About Us
Zia Pia is a boutique importer specializing in fine, authentic regional Italian foods. Our suppliers are non-industrial, family-owned producers who combine traditional principles of authenticity and flavor with Italian design and style to create superior products, beautiful on the inside and out.
“Life is a combination of magic and pasta.” – Federico Fellini
Zia Pia was born in 2013 out of Victoria Custodi’s love of great food and Italian culture.
Victoria, whose father was born in Puglia, and who has traveled extensively and lived throughout Italy, grew up appreciating the pure flavors of simple authentic Italian home cooking: real, fresh extra virgin olive oil, pasta, fresh garden vegetables. She named the company for her beloved aunt, or "Zia", Pia Custodi from Orvieto, Umbria. As extraordinary a woman as she was a cook, Pia seemingly effortlessly prepared her multi-course, hours-long meals from her tiny, 1950s-era kitchen and proudly served them, one dish at a time, to visiting family and friends. Today, Zia Pia aims to honor her memory and embody the values she held dear: simplicity, care, and quality ingredients.
Buon appetito!
Victoria has lived and traveled throughout Italy and has continuously been impressed by the Italian obsession with quality and pride in craftsmanship. Italian quality and design are behind every product that she hand selects, with a focus both on what’s inside - whether olive oil, tomato sauce or artisan pasta - and the aesthetics of the package design. Finding beauty in the every day seems to be a natural way of being in Italy, and in the Italian lifestyle. Personal connection and savoring simplicity in the midst of chaos may be what is behind the grounding and affirming rituals like “pausa pranzo.” Connecting with others over a plate of nourishing food is a daily reminder of the important things in life..
As we all get swept up in daily tasks, let’s stop and treat ourselves to a burst of beauty found right in the pantry...
...the bright, unmistakable flavor of authentic, fresh, extra virgin olive oil, the al dente bite of a steaming plate of pasta, the deep complexity of an aged balsamic… it’s all right here for us to enjoy, today. Zia Pia serves fine specialty gift, home and food retailers and restaurants, as well as home cooks everywhere. We look forward to sharing our foods with you.
“Even more than its Roman ruins or Renaissance art or the plain fact that lemons, tomatoes, and capers burst with more flavor on this boot-like stretch of Mediterranean soil than anywhere else on the planet, it’s the everyday life of Italy that makes it so addictive and extraordinary.” - Chris Bollen, Departures Magazine
MEET OUR FOUNDER
Victoria Custodi Tate
For Victoria, Italy has always represented far more than a place—it is a philosophy of living. Drawn to the beauty found in everyday rituals, she developed an early appreciation for the Italian values of craftsmanship, simplicity, quality, and conviviality.
Zia Pia was founded as an expression of these passions, bringing together exceptional food, thoughtful design, travel, and the enduring appeal of Italian culture. Victoria believes that the finest products do more than nourish; they tell stories, preserve traditions, and elevate daily life through moments of beauty and connection.
Named in honor of her beloved Aunt Pia of Orvieto, whose elegance, generosity, and love of gathering around the table left a lasting impression, Zia Pia reflects a distinctly Italian approach to living well—where authenticity, style, and pleasure are woven into the fabric of everyday life.
Our team
Alessandra Addati
Administration & Supply Chain Operations Manager
Originally from Naples, Italy, Alessandra brings a deep appreciation for Italian culture, traditions, and cuisine to her work at Zia Pia. With exceptional attention to detail and a steadfast commitment to quality, she oversees accounts payable and receivable, purchasing, and inbound logistics, working closely with our network of Italian producers and suppliers.
Since moving to the United States with her husband and two children in 2016, Alessandra has become an integral part of the Zia Pia team, helping ensure the seamless connection between Italy's finest artisans and the customers we serve. She recently celebrated another milestone by becoming a U.S. citizen.
Suzanne Alston
Strategic Accounts & Sales Technology Manager
A Georgia native, Suzanne's love of food and cooking began in her grandmother's kitchen, where she learned firsthand the joy of gathering around the table and creating meals from scratch. Although she initially pursued a career in medicine, the pull of the culinary world proved irresistible, leading her to earn a degree from Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Curious by nature and inspired by a wide range of culinary traditions, Suzanne appreciates the stories, techniques, and cultures that shape the way we eat. While she has a particular fondness for Southern cuisine—reflecting her roots—and Italian cuisine, which she is immersed in every day through Zia Pia, her passion extends across the global food landscape.
Suzanne oversees Zia Pia's digital platforms, systems integrations, and key account experience. Combining technical expertise with a dedication to exceptional service, she helps ensure a seamless experience for customers while supporting the continued growth and evolution of the business.
Lily Clark
Account Management
A native of Charlotte, NC, Lily was a ballet dancer for many years while getting her degree in Health Sciences from Arizona State University. After retiring from ballet, she spent a year living in Rome where she fell in love with all things Italian. Her travels led her to research and write on preserving Italian food, culture and traditions, launching her into the world of Italian food. Now, she brings that passion and dedication to her work at Zia Pia.
Itange Brown
Warehouse Manager
Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Itange moved to Charlotte in 2019 with her fiancé and son. She got her start in warehouse operations through a temporary service, quickly developing a passion for logistics and team leadership. Through this work, she developed management skills in efficiency and organization and has brought them to her role as Warehouse Manager at Zia Pia. Itange leads her team with care, clarity, and a commitment to excellence.
Brendon Nash
Warehouse Lead
Brendon was born in Jersey City and raised near the Chesapeake Bay in a suburb of West Baltimore, where he developed a love for seafood and the outdoors. After school, he often went fishing—an early sign of his appreciation for focus and patience. His career path began in warehouse operations, a field he returned to after exploring other paths. As Warehouse Lead at Zia Pia, Brendon brings consistency, experience, and a strong work ethic to the team.