Musco Food Corp., now marking its grand 100th anniversary, has spent generations doing what it has always done best: sourcing exceptional imported foods, prioritizing consistency and quality while building lasting relationships.

During its Centennial, we invite you to join us on our historic journey of dedication, adaptation, and family values that reflect the traditions upon which Musco Food built its reputation.

Roots That Predate the Brand

“Legacy, what is a legacy? It’s planting seeds in a garden you never get to see.”
– Lin Manuel-Miranda

The Musco story begins before the company name ever appeared on a storefront. In the late 1800s, the Musco family was already deeply involved in traditional Italian cheesemaking, working alongside farmers in Sicily who treated food as both a livelihood and a legacy. What they didn’t know? That this early exposure to craft, regional expertise, and traditional methods would later build the company’s commitment and groundwork when members of the family immigrated to the United States and settled in New York City.

By 1926, the originally named Musco & Company opened in New York’s Little Italy, importing Italian cheeses and specialty foods for the fast-growing immigrant population. Back then, these products were less so indulgences; they were necessities. Food was a fundamental part of the bedrock of how families maintained cultural continuity in a new country, and importers like Musco became the essential bridges between old-world producers and American tables.

Growth Without Losing Identity

Musco Food’s move to Maspeth, Queens in the 1970s, and into a large-scale warehouse operation marked a shift in scale, not in values. The company grew its product line to include more European offerings while maintaining a careful approach to sourcing. Imported cheeses, olives and cured meats were still the heart and soul of the portfolio, and they were joined by pantry staples, Extra Virgin Olive Oils, vinegars, and preserved foods that shared the same guiding principle: authenticity, quality, and good taste.

The Evolution of Vantia and Merro

In the 1980s and 1990s, Musco Food retired its historic brand Amastra to launch Vantia, a private label focused on high quality Italian cheese and salumi. Vantia was developed as a guarantor to honor Italian traditions while making them accessible to a modern American market. The brand’s core prestige and philosophy reflect Musco Food’s longstanding relationships with Italian producers and its understanding of what makes an ingredient both authentic and delicious.

Merro, on the other hand, represents Musco Food’s broader Mediterranean and European perspective. With an emphasis on premium cheeses and specialty items from beyond Italy, Merro products were the perfect blend of reliability and quality. One of the best examples is the award-winning anchovies! They tend to get attention, and for good reason. Anchovies are not forgiving and when they are poorly sourced or rushed, they overpower other ingredients. But Merro’s dedication to the craft requires doing everything by hand- which is how the anchovies hold up so well in dishes or by themselves.

Over the years, both brands expanded and grew their own portfolios to include a wider range of aged cheeses, Extra Virgin Olive Oils, pantry staples, and more!

Marking this Moment

What distinguishes Musco Food is not any single product or specialty, but the relationships behind them. This includes historical suppliers who have passed techniques down through generations and loyal customers who have built businesses that feature Musco Food’s imports.

As Musco Food enters its second century, we wanted to thank family members, devoted employees and everyone who has been a part of this journey. Whether it is in the past or present, we would not be where we are today without every single individual’s support and dedication. Stay tuned for more exciting news & announcements for Musco Food’s 100^th anniversary!