WHO WE ARE
Hirzel Canning Company, producer of Dei Fratelli products, was founded in 1923 by Carl R. Hirzel, a brewmaster by trade, who was looking for a new line of work with the onset of Prohibition.
Carl R. Hirzel began farming in the fertile soils of Northwest Ohio and with the excess cabbage from the harvest he produced his first product – Sauerkraut, packed and sold in wooden kegs and barrels.
By the third year in business, with the help of his wife, Lena, and son Karl, they began packaging whole tomatoes in cans to be sold to the local general stores.
Today, nearly a century later, the 3rd, 4th, and 5th generations of the Hirzel family carry on the legacy passed down from Carl and Lena.
In addition to our own Hirzel Farms, we work closely with over 30 family growers in Northwest Ohio and Southwest Michigan to grow the highest quality tomato products under the Dei Fratelli brand.