A.J. Letizio Sales & Marketing Inc., the Windham, NH-based food brokerage/sales agency, announced the coordinated merger of three regional sales agencies – Hughes Sales, Inc, Columbia MD; Madden Global Solutions, Inc., Quincy, MA; and JP Food Sales, Dresher PA – with A.J. Letizio. The deal becomes effective on June 1.
The merger will result in the creation of a 165-person, Eastern U.S. retail sales agency with strength in the meat, deli, seafood, in-store bakery, produce and center store grocery categories.
In the arrangement, A.J. Letizio has acquired the businesses of Hughes Sales, Madden Global Solutions, and JP Food Sales, all effective on June 1, 2025, employing all their staff members as part of the newly combined team, providing service to the retail food industry across 20 states.
As part of the move, A.J. Letizio has appointed Geoff Mason of Hughes Sales, to the position of category director of produce, leading the major new A.J. Letizio sector. Additionally, Bill Sando of Hughes has been named category director of meat; JP Food Sales’ Kevin O’Donnell will serve as category director of deli; and Madden’s Brian Riccio was named VP and category director of seafood. Those newly appointed category directors join A.J. Letizio’s VP-category director of bakery Mike Myers, and grocery-center store VP/director Mark Langelier in rounding out the retail division category leadership team.
Additionally, A.J. Letizio has taken over the Hughes Sales’ headquarters in Columbia. In the Delaware Valley, J.P Food Sales’ team will relocate operations to A.J. Letizio’s Philadelphia regional headquarters. A.J. Letizio has additionally announced plans to begin construction of two new, state-of the art A.J. Letizio Enterprise Centers – one in Columbia, MD and the other in King of Prussia, PA – to be the company’s newest regional support and training centers, serving its retail and foodservice businesses in each region.
The Hughes organization has grown substantially over the past 28 years, driven by founders Michael and Linda Hughes, who have assembled a team of industry professionals who serve their clients and customers in meat, deli, produce, and seafood.
Jack and Phyllis O’Donnell founded JP Food Sales in 1981. Under Jack O’Donnell’s leadership, the JP Sales team grew exponentially by offering expert personal service to their customers and clients. With a focus on produce, deli and cheese, JP Sales has developed strong industry relationships that have helped the company expand since its inception.
“Bringing A.J. Letizio together with these three top notch organizations adds significant benefits to our clients and customers in the eastern United States. The mergers are a key step in the A.J. Letizio 20-year strategic plan.” said Al Letizio Jr., chief executive officer.
The Letizio family traces its five-generation origins in the food business to the family’s Italian market in Lawrence, MA in 1912. A.J. Letizio Sales & Marketing is a privately owned independent sales agency that is celebrating its 37th year in operation in 2025.
The company provides service to all channels of the food industry throughout the eastern United States. In addition to its headquarters in Windham, it operates regional support facilities in New York City and Rochester, NY; Philadelphia, PA; Glastonbury, CT; as well as its new Columbia, MD facility.
