood, vegetables, vinegars, sauces, spices) through retail grocery stores, specialty retailers, and direct-to-consumer e-commerce.
Food Service Distribution: Supply of Italian ingredients to restaurants, pizzerias, institutions, and food service operators. Cento supplies chefs and food service chains with products following the same proprietary specifications as consumer items.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Cento Fine Foods product offering

Product offering

Core offering

Cento Fine Foods manufactures, imports, and distributes over 1,000 authentic Italian-style food products across eight proprietary brands, including Certified San Marzano tomatoes, olive oils, pasta, seafood, vinegars, beans, sauces, and specialty pantry items. The company sells these products through retail grocery channels, a direct-to-consumer Shopify storefront (shop.cento.com), and a dedicated food service division serving chefs, restaurants, and institutions across the United States.

Product overview

Cento Fine Foods is a New Jersey-based Italian food distributor offering over 1,000 authentic Italian food products across eight proprietary brands: Cento (flagship brand with tomatoes, sauces, oils, seafood, vinegars, beans, artichokes, peppers, olives, stocks, soups, spices, and specialty items), Anna (pasta, flour, and vinegars), Bellino (balsamic vinegar, risotto rice, cannoli, and coffee), Ferrara (torrone and confections), Maurizio (artisan pasta shapes), La Florentine, Little Gina's, and La Bella Valentina. The product portfolio spans tomatoes (San Marzano certified, organic, whole, diced, crushed, puree, paste, passata), prepared sauces (marinara, arrabbiata, pesto), olive oils, seafood (MSC-certified tuna, anchovies, clams), vinegars, beans, artichokes, peppers, olives, stocks, broths, soups, breads, spices, and specialty Italian food items. The company serves both retail and food service channels, with traceability programs allowing consumers to trace products to their origins.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

Anna: Italian food products including pasta, flour, olive oil, and vinegar
Bellino
Ferrara
La Florentine
Maurizio
Little Gina's
La Bella Valentina

Products and services

Cento Certified San Marzano Tomatoes Premium San Marzano tomatoes grown in the Sarnese Nocerino area of Italy, certified by independent third-party agency Agri-Cert under UNI EN ISO 22005:20008 for supply chain traceability. Sold to retail consumers and food service operators.
Cento Whole Peeled Tomatoes Steam peeled tomatoes packed in tomato puree with basil for added flavor. Less processed than other canned tomato varieties and versatile for cooking applications.
Cento Diced Tomatoes Firm, uniformly chopped tomatoes that retain shape when cooked, ideal for long simmered dishes, chili, bruschetta, pasta salad and salsa.
Cento Crushed Tomatoes Fresh packed tomatoes with thick consistency and small chunks, suitable for Sunday gravies, pizza sauces, pasta sauces and smooth tomato-based soups.
Cento Tomato Paste Most concentrated form of canned tomatoes, cooked down with evaporated liquid. Available in both cans and resealable tubes.
Cento Pasta Sauces Line of prepared pasta sauces including Marinara, Arrabbiata, Tomato Basil, Vodka, All Purpose Pasta Sauce, and Pizza Sauce varieties.
Cento Pesto Sauce Basil pesto sauce available in both traditional and organic varieties for pasta and other culinary applications.
Cento Extra Virgin Olive Oil Imported extra virgin olive oil from Italy, available in various sizes including plastic and tin packaging.
Cento Tuna Fish MSC certified sustainable seafood products including Albacore Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Tuna Fish in Olive Oil varieties. Consumers can trace cans back to the boat of catch via the Back To My Boat program.
Cento Anchovy Products Flat Fillets of Anchovies and Anchovy Paste in a resealable tube combining ground anchovies of the Adriatic Sea with sunflower oil.
Cento Clam Products Whole Baby Clams, Minced Clams, and Sea Clam Juice for seafood recipes.
Cento Artichokes Artichoke products including whole artichoke bottoms, quarters in brine, marinated artichoke hearts, and grilled artichoke bottoms.
Cento Beans Various beans including Cannellini, Chick Peas, Black Beans, Red Kidney Beans, Lupini Beans, and Pinto Beans, available in both standard and organic varieties.
Cento Vinegars Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, Red Wine Vinegar, White Balsamic Vinegar, Garlic Red Wine Vinegar, and Italian Balsamic Glaze.
Cento Peppers Roasted Red Peppers, Sweet Peppers, Cherry Peppers, Banana Peppers, Pepperoncini, Jalapenos, and various stuffed pepper products.
Cento Olives Imported and domestic olives including Castelvetrano, Cerignola, Gaeta, Kalamata, Queen olives, stuffed olives, and Greek mixed seasoned olives.
Cento Spices and Seasonings Italian seasonings including Basil, Bay Leaves, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Crushed Red Pepper, Hot Chili Peppers, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Ground Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning, and Sicilian Sea Salt in fine and coarse varieties.
Cento Specialty Items Specialty products including Caponata, Capers, Giardiniera, Garlic Paste in a Tube, Onion Paste in a Tube, Vegetable Paste in a Tube, and Marinated Mushrooms.
Anna Brand Pasta and Italian Foods Italian food brand under Cento featuring pasta products including Spaghetti, Penne Rigate, Linguine, Rigatoni, Capellini, Fettuccine, Fusilli, and specialty items like Gnocchi, TIPO 00 Flour, and vinegars.
Bellino Brand Italian Foods Italian food brand featuring Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, Cannoli Shells, Cantuccini Biscotti, Risotto Arborio Rice, Carnaroli Rice, Potato Gnocchi, Cheese Gnocchi, Espresso Ground Coffee, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and Minced Garlic.
Ferrara Brand Italian Confectionery Italian confectionery and food brand featuring Torrone (nougat), Cannoli Cream, Espresso Ground Coffee, Instant Espresso Coffee, Almond Syrup, and Cannoli Shells.
Maurizio Brand Artisan Pasta Italian pasta brand featuring artisan pasta shapes including Bucatini, Calamari, Casarecce, Fusilli Lunghi Col Buco, Mista Corta, Orecchiette, Pappardelle, Pennoni Rigati, Rigatoni, Spaghetti Alla Chitarra, and Trofie.
Cento Food Service Division Bulk food service product line supplying chefs, restaurants, pizzerias, and institutions with authentic Italian ingredients. Features over 1,000 products following same proprietary specifications as retail items.

Quantifiable outcome

Products can be traced to exact field where tomatoes were grown

Companies that use Cento Fine Foods

Customer profile

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Cento Fine Foods technology and API

Technology

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API: No
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature4 records

Cento Fine Foods partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core.

PAC (Product Attribute Certification)coreTechnology or IntegrationPAC was created to verify traceability and sustainability standards and practices. Their mission is to certify the geographical connection of attributes to products, providing transparency and promoting consumer confidence. Powers the 'Find My Field' traceability program.
Trace RegistercoreTechnology or IntegrationTrace Register allows Cento to electronically connect lot data with products, certifying traceability standards. Consumers can trace their Cento Tuna cans back to the boat where their tuna was caught.
Philadelphia UnioncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCento Fine Foods is the Official Tomato of The Philadelphia Union Major League Soccer team. This sponsorship provides brand visibility and community engagement in the Philadelphia market.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Cento Fine Foods competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Market position

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Cento Fine Foods compliance and trust

Trust signal

Compliance15 records

Cento Fine Foods financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Cento Fine Foods leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Cento Fine Foods subsidiaries and ownership

Company hierarchy

Subsidiaries7 records

Cento Fine Foods funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Cento Fine Foods M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cento Fine Foods

What does Cento Fine Foods do?

Is Cento Fine Foods a public or private company?

Cento Fine Foods is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.

When was Cento Fine Foods founded?

Cento Fine Foods was founded in 1964. It employs 101 to 250 people.

Where is Cento Fine Foods based?

Cento Fine Foods is headquartered in New Jersey, Trinidad & Tobago, in the Latin America region.

How does Cento Fine Foods make money?

Two revenue lines are on record. Consumer Retail Products are the primary driver. The others are food Service Distribution.

Does Cento Fine Foods have an API?

No public API is recorded for Cento Fine Foods.

What industry is Cento Fine Foods in?

Cento Fine Foods's product category is Italian Specialty Foods. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAHAFAL, International Specialty Ingredients & Import Markets, with a secondary code of AFAKADAN, Pesto, Cooking Pastes & Concentrated Flavor Bases Manufacturing. Its NAICS code is 3114 and its SIC code is 2000.