TORONTO, January 8, 2025 — Joseph Vitale, Founder & President of Italpasta Ltd., has been recognized as one of this year’s 29 appointees to the Order of Ontario. As the highest honour in the province, this nomination celebrates people who have made exceptional contributions to helping build our province and nation. The appointment was announced January 1st by the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and Chancellor of the Order of Ontario.
“The 2024 appointees have enriched the lives of countless people in our province and well beyond,” stated the Honourable Edith Dumont in a press release. “Together, they have attained the highest level of excellence in many fields and may we all be inspired by their remarkable contributions.”
“I am humbled by this recognition,” said Mr Vitale who founded Italpasta in 1989. “This honour reflects not only hard work but the cumulative impact of the relationships, partnerships, and experiences I have been blessed to share with my family, colleagues, partners and friends over the course of my career. As an immigrant, I strive to merge my Italian heritage with my pride of being Canadian by working to better the lives of those in my community. I am honoured that the actions my team and I have made in Ontario and across Canada are now being recognized and celebrated.”
About Joseph “Joe” Vitale
Mr. Vitale arrived in Canada from Italy in 1953 and immediately embraced his new life in Ontario. With a deep belief that hard work would provide opportunities, he embarked on a path that led to the founding of Italpasta and his ascent as a leader in the Canadian food industry. Highly respected for his contribution to the sector, Joe Vitale is known for his dedication and passion for championing everything “Made in Canada”.
Today, Italpasta has become the fifth largest producer of pasta in North America competing with multinational giants. The company is the leading cello brand in Ontario and second nationally when it comes to products sold at retail and foodservice.
Joe was an early investor in Telelatino, Canada’s first multicultural TV specialty channel. His commitment to multiculturalism and inclusion stemmed from his own personal experience as an immigrant. He remembers arriving in Ontario unable to speak English well and being part of a minority group that often wasn’t welcomed in many circles. He knew that TV programming for new Canadians in their own mother tongue would be key to easing transitions to a new life here. With Joe’s urging, the media group now known as TMG, has become a respected advocate for producing programs that promote cross cultural exchanges and showcase multicultural stories.
Joe’s philosophy regarding charitable giving is straightforward: help those less fortunate and give back to the community that gave him so much. His philanthropic efforts include substantial donations and support for children’s welfare programs, community support initiatives, arts & cultural institutions and health care organizations. Most recently, Joe spearheaded a $1M donation to establish a Chair in Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery at the University of Toronto Temerty School of Medicine for which he received the 2024 Community Leadership Award from the Canadian Italian Business & Professionals Association.
Mr. Vitale’s leadership has had a lasting impact on Ontario’s economy and well-being. The team at Italpasta and all who know him agree that he is very worthy of this recognition.
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For more information, to schedule an interview with Mr. Vitale or to receive high-res photos
please contact The PR Department at 416 535-3939; [email protected].
