Coppola Foods is a fourth-generation family-owned food company headquartered in London, United Kingdom, with deep-rooted origins in Salerno, Italy. Specializing in the production and global distribution of authentic Italian and Mediterranean food products, the company is renowned for combining heritage, innovation, and sustainability to deliver premium quality across its diverse product categories.
Company Background and Core Business
Established in 1903 in Salerno, Italy, as a tomato canning factory, Coppola Foods has evolved into an internationally operating enterprise led by CEO Ernesto Coppola. The company transitioned its headquarters to London to enhance its global distribution capabilities while retaining production and sourcing links in Italy and the Mediterranean region.
The business encompasses manufacturing, private labeling, and export of shelf-stable pantry staples with a strong emphasis on natural, non-GMO, and organic ingredients. Coppola Foods exports to over 40 countries across Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East.
Product and Service Offerings
Coppola Foods provides a wide range of product lines tailored for retail, foodservice, and industrial clients. Core categories include:
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Tomatoes, Sauces & Soups
- Whole and chopped preserved tomatoes
- Ready-to-use Italian pasta sauces
- Hearty soups such as minestrone and lentil soup
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Legumes & Legume-Based Products
- Cooked beans, lentils, and chickpeas in jars and pouches
- Organic and natural variants for health-focused consumers
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Vegetables & Olives
- Marinated and grilled vegetables
- Stuffed and preserved olives in brine or oil
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Condiments & Seasonings
- Ketchups, mustards, mayonnaise
- Cold-pressed oils and balsamic vinegars
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Grains & Grain-Based Products
- Traditional and ancient grains: farro, polenta, couscous
- Ready-to-eat grain mixes for salads and bowls
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Nut Butters & Spreads
- Hazelnut, peanut, and chickpea-based spreads under the Fabalous brand
Each product line is supported with organic, allergen-free, vegan, and eco-packaged options to cater to specific dietary and ethical consumer segments.
Specialization and Core USP
Coppola Foods differentiates itself through:
- Authentic Italian Provenance: Direct sourcing from southern Italian farms and processing facilities
- Nutritional Innovation: Functional foods such as chickpea spreads and high-fiber sauces
- Sustainable Packaging: Adoption of recyclable glass, BPA-free cans, and compostable materials
- Private Label Expertise: Tailored solutions for retailers and foodservice brands globally
The company emphasizes traceability, transparency, and environmental responsibility, aligning with EU food standards and modern consumer expectations.
Financial and Export Performance
As a privately held company, Coppola Foods does not publicly disclose detailed financials, but sector reports and trade data indicate:
- Exports to over 40 international markets
- Annual export growth rate of 10–15% CAGR from 2018–2023
- Key growth regions: Canada, Japan, UAE, South Korea, Germany
- Partnerships with major retailers including Whole Foods, Carrefour, and Waitrose
- Revenue estimated in the range of £20–30 million (based on global shipment data and SKU count)
Target Market
Coppola Foods targets both mainstream and niche consumer segments:
- Health-conscious urban consumers
- Organic and allergen-free food buyers
- Retailers looking for private-label Mediterranean products
- Foodservice distributors and restaurant chains
- E-commerce platforms specializing in gourmet and international foods
The company’s multi-brand strategy allows it to position distinct lines like Fontana FORMIELLO for traditional Italian cuisine, Hillfield for value-conscious buyers, and Fabalous for plant-based snacking.
Capabilities
Coppola Foods operates through a hybrid supply chain model with facilities in Italy and outsourced manufacturing partnerships. Key capabilities include:
- EU and UK-based warehouses and logistics hubs
- In-house R&D team for clean-label product development
- BRC- and IFS-certified production facilities
- Flexibility for private label, white label, and co-manufacturing contracts
Their agility in formulation and packaging has allowed the company to rapidly respond to market trends like plant-based diets and low-sugar alternatives.
Certifications and Compliance
Coppola Foods products meet or exceed the following international standards:
- BRCGS Global Food Safety Standard
- IFS Food Certification
- EU Organic Certification
- Non-GMO Project Verification
- Vegan and Vegetarian Certifications
- ISO 22000 Food Safety Management
These certifications ensure global compliance, especially for export to North America, EU, and GCC regions.
Customer Testimonials and Reviews
Coppola Foods consistently receives positive feedback for:
- Product authenticity and flavor depth
- Clear labelling and transparent sourcing
- Responsiveness to sustainability and dietary trends
Trade partners often cite the company’s “excellent customer support, product innovation, and supply chain reliability” as core strengths. Fabalous, their chickpea chocolate spread, was highly rated by The Good Shopping Guide and featured in Veganuary 2023 promotions across the UK.
Major Achievements
- 2020: Launched Fabalous, an award-winning chocolate spread made from chickpeas, with 57% less sugar than leading brands
- 2021: Expanded into plant-based and allergen-free categories
- 2022: Finalist in The Grocer’s New Product Awards (UK)
- 2023: Became a certified member of 1% for the Planet, donating part of profits to environmental causes
- 2024: Recognized in Forbes Italy’s "Food Innovators to Watch"
Coppola Foods represents the evolution of traditional Mediterranean food heritage into a modern, globally respected brand. Through innovation, sustainability, and strategic international growth, it continues to redefine what “good food” means for today’s conscious consumers.