Touted as one of the premier regional fresh cut vegetable processors, Pellerito Foods, Inc. is the result of three generations of produce merchants.  John Bolone started it all with a banana house in the early 1900’s at the Detroit Produce Terminal.  Bolone, who designed a unique ripening facility, was so successful that he became known as the “Banana King.”

When Bolone’s son Carmen and the Pellerito family started a produce company in 1943 the company was the first in the country to peel potatoes.  However the company focused on the distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables.

In the early 1960’s, other fresh-cut vegetables were introduced into the market which included whole peeled and cut carrots, onions, and shredded cabbage to name a few.

James Pellerito worked with his dad John in the business from the 1960’s and 70’s.  After graduating from Arizona State Universities School of Business in the late 70’s, James joined Pellerito Foods, Inc. on a full time basis and never looked back.

With over 45 years of experience and the past 30 years as President and CEO, James has guided Pellerito Foods to a new level of excellence.

Offering fresh processed produce, Pellerito Foods is the oldest known fresh-cut vegetable company in business today. The company services a regional market from its Eastern Market home of over 65 years, and over 500 customers during these years.  Its food service base has been mainly prepared food manufactures, soup companies and national wholesale distributors.

Pellerito Foods has been loyal to the local wholesale distributors and the purchasing of Michigan grown produce.  There are over 200 different pre-cut vegetable products that have been offered, from trimmed asparagus to zucchini sticks in the alphabet.  The company currently focuses on fresh and refrigerated cooked potatoes and one of the largest processors in the country.

Today’s precut vegetable facility is located just off of I-75 in Detroit’s Historic Eastern Market. Pellerito Foods boast a Superior Rating from a third party auditor.  The company has been updating and implementing new equipment for food safety and production.