Bertocchi Smallgoods was established in 1972 on a 12-acre site in Thomastown, a northern suburb of Melbourne. The company has grown to 22 acres with six factories and a brand new distribution center.
Bertocchi Smallgoods, like many other longtime Fine Food exhibitors, has had a tough time with Covid, so we spoke with them to find out more about how they’ve managed to stay in business.
Bertocchi Smallgoods, Australia’s largest 100% Australian owned and operated small goods manufacturer, will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2022. The family business has weathered decades of economic ups and downs, but how has it fared during the Covid pandemic?
According to Tony Rapone, Bertocchi’s Marketing and Merchandising Manager, the strength needed to persevere comes from three generations of family heritage and a solid foundation of tradition and authenticity.
“The impact of the hotel closures and witnessing the real pain our wonderful wholesale customers have suffered over the past two years has been painful,” Tony commented.
He described the number of restaurant industry bankruptcies as “heartbreaking”.
However, the impact of the hotel’s lost revenue was compounded by the disastrous impact of reduced manufacturing capacity due to Covid workplace regulations. The company has made significant investments in a state-of-the-art processing facility in Melton, as well as in the renovation of the Thomastown plant, which was completed in 2019. The world was locked down for a few months.
The significant reduction in production capacity is accompanied by a major investment in employee health and safety. The company installed thermal cameras to scan all production staff before they start work. Maintain social distancing through the use of split and staggered shifts, enhanced lunch/tea break rooms, and the introduction of additional PPE clothing. Additional thorough cleaning ensures that all surfaces and equipment within the premises are regularly cleaned and alcohol sanitized in accordance with DHHS and Australian Food Standard standards.
“At Bertocchi, we are one family, so we must look after the safety and well-being of our employees, according to Tony.” The company implemented these steps quickly to ensure that we are always in sync with the ever-changing environment.
During Covid, however, retail demand for Bertocchi products has skyrocketed as companies continue to innovate and market new products. As more Australians cook at home, there is a greater emphasis on food quality and a desire for exceptional flavour profiles. The company is preparing to plan its food booth, and there are many exciting new products to choose from.
“Our products have a clear quality advantage because Bertocchi uses traditional craftsmanship to make small items, according to Tony.” Consumers tried many brands during the lockdown and found they didn’t want to sacrifice. If you’re going to make your own bacon and egg panini, he recommends the best.
Long-term relationships with retail partners are critical to a company’s ability to bring new products to market.
“We work closely with our retail partners to create products that appeal to our target audience. According to Tony, it’s always fascinating that we collaborate to come up with new ideas, run focus groups and tests, and bring new products to market.
Our Soppressa Salami variety has been one of our most popular products during this time
Bertocchi could have successfully transitioned during this difficult time and changed production to focus on the B2C market, were it not for the manufacturing capacity constraints imposed by the constraints. “We are very pleased to be able to produce at full capacity and meet the increased Australian demand for Bertocchi products,” Tony said.
Bertocchi will also be able to welcome buyers from the restaurant and hospitality industries, allowing them to reconnect and support each other during Fine Food 2022. He says.
The Fine Food Show is an important aspect of Bertocchi’s marketing strategy for 2022, and the company’s spectacular booth will return next year, as crowded as ever. Catering to the growing trend of entertainers and deli lovers, the company wanted to engage with Fine Food’s key partners and new customers, showcasing a new range of value-added products such as cheeses, dips, vegetarian jerky and appetizers.
“We’re really looking forward to coming back and chatting with everyone,” Tony said. “We don’t invest in any other shows because the Fine Food Show has by far the largest Australian audience. He explained that this is our biggest event and it ensures that we see all the major customers and buyers.
Who owns Bertocchi Smallgoods
The proud owner of Bertocchi Smallgoods, located in the beautiful precinct of Thomastown, half an hour’s drive north of Melbourne’s CBD, speaks to this issue of Charcuterie News.
Bertocchi’s origins are unknown.
Our family’s history. Bertocchi Smallgoods was established in 1972 on a 12-acre site in Thomastown, a northern suburb of Melbourne. The company has grown to 22 acres with six factories and a brand new distribution center. Bertocchi Smallgoods is wholly Australian owned.
What kind of ham is native to Australia
Choose a ham However, as most ham sold in Australia comes from imported pigs, if you buy one, search for the pink Australian pork badge or make sure the bar on the label shows it is made from at least 90% Australian ingredients Boneless or sliced ham.
What Australian ham do you have
Ham options However, as most of the ham sold in Australia is imported, if you are buying a boneless or sliced ham, search for the pink Australian pork badge or make sure the bar on the label shows it is made with at least 90% ham made from Australian ingredients.
Woolworth whole leg ham
For many, ham is just a pink platter for cranberry sauce, mustard, and/or gravy, a ham that won’t upset anyone while feeding a lot of people at a reasonable price.
Who is the owner of Orsogna
Massimo Valentini, Tony Iannello (Chairman) and D’Orsogna Board Member Marco D’Orsogna at D’Orsogna’s $66 million food manufacturing facility in Merrifield Business Park, Melbourne.
Who has the best Christmas ham
Woolworths’ double-smoked half-leg ham tops the list at $12.50 a kilo. According to the judges, this ham has a sweet and light aroma, a clean and firm appearance and a delicate and delicate taste.
