The Alessi family is proud to be active in the communities we nourish. The support we offer can range from food product and monetary donations to participating in various community events and culinary scholarships. As a family-owned company, we’re committed to helping our customers and employees live better, healthier lives.
The Vigo World Class Tour
The Vigo World Class Tour project started in 1993 and was the brainchild of Vigo’s founder, Tony Alessi Sr. Tony was a man of great vision. He came from humble beginnings, but with much hard work and dedication, and along with his wife Rosalie, he was able to build a company of national and international recognition. Tony wanted to give something back to the community that had been so supportive of him in his early years.
Hoping to inspire younger generations, he invited fifth grade students from all over Tampa Bay into the Vigo/Alessi facility to learn how a food company operates. As a manufacturing facility, the students have the opportunity to see how products are taken from a raw state and processed into finished goods. As an importing company, the process by which foods are grown, harvested, and transported is also explained.
The tours conclude with a free lunch (Vigo Yellow Rice with hot dogs, green beans, various samples, bread, juice and dessert) for all students, teachers and chaperones. Each person in attendance also receives a "goodie bag" of Alessi and Vigo products to enjoy at home with their families. The tour lasts an hour and a half and lunch is served at 12:00 noon. Up to 50 persons at a time can be accommodated.
Tours are offered on Fridays only and follow the school calendar (skipping holidays and summer). Because the tours have grown in popularity, they are booked well in advance.
The tour is designed for fifth grade bay area students only. Tours are limited to a specific age because of the essay contest that we offer. Fifth grade is selected because the tour itself is approximately two hours long (which requires having quite an attention span!)
Essay Contest
All students who take the tour are encouraged to enter the Vigo World Class Tour Essay Contest. Participants must simply write an essay explaining what they learned on the tour. A panel of judges at Vigo will review the essays. The winning school will be awarded $500, while the winning student receives $100 and a supply of Vigo and Alessi products.
Essays should be between 250-300 words and may be handwritten or typed. Forward all essays to the address below at any time prior to the end of the school year. Make sure students include their name, school and phone number. Good luck!
Send essay entries to:
Vigo Importing – Essay Contest
4701 W Comanche Ave
Tampa, FL 33614
Interested in taking your class on a tour? Please contact us for more information.