Rustica Foods: An Industry Leader in the Production of Authentic Italian Products
Isabelle D'Ovidio is the Sales and Marketing Director of Rustica Foods, a family-run business recognized as a leader in authentic Italian pizza and focaccia production. With a legacy rooted in Montreal’s Italian baking traditions since 1958, Isabelle plays a key role in driving Rustica’s growth across retail, wholesale, foodservice, and private label markets through innovative strategies and a strong commitment to quality. DeliveryRank offers an exclusive interview.
Rustica Foods was recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies in 2023. What specific strategies and practices contributed to this achievement, and how do they align with the company’s mission and values?
Our recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for three consecutive years is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth. Key strategies included investing in operational efficiencies, implementing rigorous quality control protocols, and fostering a people first culture that empowers our teams. We’ve maintained a clear strategic vision focused on customer satisfaction, product innovation, and supply chain resilience. These efforts are directly aligned with our mission: to deliver high-quality, authentic pizza products with integrity and passion. Our core values— craftsmanship, collaboration, and continuous improvement—are embedded in every level of our organization.
In 2016, the company expanded to a 60,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility with a highly flexible production line. What were the key considerations in designing this facility, and how has it enhanced production capabilities and product offerings?
When designing our 65,000 sq. ft. facility, our top priorities were flexibility, scalability, and food safety. We created a layout that could support diverse production formats, rapid line changeovers, and a variety of crust and topping combinations. The integration of advanced automation and precision baking technologies allowed us to increase capacity while maintaining artisan-level quality. This expansion significantly enhanced our ability to launch new SKUs, meet custom private label demands, and ensure consistent, high-volume output—solidifying Rustica’s reputation as a trusted partner to retailers across North America.
With an on-site R&D team and test kitchen, there is a strong focus on product perfection and providing clients with precise serving instructions and suggestions. How does this integrated approach influence product development and ensure quality control?
Our on-site R&D team and test kitchen are the heartbeat of our innovation. This integrated setup allows for real-time collaboration between product developers, chefs, and production teams. New ideas are tested, refined, and validated under commercial conditions before going to market. We also develop detailed serving and preparation guidelines tailored to each retail partner’s equipment and needs—ensuring that consumers experience our products as intended. This hands-on, iterative approach minimizes risk, shortens development cycles, and guarantees consistency from the factory to the dinner table.
The company has built a reputation for its authentic Italian pizza products. How do you balance preserving traditional pizza-making techniques while innovating to meet evolving consumer preferences?
Preserving the authenticity of Italian pizza is central to who we are. We use time-honored methods—such as long fermentation doughs, stone-deck baking, and premium ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers. At the same time, we actively monitor emerging trends in health, flavor, and convenience. Our R&D team collaborates with customers to adapt traditional formats into new offerings, such as gluten-free crusts, plant based toppings, and international flavor profiles, without compromising on quality or heritage. This balance ensures that Rustica stays rooted in tradition while staying ahead of the curve.
In May 2023, a new 82,000 sq. ft. storage facility was constructed as part of the company’s fifth expansion. What prompted this latest expansion, and how does it help better serve retail customers across North and South America?
The integration of our new 82,000 sq. ft. storage facility in May 2023 was a strategic move to support sustained growth and improve supply chain efficiency. With increasing demand across North and South America, we recognized the need to significantly expand our storage capacity. This facility has enhanced our ability to manage higher inventory volumes, optimize logistics, and reduce delivery lead times. By centralizing storage and increasing operational flexibility, we’ve strengthened our distribution capabilities and reinforced our commitment to reliability, responsiveness, and high service standards for all our retail partners.
In Q1 2026, Rustica will launch its sixth expansion with the addition of a new production facility. What are the goals of this expansion, and how will it impact overall production capacity and market reach?
Coming on the heels of our 25th anniversary celebrated on May 3, 2025, Rustica’s sixth expansion in Q1 2026 represents both a celebration of our legacy and a bold step toward the future. The addition of a new state-of the-art production facility will increase our manufacturing capacity from 40 million to 90 million pizzas annually. This significant scale-up is a response to growing demand across North and South America, and reflects our continued commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence. With this expansion, we’re reinforcing our leadership in the premium frozen pizza market while laying the foundation for the next generation of growth.
For more information about Rustica and where to find our products, visit www.rusticafoods.com or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok and LinkedIn.