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Lino Saputo

Lino Saputo is an Italian-Canadian businessman best known as the founder of Saputo Inc., one of Canada’s major dairy companies.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Lino Saputo is an Italian-Canadian businessman best known as the founder of Saputo Inc., one of Canada’s major dairy companies. Born in Italy in 1937, he helped build the family’s cheese business in Montreal into a multinational dairy processor. He has also been active in philanthropy.

Early life

Lino Saputo was born in 1937 in Montelepre, near Palermo, Italy, and later moved to Canada with his family. Sources describe his background as modest and connected to cheesemaking.

Saputo Inc.

In 1954, Saputo helped found a small cheese-making business in Montreal that became Saputo Inc. The company expanded from a family enterprise into a large dairy processor with international operations.

Business leadership

Saputo is widely identified as the founder and long-time leader of Saputo Inc. Company and award biographies describe him as a major figure in the Canadian dairy industry.

Philanthropy and honours

Saputo has supported charitable work through the Fondation Mirella et Lino Saputo. He has also received honours including the Order of Canada and the Ordre national du Québec.

Key facts

  • Lino Saputo was born in Montelepre, Italy, in 1937 and later immigrated to Canada.
  • He co-founded Saputo in 1954 with family members in Montreal.
  • Saputo Inc. grew into a major Canadian dairy and cheese company with operations in multiple countries.
  • He has been recognized for his business leadership and philanthropy.
  • He and his wife created the Fondation Mirella et Lino Saputo to support community causes.
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Canadian context

Lino Saputo is closely tied to Quebec and Canadian business history as the founder of Saputo Inc., a company that became one of Canada’s best-known dairy processors and a major employer with international reach.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Lino Saputo?
He is an Italian-Canadian businessman and the founder of Saputo Inc., a major Canadian dairy company.
When was Lino Saputo born?
He was born on June 10, 1937.
Where was Lino Saputo born?
He was born in Montelepre, Italy.
What company did Lino Saputo found?
He founded Saputo Inc., originally a family cheese-making business in Montreal.
What is Lino Saputo known for besides business?
He is also known for philanthropy, including work through the Fondation Mirella et Lino Saputo.
What honours has he received?
Sources identify him as a Member of the Order of Canada and a recipient of the Ordre national du Québec.

References

  1. The Canadian Encyclopediahttps://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/lino-saputo
    Supports: Birth details, Italian-Canadian identity, founding of Saputo, and business/philanthropic overview.
  2. Ordre national du Québechttps://www.ordre-national.gouv.qc.ca/membres/membre.asp?id=2710
    Supports: Founding of the family business, leadership role, company scope, and philanthropic activity.
  3. Governor General of Canadahttps://gg.ca/en/honours/recipients/146-109335
    Supports: Business leadership, contribution to the Canadian dairy industry, and charitable involvement.
  4. Ordre de Montréalhttps://ville.montreal.qc.ca/ordre/en/emanuele-lino-saputo
    Supports: Montreal business background, founding role, and recognition in Montreal.
  5. Fondation Mirella et Lino Saputohttps://fmlsaputo.org/
    Supports: Existence and charitable focus of the foundation.
  6. Concordia Universityhttps://www.concordia.ca/fr/a-propos/centre-shift/vision/don-famille-saputo.html
    Supports: Family role in Saputo Inc. and public recognition of the Saputo family’s philanthropy.