Dietz & Watson
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Food processing |
| Founded | 1939 |
| Founder | Gottlieb Dietz |
| Headquarters | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania , United States |
Area served | Nationwide (United States) |
Key people | Louis Eni (President and CEO), Chris Eni (COO), Cindy Eni Yingling (CFO) |
| Products | Deli meats, cheeses, specialty food items, condiments |
Number of employees | 1000+ |
| Website | www |
Dietz & Watson, Inc. is a family-operated American producer of delicatessen products, established in 1939 and based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The firm focuses on manufacturing and supplying deli meats, cheeses, and a variety of specialty food items.
History
The company was initiated by Gottlieb Dietz, a German sausage craftsman who purchased the Watson Meat Company in 1939. The brand name merges Dietz’s surname with that of the previous proprietor, Walter Watson, who continued as sales manager. After Gottlieb’s death, his daughters Lore and Ruth Dietz grew the enterprise into Philadelphia’s leading deli meat supplier. Ruth led the business until she passed away at age 94. Present-day management includes Gottlieb’s grandchildren: Louis Eni (President and CEO), Chris Eni (COO), and Cindy Eni Yingling (CFO).
Dietz & Watson preserves its legacy by adhering to traditional family recipes and preparation methods. In 1978, under then-CEO Louis Sr., they introduced the pioneering No-Salt Added Turkey Breast to satisfy growing low-sodium preferences. Later in 1997, they launched Buffalo Chicken Breast and Santa Fe Turkey varieties.
Their manufacturing plants are located in Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Corfu, New York. Dietz & Watson distributes their products nationwide through retail outlets and digital platforms such as Amazon Fresh. The company employs more than 1,000 staff members across the country.
Marketing efforts include a television campaign featuring actress and model Brooklyn Decker alongside tennis professional Andy Roddick, boosting domestic brand awareness.
Products
Dietz & Watson provides an assortment exceeding 700 items tailored for grocery stores and delicatessens, encompassing chicken, ham, beef, turkey, and artisanal cheeses. They also offer a proprietary range of condiments. Their beef is sourced from Midwestern farms, while pork comes from Canadian suppliers. All meats originate from farms that comply with rigorous humane treatment standards and exclude artificial additives such as flavors, colors, fillers, extenders, MSG, or hormones. Poultry is procured from a family-run cooperative based in Shenandoah Valley, Virginia.
In 2015, the company unveiled the Originals collection featuring deli meats labeled "no antibiotics ever," organic deli selections, cheeses free from rBGH, and organic beef hot dogs. By mid-2017, this line expanded to over 25 snack pack varieties containing salami, cheese, crackers, and organic beef jerky. Early in 2019, Dietz & Watson introduced Dietz Nuts—a landjaeger snack endorsed by actor Craig Robinson.
Fire
On September 1, 2013, a massive 11-alarm fire ravaged Dietz & Watson’s 266,000-square-foot distribution center situated in Delanco, New Jersey. The fire persisted for more than three days and was complicated by rooftop solar panels that created electrocution hazards and difficulties in accessing water supplies. The emergency response involved over 300 firefighters from numerous neighboring communities. Following this incident, distribution activities were moved to the Tacony area of Philadelphia adjacent to their existing facility.
Charity work
Dietz & Watson actively engages in philanthropic efforts supporting both local and national organizations such as Police and Fire Departments, Philabundance, the Philadelphia Half Marathon, National Night Out events, and the Battleship New Jersey Museum. On a broader scale, the company collaborates with groups like Susan G. Komen and partners with entities including the USO as well as NFL teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens through the Hometown Heroes initiative. Moreover, Dietz & Watson contributes to various food banks and community markets nationwide to aid charitable programs.