Accardi Foods

Accardi Foods is a family-run Medford distributor of specialty foods and wines that supplies chefs, restaurants, shops and retailers across New England. Its mission began with bringing the flavors of Italy to New England tables, and today its catalog also includes specialty products from around the world, selected for the kitchens it serves. Customers can browse the catalog and place orders online at any time, and the company positions itself as a partner that helps clients create something exceptional rather than simply delivering ingredients.

The family’s food story starts with Antonio Accardi, a Sicilian immigrant who blended and packed olive oil in Boston’s North End in the early 1900s. That business later closed, and in 1972 John Accardi and his son Anthony founded John Accardi & Co. John Jr. and sisters Marie and Joanne joined, the name became John Accardi & Sons, and it later grew into Accardi Foods, with more than 75 employees. The fourth generation, Angela, Brian and Michael, now owns the company.

What to Know

• A test kitchen lets clients taste products and develop ideas with the company’s Corporate Chef.
• The company cites 1949 as the start of its family business.
• It was once a two-person operation before growing to its current size.