We Started As A Family. We're Still Family.
Our story began right after World War II. Founder David G Rahal was working with his family’s business, to sell juice and canned fruit to the US retail and food service market. After learning the business from the ground up, he decided to start his own trade and import company. The late 50s and early 60s were a boom time for the food industry. Getting in on the ground floor allowed National Cortina to establish lasting relationships with domestic partners. As the company grew, we expanded our import business and many of the relationships we developed became global partners. Today, we’re still a family business, with the third generation of the Rahal family, David Rahal along with CEO John LiDestri. And what started as a tomato import company has since grown to include olive oil, IQF and aseptic fruits and vegetables, beef and so much more. Now, with the expansion of private label and food innovation in general, we’re ready for the next generation of success.