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In 1923 a newly married Italian couple named Maria and Pelligrino Aquilina set out from Palermo Sicily on a journey that would forever
change their lives and the generations that followed.
America, the land of opportunity was the dream and like thousands of immigrants to follow, they landed on Ellis Island on a cold and dreary
day in November of 1923. Pellegrino, a baker and pastry maker by trade, found little opportunity for his chosen profession and became a mason
like thousands of Italians before him. Maria worked in a dress factory. Together they scrimped and saved their money, and in 1926 opened a
small grocery store in the Bath Beach section of Brooklyn.
Maria, an excellent cook, canned the wonderful delicacies of her native Sicily in the tiny backroom of the store and quickly developed a
following of customers who craved her outstanding delicacies. Here, she made her wonderful eggplants, peppers and pickles and in 1929 a
wholesale company named VICTORIA was conceived. Maria canned her wonderful delicacies, while Pelligrino peddled them from his truck store
by store.
Working countless hours, the business grew and a small factory was established on Waverly Avenue in Brooklyn. In 1939 Pellegrino's first
son Joseph joined the firm and soon was off fighting courageously for his country in World War II. Upon his return, he changed the way
business was done, with new ideas and innovations and the company continued to grow. Joseph moved the business to its present location
to the Canarsie section of Brooklyn in 1970.
In 1961 Joe's first son, Benjamin, now President, and in 1975 Ben's brother Gerald, who is Senior Vice President joined the firm.
Today VICTORIA is still a family business, Operating 4 facilities encompassing over 250,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehouse
space with 190 full time employees.
Although much has changed in 77 years the traditions of quality products, honesty and integrity will never change.
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