OUR STORY
Our Caliendo Family’s tradition of olive cultivation began back in Southern Italy where agriculture of olives, fruit and grapes thrived in these regions known as the Kingdom of Naples and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. As the story goes, Domenico, Savino and Pierro Caliendo arrived in New York in the late 1800s. My Great Grandfather, Francesco Caliendo came over in 1909 and his wife, Carmella, in 1911. Francesco followed his passion for olive oils, cheeses and the Italian food business and found opportunity bringing our authentic cuisine to the American pallets. It wasn’t a new idea, no. But the way Francesco did it, is what made him successful. And he handed his business know-how and love of the tradition and simplicity of Italian ingredients down to his sons, Frank, Phillip, Vito and Michael.
But it was my Pop, Phillip Caliendo, Francesco’s grandson, who took the torch. He pioneered with great Italian cheese and olive oil producers in the 70’s and the 80’s and was the slickest relationship-maker and procurer between the producers and establishments that wanted and needed their products. He ruled Chicago and the tri-state NY, NJ and PA regions. So much so, the producers had to rapidly expand in order to accommodate so much new business! According to my Grandpop, Phillip, the Caliendo’s always had this type of finesse in our blood. He once told me, “Son, one day you’re gonna sell ice to Eskimos.” He was right. My dad, Philip was also a master chef specializing in classic and artisan Italian cuisine.
Through the years, Phillip passed his extensive knowledge of curatorship and his love for cooking down to his first-born son, which is me, Anthony Caliendo. As the head of Caliendo Foods & Imports, Inc., established in 2008, I was able to revolutionize the Italian cheese industry through my partnership with a multi-million-dollar cheese factory in NJ and I’m known as “The Big Cheese” and the #1 Cheese Salesperson in the US and globally…oh yea, and I also make the Sunday Gravy and other classics at our house. I followed in Pop’s footsteps.
After taking the Italian cheese business to the pinnacle of success, I decided it was time to honor the family name and build my own Caliendo Legacy. We’ve gone back to the family tradition of olive oil production and penetrating the market with premium quality products and innovative flavors. Today, with my sons Anthony, Jr., Giovanni and Luciano, we carry on the Caliendo name through our exciting line of Olive Oils and Balsamic Vinegars. “We’re gonna make you an offer you can’t refuse!” I guarantee it!
Our olive oils are produced in some of the best olive producing regions in the world including Italy, Spain and Greece in order to give our customers the best quality and price available in the market! Our balsamic vinegars are authentic IGP of Modena and we offer both in traditional flavors as well as the most unique and innovative infusions in the world. One taste and you’ll agree!
Welcome to the Caliendo Family! I hope you enjoy our products – from our table to yours!