“How did a small meat processing business evolve into an international name?” That’s the question that comes to mind as we approach Cascina Beretta.
Cascina Beretta is more than just a farm. It represents a legacy of Italian tradition. It’s a story that begins in 1812.
Imagine a time when Napoleon Bonaparte ruled Europe. In Barzanò, Italy, a notary deed marked the start of something special. It was the establishment of the first Fratelli Beretta factory.
Initially, it was a small local meat processing business. It faithfully served the region. Then, in the early 1900s, everything changed. Felice and Mario Beretta transformed the factory. They turned it into a modern industry. They opened a butcher shop. They also sold cured meats.
The business grew from 1921 to 1960. Beretta cured meat became popular in new Italian regions. Then came the rise of supermarkets. Giuseppe and Vittore Beretta expanded production. They invested in packaged meats. These meats could be taken right off the shelf.
Beretta was one of the first to use large-scale retail. They promoted their products at international fairs. This helped people become aware of the brand.
In 1997, Fratelli Beretta expanded to the United States. They acquired a production facility in New Jersey. The company diversified in 2002. They entered the ready-made meals market. This was done through a partnership. The partner was a leader in the sector. The new company was called Viva la Mamma Beretta.
Fratelli Beretta acquired another production facility in 2007. This one was in Fresno, California. This further increased their capacity in the United States.
The company celebrated 200 years in business in 2012. In 2015, they opened a new state-of-the-art facility in New Jersey.
Today, Fratelli Beretta remains a family-owned business. It is the oldest in the Italian charcuterie tradition. It focuses on quality. It is deeply rooted in tradition. It is also a leader in innovation.
Cascina Beretta stands as a testament to this journey. It showcases how a local business can evolve. It can grow into an international name. It is a story of tradition, innovation, and family. It all began here.