Vincenzo and Geraldine Lubrano started in business in the 1950s, selling Italian wine and foods from a small corner store in Hurstville Grove.
From those modest beginnings developed Sandhurst Fine Foods, which distributes more than 400 products, including antipasto, olives, garnishes, spreads and pastes, to major supermarkets, cafes and delis around Australia.
NSW Minister for Small Business John Barilaro and Miranda MP Eleni Petinos visited the company’s factory in Kiama Street, Miranda, on Monday as part of celebrations for National Family Business Day.
Many firms staged a special morning tea, highlighting the fact family businesses employ 50 per cent of the Australian workforce and make up 70 per cent of all businesses.
Mr Barilaro said much of Australian economy and culture had been shaped by the contributions of family businesses.
Vincenzo and Geraldine Lubrano sold their business in 1975, but established another under the name of Sandhurst Fine Foods in 1988.
Their sons Mimmo and Ray took over the reins and expanded the product range.
“Many of our preserving techniques and recipes are much as they have been for centuries with closely-guarded recipes passed down,” Mimmo Lubrano said.
The company has more than 50 staff nationally, including about 40 at Miranda.
