At Musco Food, we proudly partner with artisanal producers who uphold time-honored traditions and deliver uncompromising quality. One standout among them is Licini Brothers, a family-run cured meat producer tucked away in Union City, New Jersey, where Italian-style salumi has been crafted with precision and passion for over 50 years.

From Bergamo to Union City

The Licini story begins in the 1950s, when two brothers left Bergamo, Italy, bringing with them generations of salumi-making know-how and a deep love for the craft. In 1971, they took over a small salumeria in Union City. Guided by tradition and a commitment to quality, they transformed it into a thriving hub of authentic, handcrafted charcuterie—right here in the U.S. Though their products are made domestically, each one proudly carries the soul and flavor of classic Italian salumi.

Staying True to the Craft

Each day at Licini begins with the basics: careful selection, boning, and meticulous trimming of fresh pork. Depending on what’s being produced, the following steps will vary. If salami production is on the schedule, the trimmed meat is seasoned with their secret spice blends—kept within the family for generations—and gently packed into casings. Many of their casings are natural, fibrous collagen casings, chosen for their ability to enhance flavor, even at the cost of a shorter shelf life. If it’s Guanciale production, pork cheeks are carefully seasoned with salt and spices before being left to dry.

In any case, the real magic is their patience. Instead of rushing the aging process, Licini ages their salumi slowly and naturally in temperature-controlled rooms, where beneficial mold cultures – formed organically and inhabiting the walls over decades – lend their products a signature character you won’t find anywhere else. Some producers tend to rush the aging process in hot rooms to quicken production time. This can result in unevenly cured products, with a dry exterior but under-cured interior. You will never see this with Licini products – every slice of their salami is evenly pink and has the same perfectly-cured texture throughout.

Quality You Can Trust

While Licini stays true to tradition, they also uphold modern standards to ensure safety and consistency. Their USDA-certified facility employs rigorous food safety measures, including advanced microbial testing, low water activity targets, and a dedicated food scientist who specializes in dry sausage production. Each product is vacuum-sealed at peak ripeness to preserve character and freshness from their facility to our warehouse to your shelves.

What Sets Licini Apart

What sets Licini apart is their deep-rooted commitment to craftsmanship. Every detail of their process reflects a “quality over quantity” mindset, from small-batch production that allows for hands-on care, to traditional techniques carried out with minimal automation. Their salumi is patiently aged to bring out rich, layered flavors, using only high-quality ingredients. It’s this thoughtful, old-world approach—carried out right here in New Jersey—that brings unmatched authenticity and flavor to every cut.

Essential Cuts for Every Counter

Whether you’re building out a deli program, upgrading your menu, or helping your customers discover real Italian flavor, Licini offers standout staples you’ll want on hand:

• Guanicale – Cured pork jowl with deep, savory richness. Ideal for classics like pasta all’Amatriciana.
• Pancetta – Salt-cured and aged pork belly. Pan-fry until crispy and toss into winter greens or roasted veggies.
• Sweet Sopressata – Coarsely ground, intensely porky. Slice thin and serve with crusty bread and aged pecorino.
• Hot Salame – A spicy blend of cayenne and red pepper that brings the heat without overpowering.

Bring the Best of Italian Salumi to Your Shelves

From rows of salami aging gracefully in climate-controlled rooms to the precision packaging that locks in freshness, Licini represents the best of Italian tradition brough to life in New Jersey.

If you’re looking to elevate your charcuterie case or introduce customers to authentic Italian salumi, Musco Food is proud to bring you the exceptional offerings of Licini Bros—where every slice tells a story of passion, patience, and heritage.