Rich’s is enhancing its pizza product range with a focus on authentic Italian flavors. The company is responding to the consistent consumer demand for pizza by offering a diverse portfolio that includes dough balls, parbaked crusts, and fully topped pizzas.
Founded 79 years ago with a groundbreaking non-dairy topping, Rich’s has grown into a $5.5 billion business. It now serves various sectors including restaurants, bakeries, schools, and more, with products spanning desserts, bakery items, pizzas, appetizers, and specialty toppings.
Nick Fallucc, Senior Vice President of the Pizza and Flatbread Category, emphasized the company’s commitment to maintaining its private, family-owned status while focusing on customer satisfaction. “We operate in 106 countries and strive to do what’s right for our customers and associates,” Fallucc said.
In 2013, Rich’s aimed to become a “single-source solution” for pizza operators. The company expanded its capabilities by acquiring firms specializing in parbaked crusts and flatbreads. Over the past decade, Rich’s has built a comprehensive range of pizza products, including frozen dough, fully topped pizzas, and options that cater to gluten-free and plant-based diets.
As consumer preferences shift towards more authentic and innovative pizza options, Rich’s has developed several unique products. These include Double Zero “00”-style flour, gluten-free Detroit-Style crusts, and cauliflower-based crusts. Rich’s also offers a versatile dough ball that can be used for various applications, from pizza to calzones and cinnamon rolls.
Recently, Rich’s introduced two sizes of Italian Pinsa to its product line. Pinsa, which the company discovered at a food show in Germany, has become popular in Europe. The crust features a high-hydration formula and a blend of flours, creating a unique texture that is crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Fallucc highlighted the Pinsa’s distinctive qualities. “It offers a thicker crust with a large, open-cell structure, resulting in a crispy exterior and a buttery middle,” he explained.
Rich’s continues to lead in the pizza industry by innovating and expanding its offerings. The company’s R&D team is dedicated to understanding consumer trends and providing operators with high-quality, convenient products. This approach not only meets customer demands but also supports operators in improving their efficiency and profitability.
“In a challenging market, Rich’s helps operators inspire customer loyalty and manage operational challenges,” Fallucc said. “Our goal is to deliver products that maintain high quality and provide a satisfying experience for consumers.”