Rialto Foods

Rialto Foods, an importer of food items, was founded in 1997 in South Africa by Luciano Previtera and Michele Mirotto. Luciano Previtera got the idea to start importing specialty products when he saw his grandmother calling the supplier who sells her favorite brand of peeled canned tomatoes to ask where they come from.

The company started small and offered specialty products from Italy. Rialto Foods grew and acquired companies Taste of Japan and Patleys Branded Food Solutions. Nowadays, it offers a wide choice of specialty products from Asia, Italy and Mediterranean regions. 

The importer has been owned by Libstar since 2006.

Furthermore, Rialto Foods works with retailers, wholesalers and over 200 clients in the HoReCa sector. Furthermore, it sells products on its own online shop. Rialto Foods also launched Villa 47, its own restaurant located in Cape Town.

Rialto Foods is also a developer of private labels for its clients. The company has developed Woolworths’ private label which features an array of food items such as canned foods, sauces, vinegar, etc. based on the requirements of the company. Moreover, Rialto Foods imports other brands exclusively for Woolworths.

A total of 115 people are employed by Rialto Foods and its turnover is around €9.3 million.

Rialto Foods offers an array of products in the following categories:

• Savory Grocery: vinegar, pasta, olive oil, sauces, etc.
• Sweet Grocery: jams, spreads, biscuits, coffee, etc.
• Dairy: cheeses, milk and other dairy items, etc.
• Chilled & Fresh Food: cold cuts, charcuterie and related items
• Dairy-Free: plant-based milk and other items

Various brands such as Maille, Tabasco, Goldcrest, etc, are imported by the firm.

Furthermore, Rialto Foods has developed its own label of food items.