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Bazzini

The A. L. Bazzini Company, commonly known as Bazzini, is an American nut, dried fruit, chocolate, and snack company headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania.^[1] Founded in 1886 by Italian immigrant Anthony L. Bazzini in New York City, it is the oldest nut company in the United States, originally selling nuts by the pound to bakers, street vendors, and individuals.^[2]^[3] The company relocated its headquarters and main operations to the Lehigh Valley in 2011 and has supplied peanuts to Yankee Stadium since 1923. In 2011, it acquired the Barton’s Candy Company, expanding its confectionery offerings. As of 2025, Bazzini continues to process and distribute premium nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate-covered snacks.^[4]^[3]

History

Founding and Early Years

Bazzini was founded in 1886 by Anthony L. Bazzini, an Italian immigrant who established the A. L. Bazzini Company in the Washington Market neighborhood of Manhattan on Park Place.^[5]^[6] This location placed the business at the heart of New York City's bustling wholesale markets, where fresh produce and goods were traded daily in the post-Civil War era. Bazzini's arrival reflected the broader wave of Italian immigration to New York in the late 19th century, as many newcomers sought economic opportunities in a rapidly industrializing city.^[7] The company's early operations centered on wholesale nut processing, with Bazzini selling nuts by the pound directly to bakers, street vendors, and individual customers. This model capitalized on the demand for affordable, high-quality ingredients in New York's growing food sector, where nuts were essential for baking and street food preparation. Bazzini personally oversaw the sourcing, roasting, and distribution, building a reputation for reliability amid the competitive immigrant-driven economy.^[8] From its inception, Bazzini has maintained continuous operations, earning its distinction as the oldest nut company in the United States.^[4] The founder's entrepreneurial spirit exemplified the resilience of Italian immigrants, who often started small-scale ventures in neighborhoods like Washington Market to support their families and contribute to the city's commercial vitality.^[7] This foundation laid the groundwork for Bazzini's enduring presence in American snacking traditions.

Expansion and Relocation

In the early 1900s, as demand for its nut and raisin products grew, the A.L. Bazzini Company expanded its operations by leasing additional space in Manhattan, including the six-story loft building at 339-343 Greenwich Street, constructed around 1899-1900 specifically to accommodate its importing and processing needs.^[9] This facility, designed by architect C. Wilson Atkins in a Romanesque Revival style, featured wide arcades and robust construction suited for industrial use, enabling the company to scale up from its original pushcart origins.^[10] Anthony L. Bazzini, the company's founder, passed away on September 11, 1979, after serving as president for much of its existence.^[11] Operations continued seamlessly under family members, his heirs maintaining control and oversight through the late 20th century, preserving the business's traditions amid ongoing growth. A key milestone during this family-led era came in 1923, when Bazzini began supplying roasted peanuts to the newly opened Yankee Stadium, a partnership that has endured for over a century and become synonymous with the ballpark experience.^[12] By the 1990s, escalating challenges in New York City, including high real-estate taxes, rising energy costs, and broader urban redevelopment pressures in TriBeCa, prompted the company to relocate its primary production from Greenwich Street—where it had operated since 1968 following the Washington Market's demolition—to a larger facility in the Hunts Point section of the Bronx in 1997.^[5] These economic strains, compounded by the need for more efficient space, marked a significant shift, though the move retained much of the workforce and consolidated operations previously dispersed to North Carolina.^[5] The Bronx location proved temporary, as stricter federal food safety regulations introduced in the 2000s necessitated further upgrades that were cost-prohibitive in the urban setting.^[13] In 2011, under CEO Rocco Damato—who had acquired the company from the Bazzini family in 1983—the headquarters and main manufacturing operations relocated to a larger, more compliant facility in Allentown, Pennsylvania, facilitating expanded production capacity while allowing about 30 employees to transfer and continuing to support New York-based distribution.^[14] This move to the Lehigh Valley represented a pivotal transition to modern, large-scale operations outside the high-cost New York environment.^[13] In February 2025, Bazzini further expanded by leasing the former Stuffed Puffs factory in the Lehigh Valley to increase manufacturing capacity while maintaining its role as the peanut supplier for Yankee Stadium.^[4]

Products and Operations

Core Product Lines

Bazzini's core product lines have evolved from basic roasted nuts to a diversified assortment of premium snacks, emphasizing quality roasting and innovative packaging to meet modern consumer demands. The company's foundational offerings include a wide array of individual nuts such as almonds, cashews, filberts (also known as hazelnuts), pistachios, peanuts, pecans, Brazil nuts, and pepitas, all available in roasted forms to enhance natural flavors.^[15]^[12] Complementing these core nuts are seasoned varieties and mixes designed for varied tastes, including salted jumbo peanuts and trail mixes that blend multiple nuts for convenient snacking.^[16] Bazzini extends its range into dried fruits like raisins and apricots, which pair seamlessly with nuts for healthier options.^[17] Further diversification includes chocolate confections such as chocolate-covered nuts and espresso beans, offering indulgent treats that combine Bazzini's nut expertise with premium cocoa.^[15] The lineup also features fruit and nut bars for on-the-go nutrition, alongside nut butters in assorted flavors for versatile use in cooking or spreading.^[12] Gift sets, particularly in nostalgic retro tins, provide curated selections of these products for holidays and special occasions, while resealable pouch bags ensure freshness for retail consumers and bulk options cater to larger purchases or wholesale needs.^[15] These products are supplied to various venues, including Yankee Stadium, where Bazzini peanuts have been a staple since 1923.^[18]

Manufacturing and Distribution

Bazzini's manufacturing processes emphasize batch roasting to achieve optimal flavor, texture, and freshness in nuts and dried fruits. This method involves small-batch processing to maintain consistency and quality, particularly for products like pistachios and cashews, which are roasted to enhance natural flavors while preserving nutritional value. The company processes a range of nuts, including almonds, pecans, filberts, and Brazil nuts, in raw, salted, roasted, or flavored varieties, with techniques refined over decades to meet evolving food safety standards. In January 2025, Bazzini leased a new 150,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at 3910 Burgess Place in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to expand operations and complement its existing Allentown facility.^[19]^[20]^[21]^[12] Quality control is integral to operations, with adherence to SQF (Safe Quality Food) regulations, cGMP compliance, and strict allergen management protocols enforced throughout production. These measures include monitoring equipment cleanliness and enforcing hygiene standards to prevent contamination, ensuring products meet kosher certification requirements via the Orthodox Union's circled-U symbol. Sourcing focuses on high-quality raw materials to support freshness, with ongoing adaptation to federal food safety laws.^[22]^[23]^[24] Packaging innovations include resealable pouch bags for consumer convenience and extended shelf life, retro tins for bulk storage, and customizable wholesale options in sizes such as 1.25-ounce packs or 4-pound tins. These formats cater to both retail and bulk needs, incorporating minimal material use while prioritizing product integrity in cool, dry conditions or freezing for up to a year.^[1]^[25] Distribution operates through a hybrid model serving retailers like gourmet stores and grocers, foodservice clients such as Yankee Stadium for in-shell peanuts, and direct-to-consumer sales via an online platform with nationwide UPS and FedEx Ground shipping. A distribution center in Bronx, New York, complements manufacturing at the Allentown and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania facilities, enabling efficient national reach with orders up to 50 pounds processed online and larger volumes handled via phone. This setup supports broad supply chain management for consistent delivery to vendors, bakers, and individual customers.^[12]^[26]^[25]

Facilities and Infrastructure

Historic Bazzini Building

The Historic Bazzini Building, located at 339-343 Greenwich Street (also known as 21 Jay Street) in Manhattan's Tribeca neighborhood, was constructed between 1899 and 1900 as a six-story loft and warehouse for the estate of John H. Mohlmann.^[6]^[10] Designed by architect C. Wilson Atkins, the structure replaced four smaller brick buildings and was built with a steel-frame and masonry construction, featuring a beige brick facade accented by brownstone trim and a granite base.^[6]^[9] Architecturally, the building exemplifies Renaissance Revival and Romanesque Revival styles, with distinctive wide, five-story arcades on the Jay Street facade formed by cast-iron piers and segmental arches that frame recessed window openings.^[6] On the Greenwich Street side, smaller arches and paired windows provide a more restrained elevation, while functional elements like loading docks, folding iron shutters, transom grilles, and a fixed metal awning at truck level supported its original role in wholesale storage and distribution.^[10]^[6] These features reflect the late 19th-century industrial architecture of Tribeca West, a hub for food wholesaling tied to the nearby Washington Market, where the building initially housed operations for cold storage of goods like butter, eggs, and tea, as well as light manufacturing and grocery distribution.^[6] The A.L. Bazzini Company acquired the property in 1943 and relocated its nut-processing and wholesale operations there in the late 1960s following the demolition of Washington Market, using the space for storage and processing of nuts and dried fruits until 1997.^[10]^[6] This move marked a key expansion for the firm amid New York City's shifting industrial landscape. After Bazzini's departure to Hunts Point due to rising real estate costs, the building was leased to other tenants, including food-related businesses like the United States Egg Corporation, before its upper stories were converted to luxury residential condominiums in 1999.^[5]^[10] As part of the Tribeca West Historic District, it remains a preserved landmark emblematic of the area's food trade heritage.^[6]

Modern Headquarters and Facilities

Bazzini's headquarters is located at 1035 Mill Road in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where the company consolidated its operations following its relocation from New York City in 2011.^[14]^[27] This move to the Lehigh Valley region was driven by the need for expanded space and compliance with evolving food safety regulations, enabling the company to maintain its position as a leading producer of nuts, fruits, and confections under private ownership.^[28] The facility supports core manufacturing processes, including roasting and packaging, with infrastructure designed for efficient bulk handling and distribution. In May 2024, Bazzini expanded its warehousing capabilities by leasing approximately 130,000 square feet at 860 Nestle Way in Breinigsville, Pennsylvania, to accommodate increased storage needs for raw materials and finished goods.^[29] This addition enhances the company's ability to manage bulk inventory, supporting scalability in production without disrupting ongoing operations at the Allentown headquarters. The warehouse features modern logistics setups optimized for the food industry, aligning with Bazzini's focus on quality control and timely fulfillment. A significant milestone came in early 2025 when Bazzini leased a 150,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at 3910 Burgess Place in Hanover Township, Pennsylvania, from J.G. Petrucci Company, Inc.^[30] Previously occupied by Stuffed Puffs, the site offers state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities, including advanced equipment for roasting, processing, and packaging, which boost production capacity and innovation in nut and confection lines.^[4] Under the leadership of CEO Rocco Damato, who has guided the privately held company since acquiring it in 1983, this expansion underscores Bazzini's commitment to growth in the Lehigh Valley, fostering family-influenced management and regional economic contributions.^[12] These facilities collectively enable enhanced support for product manufacturing and distribution, positioning Bazzini for sustained operations in a competitive market.^[31]

Legacy and Impact

Notable Partnerships and Clients

Bazzini has maintained an exclusive partnership supplying roasted peanuts to Yankee Stadium since 1923, a relationship that has continued through the venue's relocation and persists today as the official peanut provider for New York Yankees games.^[32]^[33] This supply extends to other Major League Baseball venues, including the former Shea Stadium, where Bazzini provided nuts to New York Mets games until its closure in 2008.^[5] In the foodservice sector, Bazzini partners with distributors such as The Chefs' Warehouse, supplying premium nuts like cashews, almonds, and pistachios to high-end restaurants, hotels, and culinary operations across the United States.^[34] These collaborations emphasize Bazzini's role in providing bulk, high-quality ingredients for professional kitchens and events. Bazzini also supplies confectionery and retail chains with chocolate-covered nuts, dried fruits, and snack mixes, including provisions for bulk purchases during holidays and large-scale events; notable clients include gourmet retailers like Balducci's and Zabar's in New York.^[5] These relationships support Bazzini's integration into American snacking traditions at sports and entertainment venues, where its products enhance fan experiences beyond baseball, such as at concerts and public gatherings. Recently, Bazzini has strengthened ties with the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation to facilitate facility expansions, including a 2025 lease of a 150,000-square-foot manufacturing site in Hanover Township, Pennsylvania, to boost production capacity for existing partnerships.^[4]^[27]

Cultural and Industry Significance

Bazzini holds the distinction of being the oldest nut company in the United States, founded in 1886 by Italian immigrant Anthony L. Bazzini in New York City's Washington Market neighborhood.^[18]^[2]^[27] This longevity underscores its contribution to the heritage of immigrant-founded food businesses in America, where early enterprises like Bazzini helped establish the nation's diverse snack and confectionery landscape through hands-on processing and direct sales to local vendors and consumers.^[35]^[5] The company's commitment to premium quality has set enduring standards in nut processing, preserving traditional roasting techniques that emphasize natural flavors and meticulous handling from sourcing to packaging. Over 135 years, Bazzini has maintained a reputation for high-quality nuts, including cashews, almonds, and pistachios, by adhering to time-honored methods originally developed in its historic facilities.^[36]^[18]^[37] As a cultural icon in New York and beyond, Bazzini has been featured in media outlets highlighting its role in the city's food history and its ties to iconic events, such as supplying peanuts to Yankee Stadium.^[5]^[27] This association with baseball and gourmet retailers like Zabar's and Balducci's has cemented its status as a symbol of New York snacking traditions.^[5] Bazzini's impact on the snack food sector is evident in its diversification into health-focused products, such as nut butters and raw nut mixes that appeal to modern consumers seeking natural, nutrient-rich options. By expanding its offerings to include fruit and nut bars alongside core roasted nuts, the company has influenced industry trends toward premium, versatile snacks. Its adaptation to e-commerce through an online storefront further demonstrates ongoing relevance in a digital marketplace.^[26]^[38]^[15]

References

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Antonio Bazzini (11 March 1818 – 10 February 1897) was an Italian violinist, composer and teacher. As a composer, his most enduring work is his chamber ...
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Antonio Bazzini (1818-1897) - Naxos Records
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Antonio Bazzini is well known to violinists but to few others, since his reputation rests almost entirely on his five-minute tour de force of violinistic ...
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Violinist & Composer Antonio Bazzini Died in 1897
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Shop PRODUCTS. Nuts · Fruit & Nut Bars · Bulk · Dried Fruit · Gift Sets · PEANUTS JUMBO SALTED 4# Tin. $17.50. Signup for our Newsletter. Our Newsletter.
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