A CENTURY
OF LIVING THE
GOLDEN RULE
Nearly a century ago, Giovanni Foods began with a simple goal: treating customers as they deserved to be treated and providing what they needed most—a cold beverage and a home cooked meal. Over the decades, our commitment to adapting with the times and collaborating closely with customers has only deepened. Driven by passion and a forward-thinking approach, we have the expertise to elevate products, enhancing quality and flavor along the way.
100 Years
of Innovation
1920's
Prohibition
The DeMent family operated a speakeasy in Oswego, NY to serve people after a hard day of work on the water.
1930's
Post-prohibition
Demand was high for a hot meal, prompting CEO Lou DeMent’s grandmother, Thelma and great aunt, Concetta, to begin making classic Italian meals for customers, like pasta and homemade sauce.
1940's
World War II
Continually evolving, the restaurant morphed into a pasta-to-go business for women working long hours in factories to pick up and take home.
1950's
Sharing the family recipe
Lou’s grandfather, Giovanni DiMento (DeMent) went all in on sauce-producing and packing business, using his kitchen, basement, and garage to cook and bottle their family recipe.
1970's
Business from its roots
With an entrepreneurial spirit, Lou’s father Jack took the business from its roots of DeMent’s nostalgic sauce in Oswego, NY, to selling the product in local chain grocery stores.
1980's
More than just pasta sauce
Giovanni Foods began producing more than just pasta sauce. We also signed a contract to provide sauce for Reduced Cost Lunch programs through USDA Food For Kids.
1990's
Flourishing and Evolving
Lou DeMent graduates from LeMoyne College and joins the family business, helping the business continue to flourish and evolve.
2000's
…and beyond
Giovanni expanded to a larger facility in Baldwinsville, entered into new manufacturing agreements with beloved retailers nationwide, and continues to provide modern, customer-first solutions.
Values that guide
Everything we do
We’re ready to help wherever needed and always open to feedback.
We believe in honesty, transparency, truth, and genuine relationships.
We’re endlessly curious, flexible, open-minded, ready to listen and learn.
Work smarter, not harder, use planned processes strategically and learn from mistakes.
We respect in word, tone, and actions.
Values that guide
Everything we do
We’re ready to help wherever needed and always open to feedback.
We believe in honesty, transparency, truth, and genuine relationships.
We’re endlessly curious, flexible, open-minded, ready to listen and learn.
Work smarter, not harder, use planned processes strategically and learn from mistakes.
We respect in word, tone, and actions.
