With the profile of Australian manufacturing sector on the rise, Australia’s largest allergen free food manufacturer,
Roma Foods, today announced the appointment of MA Moelis Australia to canvas market interest and brief potential
investors with a view to a sale of the business.
Established in 1953 as a pasta producer, Roma Foods has grown into Australia’s leading allergen-free, gluten-free and
plant-based manufacturer. From its company-owned manufacturing facility in Carrum Downs, Victoria , which sits on
more than 4 acres of land, Roma Foods products extend from pasta and cereals to snack foods and baking mixes.
In recent years the business has created over 40 new products for launch into the mainstream and health categories
under the Roma Foods banner. Following from the award of significant Government Grants, Roma has commenced
investing in additional plant and equipment which will significantly expand production capabilities.
Roma Foods, Managing Director Max Buontempo, said: “Following an unsolicited offer for Roma Foods during 2021,
the directors decided the time is right to undertake a formal process to test market interest in the business. Moelis
expects the process to be completed by early in the new financial year.
“The process will investigate a range of options for the future of Roma Foods including a 100 per cent trade sale.
“With annual revenue forecast to exceed $35m in the next 12 months, we believe there is significant opportunity for
a new owner or investor to accelerate the growth trajectory of Roma Foods by investing in its people, infrastructure
and brands.
“With a proven track record of growth and profitability over many years, Roma Foods is an attractive opportunity for
investment or acquisition,” Mr Buontempo said.
Sam Schachna joined the company as CEO in January 2020 and has led the transformation and growth over the last
26 months. Mr Schachna said the company was in a strong position and poised to take advantage of changing market
emphasis towards locally manufactured high growth plant-based and allergen-free foods.
“The outcome of this process will be good for the business, our employees and our partners including customers and
suppliers,” Mr Schachna said. He said the company had a clear strategy to continue its success, including a focus on:
• Additional investment in Roma Foods’ health food brands – Orgran and Buontempo – to capitalize on the growth in consumer preferences for healthier offers • A strategic pivot in the business into mainstream categories and the launch of new brands, representing
substantial upside to the business and driving growth in FY22 and FY23; and
• Development of customer partnerships, expanded industrial channels and private label offerings in health and
mainstream categories.
“Our ambition is to create great food for healthier living and have a Roma Foods product in every family’s pantry.
Together with the team we are proud of the growth and achievements over the last few years, and we are excited by
the opportunities ahead,” Mr Schachna said.
Roma Foods, today announced the appointment of MA Moelis Australia to canvas market interest and brief potential
investors with a view to a sale of the business.
Established in 1953 as a pasta producer, Roma Foods has grown into Australia’s leading allergen-free, gluten-free and
plant-based manufacturer. From its company-owned manufacturing facility in Carrum Downs, Victoria , which sits on
more than 4 acres of land, Roma Foods products extend from pasta and cereals to snack foods and baking mixes.
In recent years the business has created over 40 new products for launch into the mainstream and health categories
under the Roma Foods banner. Following from the award of significant Government Grants, Roma has commenced
investing in additional plant and equipment which will significantly expand production capabilities.
Roma Foods, Managing Director Max Buontempo, said: “Following an unsolicited offer for Roma Foods during 2021,
the directors decided the time is right to undertake a formal process to test market interest in the business. Moelis
expects the process to be completed by early in the new financial year.
“The process will investigate a range of options for the future of Roma Foods including a 100 per cent trade sale.
“With annual revenue forecast to exceed $35m in the next 12 months, we believe there is significant opportunity for
a new owner or investor to accelerate the growth trajectory of Roma Foods by investing in its people, infrastructure
and brands.
“With a proven track record of growth and profitability over many years, Roma Foods is an attractive opportunity for
investment or acquisition,” Mr Buontempo said.
Sam Schachna joined the company as CEO in January 2020 and has led the transformation and growth over the last
26 months. Mr Schachna said the company was in a strong position and poised to take advantage of changing market
emphasis towards locally manufactured high growth plant-based and allergen-free foods.
“The outcome of this process will be good for the business, our employees and our partners including customers and
suppliers,” Mr Schachna said. He said the company had a clear strategy to continue its success, including a focus on:
• Additional investment in Roma Foods’ health food brands – Orgran and Buontempo – to capitalize on the growth in consumer preferences for healthier offers • A strategic pivot in the business into mainstream categories and the launch of new brands, representing
substantial upside to the business and driving growth in FY22 and FY23; and
• Development of customer partnerships, expanded industrial channels and private label offerings in health and
mainstream categories.
“Our ambition is to create great food for healthier living and have a Roma Foods product in every family’s pantry.
Together with the team we are proud of the growth and achievements over the last few years, and we are excited by
the opportunities ahead,” Mr Schachna said.