V. Formusa Co., Inc

For over a century, V. Formusa Co. has brought authentic Italian flavors to American tables through its Marconi brand family of food products. Combining culinary expertise with family tradition, the company continues its four-generation legacy of providing the highest quality and service to its customers.

Founded by Vincent Formusa, V. Formusa Co. produces specialty Italian products, which include its signature Chicago-style Giardiniera, gourmet pepper blends, pasta sauces, salad dressings and vinegars, alongside premium imported tomatoes from Italy. Each Marconi product is designed to enhance meals for households and restaurants while delivering consistent, high-quality offerings to retailers nationwide.

“What my family and I have accomplished in the past 25 years makes us proud, but 127 years of history makes it even more meaningful,” says Jeff Johnson, president and 4th generation Formusa.

V. Formusa Co.is led by a closely connected, multi-generational team. Jeff works alongside his parents, Bob and Sue Johnson and his sister, Joey Schramm, who oversees operations. Together, they bring hands-on experience and a shared passion that drives the company’s growth by fostering innovation and expanding its range of specialty Italian products.

Building Client Loyalty through Transparency and Expertise

Bold pepper blends, Italian-style salads and other specialty recipes give customers a reason to reach for the Marconi jar beyond price. Its flagship Chicago-style Giardiniera has grown from a Chicago favorite to a nationwide staple over the past two decades.

V. Formusa Co. serves major national retailers, independent grocers and family-owned delis. Marconi products are found on shelves nationwide. No matter where it’s sold, customers can expect the same consistent quality and flavor in every jar.

Bringing a jar to the shelf is a complex process. Crop performance, supplier deliveries and packaging affect timing and price. V. Formusa Co. overcomes these hurdles through careful planning, proactive problem-solving and clear communication with clients about pricing and lead times. A transparent approach reassures customers that any price adjustments reflect efforts to maintain consistent quality and the value the Marconi name represents.

Setting it apart is its commitment to providing personal attention and open accessibility. Clients and consumers can connect with knowledgeable staff who are eager to share the brand’s story and educate them on what makes its products special.

“At our core, we’re a small business doing big things and still very personalized to our customers,” says Johnson.

Preserving Culinary Heritage with Versatile Innovation

V. Formusa Co.’s story traces back to the timeline when Jeff Johnson’s great-grandfather began importing olive oil, pasta, canned tomatoes and other Italian specialties to serve familiar foods to the Italian community in Chicago. When World War I caused olive oil prices to rise, he blended it with cottonseed, soybean and other vegetable oils. This eventually led to the development of Chicago-style Giardiniera, a blend of marinated peppers and vegetables in oil.

Giardiniera means ‘from the garden’ in Italian. It refers to the traditional Italian method of preserving vegetables by curing them with vinegar and salt. The Sicilian method of adding oil gave the product its distinctive flavor.

Initially sold as an antipasto salad in jars, it quickly became a popular topping for Italian beef sandwiches across Chicago. Over the past two decades, Giardiniera has grown into a versatile condiment enjoyed on pizza, sandwiches, sausages, eggs, tacos and barbecue.

The team has found that customer preferences for heat levels vary widely, with flavor often taking priority over spiciness. Insights from customers and restaurants guide the production of mild, medium-hot and hot varieties, ensuring the right balance of flavor and heat for different palates.

V. Formusa Co. has expanded its offerings to include beans and a curated selection of olives from Italy, Spain, Greece and California. While Giardiniera remains its flagship product, V. Formusa Co. takes pride in being a full-fledged specialty foods company offering flavorful products nationwide.