John LiDestri

John LiDestri

Owner

John C. LiDestri is a seasoned and accomplished entrepreneur within the food industry, serving as Owner of Cortina, a trusted importer and distributor of specialty food products since 1958. Under his leadership, Cortina has become a valued partner to multinational CPG companies, emerging brands, and private label customers by delivering responsibly sourced products with transparency, reliability, and culinary expertise.

John’s career began at Cortina while earning his B.A. in Business Administration from Hofstra University. After joining the company full-time, he spent more than 30 years driving portfolio growth, strengthening market positioning, and expanding the company’s reach across the global food landscape. His deep understanding of commodity markets has made him a trusted advisor to customers, providing timely insights that support informed decision-making in volatile environments.

Known for his relentless focus on service and partnership, John believes in building long-term relationships rooted in trust, responsiveness, and shared success. His leadership philosophy centers on empowering entrepreneurial teams and fostering strong collaboration across suppliers and customers alike.

Originally from Rochester, New York, John now resides in Asbury Park, New Jersey, where he enjoys time with family and friends, music, and staying active in his community.