The Ambriola Company

Italy stands as a one of the leaders in the art of cheese-making an expertise that has brought it global acclaim. Acting as a venerable conduit for this celebrated Italian craftsmanship to American tables is The Ambriola Company, an exclusive importer and distributor of Italian specialty cheeses, with a distinguished legacy dating back to 1921.

The Auricchio SpA, Cremona, Italy owns and operates a network of nine state-of-the-art cheese production facilities scattered across Italy. The Ambriola Company is the US subsidiary and exclusive importer, distributor, and converter in the US. These factories are devoted to the crafting of an extraordinary range of cheeses, many of which are designated as Denominazione di Origine Protetta (D.O.P.) which translates to Protected Designation of Origin —a label signifying adherence to stringent local and historical production standards and techniques.

Ambriola’s distinctive edge lies in the historical significance of its branding opportunities in the US. The Locatelli brand alone accounts for over 50 percent of total consumer Pecorino Romano retail sales. According to Information Resources, Inc. (IRI), these reports further underscore the brand’s dominant presence, comprising over 50 percent of the overall consumption within its category. The firm also imports a wide range of other cheeses such as the historic Auricchio Provolone, known for being handmade and the Crema line of spreadable Italian cheese.

“Locatelli Pecorino Romano reigns as the #1 best-selling REAL Italian cheese in the US. Complimenting this, we feature a line of Crema as a prime example of our innovative approach,” says John Dammacco, vice president of sales and marketing at The Ambriola Company. Locatelli has a long-standing tradition of quality and excellence.

The company is divided into segments of retail, industrial, and food services, delivering cut, grate and shredded, to order, specialty cheeses and ensuring freshness, untarnished product quality, integrity, and shelf life. This approach aligns with customer demands for high fill rates, maintaining an excellent track record. It provides an extensive range of Italian cheeses, offering a wide selection to cater to customer’s preferences.

The firm offers a gamut of Italian cheeses from DOP Gorgonzola to DOP Reggiano Parmigiano, DOP Pecorino Romano, and many other classic Italian table cheeses. Ambriola adopts a distinct strategy in terms of food services and fosters its innovative inclinations, converting Pecorino Romano into re-sealable bags and offering kitchen-functional sizes for provolone cheeses, for example.

It also has other cheeses such as DOP Taleggio, which has been on Italian plates since Caesar’s reign and the age-old Provolone cheese. Being a single-source supplier, Auricchio produces cheeses from its in-house manufacturing plants. Ambriola also collects orders from around the US promptly delivering BULK, specialty precut or retail packages, (converted in its SQF facility to order), making Ambriola invaluable to their customers.

Possessing a keen understanding of customers’ needs and position within the marketplace is of utmost importance. Ambriola relies on its broker partners to be informed about current market dynamics, enabling the firm to respond to various requirements, promotional opportunities, new product development, and feedback.

Ambriola adheres to the principle that there is no universal, one-size-fits-all approach. It customizes services to suit the requirements, locations, and preferences of different retailers and food service establishments. These measures are executed in strict compliance with the Safe Quality Foods (SQF) standards. Exemplary quality is attained through the employment of a staff maintaining impeccable hygiene.

In one instance, Ambriola collaborated with a successful, large, box store, club business. As pricing dynamics evolved, the client approached Ambriola with multiple requests. The firm embraced a customer-centric approach and employed strategic changes which included changing pack sizes and revamping the product’s appearance, creating a more marketable product for their customers. Willingness to adapt and find tailored solutions underscores the firm’s long-term collaboration and dedication to fostering mutually beneficial relationships.

These accomplishments are made feasible by the proficiency of Ambriola’s team, with a rich industry experience spanning over 100 years. They have witnessed the evolution of specialty cheese, transforming from only being available in small, local shops during the early and mid-seventies to having a prominent presence in major retailers. Thanks to the ACS and their CCP (Certified Cheese Professional) programs the next generation of monger is well-equipped to keep the torch lit.

The Ambriola Company prides itself on understanding not only its products, but how they fit in today’s world. Another instance that showcases the flourishing of the hard Italian cheese business carries a nostalgic undertone. From seeing the Locatelli brand of Pecorino Romano cheese in their parents’ and grandparents’ refrigerators, consumers have carried this tradition along with them for years. Tugging at these strings of sentimentality, Ambriola ensures that the stores are stocked with fresh quality Italian cheeses, driving sales. The company stands tall in providing the finest cheese from Italy for consumers who seek a taste of Italy throughout the U.S.