About Carmela Foods

Our Story: Family Driven. Client-Focused. Midwest Strong.

Rooted in Family, Driven by Flavor

Founded in 1992 in Michigan, Carmela Foods was inspired by the culinary passion of Carmela Tocco—a remarkable home cook who passed down her love for quality ingredients and flavor-first cooking. What began as a small, family-run venture has grown into one of the Midwest’s leading foodservice distribution companies, proudly serving Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana with a curated portfolio of specialty and premium products, led by Tony Tocco.

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Direct Source. Purposefully Curated.

Carmela Foods is more than a distributor—we are a direct source purveyor, connecting chefs and retailers to high-quality products straight from producers, farms, and suppliers around the world. From artisan makers to global producers, we focus on building trusted relationships that bring our partners closer to the source.

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Built on Relationships, Committed to Excellence

With over 30 years of experience in foodservice distribution and specialty retail, we’ve earned a reputation for reliability, product knowledge, and personalized service. Our success comes from deep collaboration—with our clients and with valued partners like Chef Source, whose chef-led expertise helps us uncover emerging products and support culinary innovation across the region.

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Beginning with one product, one truck, and one customer, we set out to build a portfolio of the finest foods and beverages in the world.  30 years later, we've achieved much of that goal, but the more we learn, taste, and experience, the more we know that our search for the world's finest products will go on.  

While our outlook may be global, our local farmers and community programs have always remained among our most cherished priorities. They represent the best of our hometown, our home state, and our culinary roots.

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Anthony Tocco Jr.

Owner/Founder Carmela Foods

Quality You can Trust

Artisan Bread

Gluten Free Specialties

Seafood

Coffee and Specialty Beverages

Antibiotic Free, Growth Hormone Free

Fresh Poultry

Michigan Farmstead Cheddar

Fresh Organic Michigan Herbs

Prosciutto, Salami and Mortadella

San Marzano Tomatoes

Speciality Retail Groceries

Italian Gelatos and Desserts

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Carmela Staff & Culture

Our Midwest-Based Logistics & Sales Team

From southern Chicago to the tip of Mackinac Island, our dedicated team is always nearby and ready to serve. With a strong presence across Michigan and Ohio, Carmela Foods operates five strategically located warehouses and a reliable fleet of 5 semis and 35 box trucks. Whether it’s your friendly sales rep or dependable delivery driver, you can count on us for exceptional service and local support—wherever you are.

 
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