It was 1953 — a year after Nunzio Tumino left behind family, friends and his homeland in search of opportunity in Canada. After a long voyage to this foreign land aboard the Italian liner la Saturnia, he took a train with hard wooden seats to reach Toronto’s Union Station. With little work experience, no grasp on the English language and just a handful of acquaintances who had emigrated from Italy before him, it was inevitable that times would be tough for the 25-year-old.

Delivering the best of Italian foods to Canadians is a commitment Tumino’s wholesale business takes to heart each day. The company’s private label, Aurora, is now joined by the Allessia brand, a premium gourmet line named after Tumino’s granddaughter.