Floridia Cheese is delighted to announce that Tom Montalto, owner of Floridia Cheese, has been inducted into the Family Business Australia Chapter Hall of Fame.
The FBA Chapter Hall of Fame is a highly regarded sector recognition bestowed at a state level by Family Business Australia on outstanding, local family businesses. This citation recognises families that are managing respected and successful family businesses and pays homage to the significant role they play in our community, society and economy.
The award was unexpected and Tom was overcome with emotion as his name was announced.
Speaking about the award, Tom said “I feel very privileged and honoured to receive this award and it means a lot to me and my family that I was even nominated, let alone win the award. This award not only belongs to me however, but to my children who are following in my footsteps in running the family business, to my loyal staff, the customers who have continued to support Floridia Cheese over many years and to the farmers who supply the milk used to make our cheese.”
Tom also said “You have to be passionate about what you do and making cheese is what we do. We have always looked at making cheese as something for family and friends to love and share and the feedback and pride that you get from the reaction of people that buy our cheese has inspired me to keep it up. Our philosophy is to make delicious-tasting cheese while never forgetting our family’s Italian cheesemaking heritage. The thing about cheese making is that it gets into your blood and I think the future of Floridia Cheese looks very bright as the third generation, my children, are continuing the family tradition of cheese making. I encourage anyone who has a business idea to give it a go as you never know where it will lead you.”
Who would have thought that when Tom’s parents started making cheese in their backyard for their family it would lead to the establishment of Floridia Cheese, a successful and highly respected business spanning more than 65 years.
