By Sean Delaney
When Nunzio Tumino landed in Toronto from Sicily in the early 1950s, he and his wife Maria started small, running a modest grocery store in the city’s west end, working hard and even squeezing in English classes at night. Their big break came when a shipment of 400 bags of chestnuts, meant for a wholesaler, was cancelled at the last minute. Tumino didn’t panic — he filled every corner of his house with chestnuts, then tracked down local shops, selling them all in under four hours. That little misadventure sparked the business that would become Aurora Importing.
He named it after the aurora borealis — “to mark the dawn of his new endeavour,” as he put it. Over time, Nunzio became a trailblazer in importing Mediterranean foods to Canada — bringing in staples like pasta, olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, and even being among the first to offer sea salt here.
Fast-forward 70 years, and the passion that Nunzio ignited is alive and well under the leadership of current CEO Joe Moscato. As Joe told me, “We keep that same passion and authenticity alive by working with trusted Mediterranean producers, choosing products that meet tough standards, and investing in our people — many of whom have been with us for decades. It’s not just about selling — you’re bringing a piece of heritage to Canadian kitchens.”
That mix of tradition and evolution is what has kept Aurora strong. Joe described this milestone as personal — “A chance to recognize the commitment of those who came before me… and a reminder of the sacrifices that brought us here.” He said what keeps Aurora vibrant is staying true to its roots while embracing innovation, whether through new products, evolving how they connect with customers, or modernizing how those flavours make it to the table.
“For us, it’s not just about selling food — it’s about bringing a piece of our heritage into Canadian homes and making sure every product tells a story we’re proud of.”
— Joe Moscato, CEO, Aurora Importing.
Another significant milestone was reached when Aurora expanded from local roots into a national powerhouse — now found in national retail chains and fine food grocers across Canada. Joe added that becoming part of the Pulla family (Johnvince Foods) helped them scale up — gaining operational strength and broader reach without sacrificing authenticity.
Celebrations have been thoughtful, too. Aurora marked 70 years with staff appreciation events, shared meals, anniversary promotions with retailers, and stories from their past, shared widely to connect newer team members with the origins of their work. Customers have enjoyed recipe features and behind-the-scenes glimpses into how products travel from the Mediterranean to our tables.
Looking ahead, Joe shared what excites him most: introducing more Canadians to Mediterranean food through new offerings — from healthier options to ready-to-enjoy meals — all while keeping that same integrity. In the next decade, he sees growth through technology, stronger partnerships across the board, and expansion into new markets — all anchored by the authenticity Tumino built his dream on.
“Our roots will always guide us.”
— Joe Moscato
Aurora Importing’s story is a sincere one: a chance mistake, an immigrant’s drive, and decades of love for good food. Here’s to 70 more years of taste, tradition, and a little bit of that Mediterranean sunshine on our tables.