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Emanuele (Lino) SaputoFounder of Saputo Inc.
Country:
Canada |
Content:
- Biography of Emmanuel (Lino) Saputo
- Founder of Saputo Inc.
- Pioneering Cheese Manufacturer
- Growth and Expansion
- Recognized Brands
- Leadership and Diversification
- Philanthropy and Community Involvement
Biography of Emmanuel (Lino) Saputo
Emmanuel (Lino) Saputo was born in 1937 in Montedepre, Sicily. He completed high school in 1952 before immigrating with his family to Montreal, Canada.
Founder of Saputo Inc.
Lino Saputo is the founder of Saputo Inc., a company that was established in 1954 in Montreal by Lino and his parents. The company specializes in the production of cheese and various dairy products. In its early days, Saputo Inc. produced approximately 11.4 kilograms of mozzarella cheese daily. The first plant was fully constructed in 1957.
Pioneering Cheese Manufacturer
Saputo Inc. is now responsible for producing one-third of the consumed cheese in Canada. Cheese production has become a longstanding family tradition for the Saputo family. Lino's father began teaching him the intricacies and secrets of the family craft at a young age. Initially, the products of Saputo Inc. were primarily purchased by Italians, but within a few years, the company rapidly expanded its reach in the Canadian market.
Growth and Expansion
In 1997, Saputo Inc.'s shares were first listed on the Canadian stock exchange. Today, Saputo Inc. has around 9,500 employees and operates approximately 46 plants across the globe. The company has significant presence in countries such as Canada, the United States, Argentina, and Germany.
Recognized Brands
Saputo Inc.'s products are well-known under various brands, including "Saputo," "Alexis de Portneuf," "Armstrong," "Baxter," "Dairyland," "De Lucia," "Dragone," "DuVillage de Warwick," "Frigo," and "Kingsey," among many others. Currently, Lino Saputo's plants are ranked among the top 20 global leaders in the dairy industry and are listed among the top five in the United States. In Canada, Saputo Inc. is one of the largest snack producers.
Leadership and Diversification
Lino Saputo assumed the position of Chairman of the Board and President of the company in 1969. In 1998, he was also appointed as the CEO. In March 2004, Lino's son took over as the President and CEO, while Lino continued to hold the honorary position of Chairman of the Board. In addition to the food industry, Lino Saputo has interests in the transportation business. He is the owner of "TransForce" company and also invests heavily in real estate, hotel business, and golf courses.
Philanthropy and Community Involvement
Lino Saputo is widely recognized for his sponsorship of several hospitals in Montreal. In 2006, he donated $7.5 million towards the construction of a new football field in Montreal.

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