Family-Owned.
Family-Built. Since 1958.
Cortina is a third-generation, family-owned food company built on trust, long-term partnerships, and a relentless commitment to doing things the right way.
OUR DIRECTION
Guided by purpose.
Built for partnership.
Our vision, mission, and purpose guide how we approach growth, aligning ambition with responsibility and innovation with integrity.
Vision
The trusted global partner known for integrity, transparency, and innovation.
Mission
We take an ambitious approach on behalf of our stakeholders to cultivate growth and find winning solutions as one.
Purpose
Empowering partners through collaboration, care, and a commitment to mutual success.
Our Core Values
These values guide how we engage, make decisions, and build trust every day.
We Aim Higher
We constantly challenge expectations of ourselves, our partners, and the industry by continually pursuing better solutions and smarter ways forward.
We Make Every Interaction Count
Every conversation, decision, and delivery matters. We believe long-term success is built through consistent and meaningful engagement.
We Win As One
Growth happens together. Our best outcomes are achieved when teams, partners, and customers move forward in alignment.
WHO WE ARE
Built on Quality. Driven by Relationships.
Since 1958, National Cortina has served all sectors of the food industry with a commitment to quality, reliability, sustainability, and innovation.
Founded by David G. Rahal as a family-run distributor in Manhattan’s specialty food scene, Cortina has evolved into a trusted national supplier of high-quality ingredients and imported goods for food manufacturers across the U.S.
We proudly represent leading global suppliers in essential categories—including onions, tomatoes, juice concentrates, and functional ingredients—while expanding our private label and foodservice capabilities through strong international partnerships.
Guided by our mission, we support suppliers through strategic collaborations such as:
Frozen foods with OneFrozen
Olive oils with Borges National
Integrated logistics and sourcing solutions across global markets
Backed by deep market expertise and a hands-on team, Cortina delivers innovative products and solutions designed for long-term growth.
OPERATIONAL CAPABILITY
Designed to navigate complexity
From port to production floor, we build systems that reduce risk, improve visibility, and support reliable delivery.
Pickup from Manufacturing Locations
International ability to efficiently pick up goods from manufacturing sites
Inland Freight Management
Robust network for inland freight ensuring a smooth transition from port to destination
Container Optimization
Strategic planning to maximize container weight and space utilization
Port-to-Port Logistics
Efficient handling of logistics from manufacturing locations to destination port
Duty & Customs Assistance
Comprehensive support in managing duties and custom processes
OPERATIONAL REALITY
The hidden cost of complexity
Complex supply chains create multiple risks for food importers and their partners, but we design systems to navigate them effectively.
Port congestion & unpredictable dwell times
Regulatory and documentation complexity
Cold-chain vulnerabilities
Limited visibility in transit
Rising transportation and demurrage costs
Tight retail & foodservice timelines
Port congestion & unpredictable dwell times
Regulatory and documentation complexity
Cold-chain vulnerabilities
Limited visibility in transit
Rising transportation and demurrage costs
Tight retail & foodservice timelines
The question isn’t whether challenges exist, it’s how we design around them.
OPERATIONAL STRENGTH
Built for consistent performance
Our capabilities go beyond navigating complexity — they are built to create stability, transparency, and long-term performance across every partnership.
Expertise
Deep experience managing global supply chains with precision, foresight, and disciplined execution.
Reliability
Infrastructure and systems designed for consistent performance, clear communication, and dependable delivery.
Innovation
Continuous investment in technology, process optimization, and smarter solutions that improve visibility and efficiency.
EXECUTIVE TEAM
Experienced leadership. Shared direction.
Meet the leaders guiding Cortina’s strategy, partnerships, and long-term growth.
HOW WE PARTNER
The House of Partnerships
A shared partnership where legacy, innovation, and collaboration come together, built to support long-term growth for every partner.
Our House of Partnerships
A home where legacy and innovation coexist. Every partner has their own space, but the foundation is shared; trust, transparency, and the ability to scale together.
Heritage Meets Legacy
Cortina has been building trust since 1958, alongside partners with deep heritage of their own. Together, we honor what came before while creating new opportunities for growth and innovation.
United Without Loss of Identity
Partnership with Cortina is never about replacement or rebranding. Each partner retains their identity while benefiting from shared infrastructure, expertise, and expanded access.
Cortina Innovations
Cortina Innovations helps brands, retailers, and foodservice operators move from idea to launch across shelf-stable, refrigerated, and frozen categories.
Partners, Built into Your Team
Consumer Trends
Turning data-driven insights into products that meet your customers where they are — and where they’re going.
Private Label Acceleration
Helping retailers and brands move fast with formulation support, proven recipes, and scalable commercialization.
Foodservice R&D
Custom menu and ingredient solutions built for consistency, quality, and real-world operational demands.
Explore the Cortina Portfolio
Essential ingredients and products sourced globally and delivered with consistency you can trust.