2023 ESG Report
Venetian Meats – A family tradition since 1954
January 11, 2024
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What began as a small business venture making salami in the backyard, grew into a local production facility that manufactures a gourmet line of dry cured and cooked deli meats.
Serving all of Canada and areas of the United States, Venetian Meats is a family-owned business that began in 1954, founded by two close friends from Northern Italy. Gino Dal Bello took full ownership of Venetian Meats when his business partner passed and has since handed this down to his children and eventually to his grandchildren.
Wanting to keep their grandfather’s legacy alive, cousins and current owners Daniel Dorigiola and Mark Dal Bello, took over Venetian Meats a few years ago to expand. “I have always been interested in entrepreneurship from a young age,” says Daniel. “I left the finance industry and Mark said farewell to engineering, so we could partner together and continue moving things forward.”
The Loblaw Companies and Venetian Meats partnership spans many years, from the days when their grandfather delivered products by bicycle. Fortinos was the first large business partner for Venetian Meats and the partnership is still going strong today, as Fortinos bakery and deli director, Charlie Alfano, continues to work closely with Daniel and Mark. “Charlie is just a great partner to have,” says Daniel. “He knows the history, loves the products and is always finding ways to drive the business forward.”
Partnership, innovation and creativity are key factors in the success of Venetian Meat’s product line. Although traditional family recipes and methods are used, Venetian Meats strives to stay current, get involved wherever they can and continue maintaining their quality reputation for generations to come.
Despite having been around for almost 70 years, which will be celebrated in 2024, Venetian Meats is still growing and with growth, comes investment, which is why the announcement of Loblaw’s Small Supplier Program was positive news for the team. “I couldn’t believe it. I almost fell off my chair,” says Daniel. “Things like faster payment terms and dedicated support are crucial for us small suppliers, so this announcement truly couldn’t have come at a better time.”
In collaboration with Loblaw’s merchandising and procurement teams, Venetian Meats is currently exploring opportunities to expand their offerings in more of our stores across the country.
Venetian Meats products are available nationally across our market division locations including Fortinos and Loblaws stores.
