The Birth of Mancini

The family-owned and operated company was founded by Antonio Mancini, an Italian immigrant. During his time in New Britain, Connecticut, he owned a small Italian grocery store and started a macaroni factory with his wife Margherita. Antonio would long for an Italian delicacy he used to have as a child: Sweet Roasted Red Bell Peppers. Taking matters into his own hands, he started to roast his specialty “Pepperoni Dolce Arrostiti” which became a hit with his neighbors. As demand for his favorite childhood delicacy grew, so did business. In 1922, Antonio, Margherita and their six children began operations for Mancini Packing Company, concentrating on the production of peppers and leaving the grocery and macaroni business behind.

Production in Florida

In search of better conditions for production, Joseph, son of Antonio Mancini, went to Florida, where the growing season for peppers was much longer than in Connecticut. In 1940, he found the perfect place to establish a small factory for Mancini: Zolfo Springs, Florida. Situated in Central Florida, the small town has been their production hub ever since. There, peppers are pushed onto conveyor belts and inspected by hand, then discarded if they show any quality defects. The ones that pass inspection are sent up a vertical belt, which takes them to a roofed enclosure outside the factory walls. From there, they go into a cylindrical barrel roaster, which roasts the peppers with 1,500-degree Fahrenheit flames.

The rebirth of a family business

The company continued to grow strong and embraced some changes along the way. During World War II, they made some adjustments to their brand image. Due to the scarcity attributed to the war, Mancini Packing Company changed their packaging from tin cans to glass jars.

The recent pandemic caused some difficulties for the company, causing it to halt operations in March 2022. Fast forward a couple months later, the brand has been revived by none other than third generation family member Alan Mancini and his wife Debbi Mancini.

The couple has big plans for the iconic brand, including retail and foodservice expansion. Under the new name of Mancini Foods LLC., the company also plans to introduce Italian specialty food innovations to the industry.

We are lucky enough to be carrying three of their delicious products this year:

• Mancini Sweet Roasted Peppers:

  Selected from the finest variety of peppers and fire-roasted to perfection, yielding boldly-flavored, crisp-tender peppers. Eat them on their own or add them to a variety of dishes such as pasta or salad greens. You can also purée them for romesco sauce. (Item #: 581815 | 12/12 OZ)

• Mancini Fried Peppers:

  Bold and zesty flavors that will take your meatloaf, spaghetti, or Arrabbiati Arancini to the next level. (Item #: 581830 | 12/12 OZ)

• Mancini Fried Pepper Longhots:

  Careful, these are hot! These peppers are perfect for anyone looking for a bit of a kick! (Item #: 581844 | 12/12 OZ)