Biography

Les Schirato is an inspiring entrepreneur who has played a major role in shaping the coffee industry in Australia. It’s his entrepreneurial flair that has seen him awarded with a number of accolades such as Entrepreneur of the Year in 2001. Widely known as Australia’s ‘Coffee King’, Les Schirato is the man behind the success of Vittoria Coffee – Australia’s No. 1 pure coffee company*.

Les commenced full time employment at Cantarella Bros (Trading as Vittoria Food & Beverage) in 1972 and was appointed Group Managing Director in 1992. Today, Les and his family are the company owners, and he continues to lead the company with a growing portfolio of high quality products and consistent revenue growth.

Les' unprecedented success in achieving consistent sales growth in the highly competitive pure coffee market is no accident. His energy, drive and passion over a career spanning almost 40 years combined with his sales and marketing expertise has heralded an explosion in the popularity of espresso coffee in Australia.

An industry leader, Les served as President of the Australian Coffee and Tea Association and is now an honorary life member. He is also a member of the YPO Gold, of which he was the Chair of the YPO Gold Sydney Chapter until July 2014.

During Les’ time at Cantarella, the achievements of both he and Cantarella Bros have been recognised:

Cantarella Bros:

In 2014 – Woolworths Finalist – Supplier of the Year
In 2014 – Woolworths award for “Innovator of the Year”.
In 2009 Woolworths named Cantarella Bros as the Woolworths Supplier of the Year.
In 2008 the Italian Chamber of Commerce awarded Cantarella Bros with the Business Excellence Award in the category of Food, Wine and Beverage.
In 2006 Vittoria Coffee was awarded the prestigious “Supplier of the Year Award” – restaurant and Catering NSW /ACT Metropolitan Awards. As an industry voted award, Les’ contribution to Australia’s food and coffee culture was recognised.
In 2004 Vittoria Coffee was awarded first place in the Innovation category by the Australian Marketing Institute Awards, for the 'Café at Home' pure coffee aisle activation project executed nationally throughout Woolworths supermarkets.
In 2004 Vittoria Coffee was awarded the National Multicultural Marketing Award for the Vittoria Coffee Heritage campaign in the Big Business Category. This campaign celebrated the contributions made by Italian immigrants to Australian culture.
In 2004 Cantarella Bros was awarded the Australian Family Business of the Year – 2nd Generation Winner for successfully introducing Australians to their now well-known coffee culture.
In 2002 at the National Business GIO Star Awards, Vittoria Coffee was awarded with GIO’s fastest growing business award.

Les Schirato:

In 2023 Les Schirato was awarded the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic for his generous and passionate support in philanthropic and humanitarian efforts.
In 2017 Les Schirato was awarded a Knighthood of the Order of Merit by Decree of the French President for his work between Australia and France in the area of trade and tourism.
In 2016 Les Schirato was awarded the United Nations Association of Australia (UNAA) Lifework Individual Award for his contributions to the Australian coffee industry and the Food & Beverage industry at large. For services to the community and philanthropic contributions to health, youth, rural areas, social welfare and those less fortunate. For investing time and mentoring of youth in business and talent.
In 2013 Les Schirato was inducted into the Italian Chamber of Commerce as well as the Industry’s Hall of Fame. This honour was in recognition of his outstanding career and cultural achievements to date.
In 2013 Les Schirato was announced as an ambassador for the Italian Chamber for Commerce.
In 2008 Les Schirato was awarded a member of the Order of Australia (AM).
In 2008 Les Schirato was honoured with the CIRA Award, for his outstanding contribution to Italian Culinary Culture.
In 2001 Les Schirato was named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (consumer and industrial goods).
In 1998 Les Schirato was awarded the Paul Harris Medal by the Belrose Rotary Club for Vittoria’s ongoing help given to Camp Quality children’s cancer charity.

Les' passion and his service to the community through philanthropic contributions to health, youth, social welfare organisations and to business was recognised with him being awarded a member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2008.

As Cantarella Bros continues to grow and evolve, so does our corporate identity.

With our flagship brand Vittoria Coffee holding the position of Australia's Number 1 Pure Coffee Brand*, we recognised that it was important to link our total business to that of which it is best known. Which is why Cantarella Bros is now trading under the new business name of 'Vittoria Food & Beverage'.

Rest assured our commitment to excellence remains unchanged, as does our heritage, with Vittoria Food & Beverage remaining a proud third-generation family business where our expertise has been passed down from one generation to the next, with Les Schirato as CEO and his son Rolando Schirato being appointed as Managing Director in 2014.

*Source: IRI 19.02.2017. Total Beans & Ground Coffee, Value Dollars