There are more than 10,000 tomato varieties across many countries. For centuries, Italy has optimized its tomato production and quality because of the country’s optimal climate for growing tomatoes with long, hot summers, and abundant sunshine.

Certain tomato varieties grow best in certain areas, and because of this, some now have IGP or DOP status.

IGP (Indication of Geographic Protection) - indicates that the quality or reputation of your food or condiment is linked to the place or region where it is produced, processed, or prepared.

DOP (Protected Designation of Origin) - guarantees that your favorite tomato, cheese, prosciutto, olive oil, etc., is produced, processed, and packaged in a specific geographical zone and according to tradition. Each step, from production to packaging, is highly regulated. A DOP Italian tomato that's best known in our industry (and possibly the world) is the San Marzano Tomato of Agro Sarnese-Nocerino D.O.P. These tomatoes are from the Campania region of Italy and are almost always unsed for tomato sauce, fresh or canned.

Our partners at Mangia Inc™ are professionals in tomatoes. Mangia Inc is the producer and importer of Carmelina 'e...San Marzano® Italian Tomatoes and Carmelina Brands® Italian Beans. Mangia Inc's global headquarter is in Irvine, California with a complete product line of Italian tomatoes, prepared sauces, beans, and chickpea puree, that are naturally produced and imported direct from Italy.

Mangia Inc takes pride in producing all-natural, preservative free, quality ingredients with no added salt, sugars, calcium chloride, citric acid or EDTA. From planting the seeds, tending, and growing the perfect vine ripened tomato, harvesting, to packaging - their tomato products are the cleanest ingredient statement on the shelf - all natural, preservative free, non-GMO, and low sodium. It really is Pomodoro perfection for your pizza or pasta sauces, soups, and stews. Some products that are in high demand in the Pizza and Italian industry include:

• Bellissimo Italian Whole Peeled Tomatoes (#3021-BL)
• Carmelina 'e...San Marzano® Italian Whole Peeled Tomatoes (#30011)
• Carmelina 'e...San Marzano® Tomato of Agro Sarnese-Nocerino D.O.P. (#50011)

The much-discussed San Marzano Tomato of Agro Sarnese-Nocerino D.O.P. can only be identified by the following three elements on each can:

1. Each can must have the European Union D.O.P. stamp
2. Each can must have the Italian San Marzano Consortium stamp
3. Each can will display a unique can number that will provide traceability

Mangia Inc proudly introduces its latest culinary masterpiece -- Carmelina 'e...San Marzano® Tomato of Agro Sarnese-Nocerino D.O.P. which epitomizes their 28-years of dedication to the San Marzano tomatoes of Italy. This exquisite variety, cultivated in the fertile soils of the Campania region, embodies unparalleled flavor and quality, making it the crowning glory of the San Marzano family. And now, this culinary treasure is available to authorized Bellissimo distributors.

Hopefully with all this talk about Italian tomatoes, we inspired you to step into the kitchen and showcase your culinary skills. Here is a delicious Polpette Alla Napoletana recipe to enjoy and taste The Carmelina Difference®!

Contact your local authorized Bellissimo distributor today to see how you can order your clean-label, Italian tomato products today!

Looking for new ways to innovate your spring and summer menu options? Our partners at Rosina Food Products are the professionals we rely on. Rosina Food Products, Inc is a respected Italian frozen food products innovator and manufacturer.

Rosina Foods Products, Inc is a Buffalo, New York-based, family-owned business founded in 1963 by James Corigliano as a small store-front sausage business. The original business primarily serviced local community dinners and neighborhood meat markets, then expanded into supermarkets and restaurants across the country. James named the business after his wife Rose, which in Italian translates to Rosina!

In operation for over 60 years, Rosina has grown into a community staple, industry leader and remains family-owned and operated. Since 1997, two of James' sons, Russell and Frank Corigliano, have taken the reins and accelerated business success, while third generation family members also call Rosina their home.

"Our father taught us the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect, make quality products and ensure you deliver on customer expectations - those simple thoughts remain the foundation of our business today," said Russ Corigliano, President and CEO. "That commitment, along with the knowledge, expertise and innovation of our ever-growing team, has helped to establish Rosina as a recognized leader."

Today, the Company boasts four different divisions - Consumer Packaged Goods, Foodservice, Ingredients, and International - all committed to staying ahead of the latest culinary trends and creating new and innovative products and recipes.

Rosina Food Products currently produces more than 100 different frozen Italian specialty products. Most notably, Rosina's portfolio of products can be found in more than 100,000 retail freezers, restaurants, military commissaries, colleges, universities, and corporate cafeterias around the world. In fact, Rosina is among the leading brands of meatballs in the United States.

Rosina authentic Italian meatballs are crafted from only the freshest cuts of meat blended with aged cheese, breadcrumbs, and carefully selected spices. They are oven-baked and fully cooked - ready to heat and serve for easy preparation in a variety of sizes and flavors to fit your menu needs.

Their pasta is as good as homemade! The fresh, authentic, homemade taste comes from using high quality flour, cheese, eggs, and decadent fillings. This results in quality products you and your customers will love.

Enhance your menu the these delicious culinary delights from Rosina:

• Beef and Pork Meatball will Ricotta Cheese and Marinara Sauce
• Meatball Sliders
• Four Cheese Ravioli with Pan Roasted Tomatoes, Basil, and Balsamic Vinegar
• Portobello Mushroom Ravioli with Spring Onion, Peas, and Garlic Cream Sauce

"Rosina's product portfolio is inspired by old neighborhood Italian traditions that have been carried on for three generations. We create innovative, authentic Italian cuisine with consistent made-from-scratch taste that we know your customers will love," said Frank Corigliano, Executive Vice-President. Their dedication to quality, innovation, and community continues in all they do. In 2020, the Company established Rosina University - a dedicated 7,000-square-foot building where they offer courses designed to onboard new associates on product offerings and provide professional development to company leadership.

"Our associates are extended family. They are at the heart of our success. Without them, Rosina would not be where it is today," shared Russ Corigliano.

For more information about Rosina Food Products, visit the Company's website or follow Rosina's Foodservice specific Facebook, Instagram and YouTube pages; or contact your local Bellissimo authorized brand distributor for new product solutions to delight your customers and build your business today!