Senate Resolution No. 838

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of Casa Imports

WHEREAS, The success of New York State is built upon the dedication,
vision, and entrepreneurial spirit of its businesses, particularly those
that uphold strong family values and a commitment to excellence; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to take note of
and publicly recognize those businesses within the State of New York
which have positively impacted their communities; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Casa Imports of Utica, New York; and

WHEREAS, In the 1960s, Vito D'Allesandro, John Fornino, and Phillip
Casamento immigrated from Italy to America, where Vito and John married
Phillip's two sisters; and

WHEREAS, In 1975, Vito D'Allesandro, John Fornino, and Phillip
Casamento founded a small business named Casa Imports, which was
established with the mission of providing high-quality, consistent
products while offering a superior level of customer service, setting a
high standard in the food distribution industry; and

WHEREAS, Over the past five decades, Casa Imports has grown
tremendously, now serving five states across the Northeast and over
3,000 customers, specializing in supplying pizzerias, trattorias, and
casual dining establishments in Upstate New York and Northern
Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, Casa Imports offers a diverse selection of well-known
national brands, in addition to its own premium exclusive brands,
including the widely recognized Cora and Casa labels, which have become
staples in the industry; and

WHEREAS, In September 2021, Casa Imports entered a strategic
partnership with Ferraro Foods, a move designed to enhance operational
efficiency, expand technological resources, and optimize transportation
logistics while maintaining Casa Imports' dedication to serving
pizzerias and restaurants in its core regions; and

WHEREAS, Despite its growth, Casa Imports remains a family-owned and
operated business, with multiple generations of the founding families
actively involved, fostering a close-knit work environment where
employees are considered part of an extended family; and

WHEREAS, Casa Imports takes immense pride in offering premier
service to its customers, going above and beyond the industry standards
for food distributors, ensuring excellence in every aspect of its
operations; and

WHEREAS, With one of the largest selections of imported Italian
foods available, Casa Imports also supplies a full range of high-quality

products, including deli meats, beverages, oils and vinegars, tomato
products, cheeses, spices, and pasta, among many others; and

WHEREAS, In a remarkable return to its roots, Casa Imports is once
again under the original family's ownership after the Fornino family
repurchased the business from a large investment group, reaffirming
their commitment to preserving the company's legacy; and

WHEREAS, John Fornino expressed his enthusiasm for this transition,
emphasizing the family's dedication to continuing the legacy they built
and ensuring the long-term success of Casa Imports; now, therefore, be
it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th anniversary of Casa Imports, recognizing its
outstanding contributions to the food distribution industry and its
unwavering commitment to quality and service; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Casa Imports.