V. Marchese’s Legacy of Freshness and Forward Thinking

What started as one man’s vision in 1932 has grown into a respected and reliable fresh food supplier. V. Marchese Inc., now a cornerstone in the Midwest’s food supply chain, has stayed true to its roots, while evolving to meet the needs of a modern, dynamic industry.

V. Marchese’s beginnings trace to Sicilian immigrant Vito Marchese, who moved to the U.S. in the late 1920s in search of opportunity. After working various jobs, he saw a demand for high-quality fresh fruits and vegetables in Milwaukee, WI. In the early 1930s, Vito unofficially started his own small distribution company focused exclusively on produce.

With his drive to succeed and a respect for quality produce, Vito, known affectionately as the “Banana Man,” began delivering fruits and vegetables from a hand-painted truck, sourcing bananas directly from growers in Central America and distributing them to grocers and restaurants across Milwaukee.

“He wasn’t just selling bananas, he was building relationships through service and integrity,” says Jack Marchese, managing partner of V. Marchese and grandson of Vito. “That foundation still guides us today.”

By the 1940s, V. Marchese had expanded its offerings to include a wider variety of fruits, like oranges, lemons and limes. Investing in refrigerated trucks, Vito ensured freshness and reliability that set his business apart in the local market.

In the 1970s, Vito’s son, Jake Marchese, added a touch of character to the fleet while detailing the company’s delivery trucks — introducing the now-iconic banana mascot “Jack.” To this day, the smiling banana remains a beloved symbol of the brand’s warmth and personality.

BUILT ON SERVICE, POWERED BY INNOVATION

From a single truck to a sophisticated logistics operation, V. Marchese has scaled its business, while remaining committed to service. Today, the company has over 250 employees and distribution capabilities across Wisconsin and Illinois, with ongoing expansion expected in neighboring Midwestern states.

Its customer base spans convenience stores, educational institutions, foodservice, grocery stores, hospitality providers, restaurants, golf courses and other industries.

While V. Marchese has expanded its product range over the years, it also provides transportation, logistics, ripening, and other value-added services for retail and foodservice customers.

“What’s always set us apart is our ability to stay nimble, even as we’ve grown,” says Jack. “We’re constantly investing in technology, cold chain logistics, and process improvements, but we never lose that personal touch with our customers.”

For over 90 years, V. Marchese has called Milwaukee home. “We’re proud of where we come from, and we never forget it,” says Jack. “Our name is on every box we ship. That means something — not just to us, but to our customers.”

He notes that, as the company grows, partnerships with local growers and a focus on sustainability are becoming even more important. “We’re working to reduce our carbon footprint and shorten the supply chain. It’s about doing right by our customers and our community.”

LOOKING AHEAD: THE NEXT 10 YEARS

As V. Marchese approaches its centennial, the leadership team is sharply focused on the road ahead.
“Our goal for the next 10 years is to double our operational capacity while staying grounded in what got us here — quality and service,” says Jack. “We’re looking at strategic growth, infrastructure upgrades, and continuing to lead with innovation in food safety and logistics.”