Lipari Foods Celebrates 50th Anniversary With Special Plans For Customers, Vendors, Employees

Jan. 15, 2013 - PRLog -- (January 15, 2013; Warren, Mich.): One man, one station wagon, and a few bottles of BBQ sauce: Jim Lipari began distributing unique products from the back of his station wagon in the early 1960s. His dream of independence and focus on customer service became a company that would someday cover the Midwest – and post 50 years of success.

To commemorate this milestone, Lipari Foods has organized several ways to celebrate throughout 2013: from extra excitement at the annual trade show for customers, to vendor recognition on the company website, to custom apparel for employees.

According to Thom Lipari, President/CEO, and Jim’s son: “Over the past 50 years we’ve achieved our goal of becoming a leader in food distribution, servicing the perimeter of the store throughout the Midwest. Today we have more than 900 people working for us and we service over 8,000 customers throughout the Midwest.” He adds, “For the future we are committed to continued growth in the Midwest but will aggressively seek opportunities to expand, possibly becoming a national distributor.”

Over several years founder Jim Lipari worked hard – as a meat cutter and operator of a full line grocery store, and as co-creator of Bazzo’s barbecue sauce. Lipari Foods Distributors was officially formed in 1963 to continue distributing Bazzo’s.

In 1971, Jim Lipari’s son Thom began working at Lipari Foods. With the purchase of a second building came two walk-in coolers. Soon the addition of cheese, ham, and salami started Lipari Foods in the deli business. In 1983 Thom Lipari had an innovative idea, and Lipari became the first company in southeastern Michigan to market in-store frozen dough to bakeries and independent grocers.

Lipari Foods has followed several growth strategies simultaneously: acquire distribution businesses, partner with wholesale warehouses, and expand into new categories. In 2006 Lipari Foods built its current facility to customize space and technology, and accommodate anticipated needs.

2011 and 2012 saw three more acquisitions that strengthened the company with new capabilities. The purchase of I&K Distributors brought a full dairy program on board, adding value to retailers in servicing the perimeter of the store. Eastside Deli Supply and Pic-A-Nut acquisitions boosted the portfolio of products for the convenience store channel.

Back in 1981, Lipari Foods hosted the first-ever Deli & Specialty Food Trade Show in the Detroit metro area. Thirty-plus years later, the 2013 Lipari Food Show theme is “Lipari Foods 50th Anniversary: A Masquerade Ball.” This will be a “big party,” says Thom Lipari, “with a dedicated section showcasing memorabilia, an anniversary video, and company timeline.” The show will be held April 24 at Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Mich.

Thom Lipari looks to the past and the company’s achievements with gratitude. “I would like to thank all our valued and dedicated employees, customers, vendors and consumers who have helped us reach 50 years of success.”

About Lipari Foods, LLC

Lipari Foods was founded in 1963, with headquarters in Warren, Mich., and 28 depots in the company’s operating area. Lipari has grown into a Midwest distribution company offering a wide range of quality bakery, dairy, deli, packaging, seafood, grocery, confectionery, and grab & go products to over 8,000 customers in 12 states. The company’s website is liparifoods.com.