The remarkable journey of Quin Scalzo

In the heart of Australia's bustling food industry lies an extraordinary tale of resilience, determination, and entrepreneurial genius — the story of Quinto (Quin) Scalzo.

Born in the picturesque rural village of Decollatura in the Calabrian province of Catanzaro in Southern Italy, Quin's path to success began with humble roots but blossomed into a thriving enterprise spanning the Australian continent and beyond. His journey from a young immigrant boy to the founder of Scalzo Pty Ltd, a formidable force in the dry fruits and nuts industry, is nothing short of inspirational.

At the age of eight, Quin embarked on a life-changing journey with his family, leaving behind the rolling hills of Calabria in search of a better life Down Under. Little did he know that this journey would lay the foundation for an empire that would one day redefine the food industry landscape in Australia and New Zealand.

Tragedy struck early in Quin's life when his father passed away, leaving him and his older brother Vincenzo (Vince) to shoulder the burden of providing for their family. To make ends meet, they took to the streets, selling newspapers with determination and grit beyond their years.
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Quin's introduction to the food industry came at the tender age of 15 when he joined a family-run food importing business as a clerk. For 15 years, he immersed himself in the intricacies of the trade, climbing the ranks with unwavering dedication and a hunger for success. Yet, Quin's entrepreneurial spirit burned bright, and in 1977, he took a leap of faith and established his own venture—Scalzo Foods.

From modest beginnings operating out of the bungalow of his suburban Melbourne home, Scalzo Foods quickly gained momentum, fueled by Quin's unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. With a keen eye for talent and a willingness to invest in people, Quin grew his family business into a powerhouse, employing hundreds of people and generating substantial annual revenue.
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Quin's roots in the town of Decollatura instilled in him a deep appreciation for family values and hard work, which became the cornerstone of the culture at Scalzo Foods. His wife, Lina, a psychologist by trade, played a pivotal role in expanding the business from trading to manufacturing, highlighting the importance of diverse skills and resources in entrepreneurship. Lina built the Human Resource foundations of the current-day People and Culture portfolio, valuing diversity in hiring and offering opportunity for new migrants to develop their skills and assimilate into new lives. One of the Scalzo Family’s proudest achievements is their retention of so many wonderful long-service employees.

Quin's four children, each bearing the spirit of their lineage, have become vital pillars within the family's business empire. Michael has worked at Scalzo Foods for over 30 years and has gracefully shouldered the responsibilities as CEO and Managing Director since 2007, safeguarding Quin's profound legacy of diligence, honesty, and a fervent love of gastronomy. Cathy, a beacon of empowerment, serves as the CEO of the Scalzo Family Office and is a trustee of The Grace and Emilio Foundation, named in honor of Quin’s parents, who were dedicated to helping young people get ahead in life. David, the third-born, has overseen the family's property ventures with poise and tenacity for the last 15 years while also lending his expertise as a valued member of the board at Scalzo Foods. Lastly, Christopher, the youngest scion, both works in the family businesses day to day and also dazzles audiences on the theatrical stage, his recent stint in the illustrious production of Moulin Rouge! The Musical casting him into the spotlight of artistic brilliance.
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For Christopher, it all began at a young age, sparked by his love for storytelling, a passion influenced by his Italian heritage, where traditions are passed down through generations via storytelling. As a child, he attended school during the week and acting classes on the weekends. In his first year at the University of Melbourne, he auditioned for the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) and was accepted. This marked a turning point in his performing career, leading him to move to Sydney to fully dedicate himself to his craft. He participated in various musicals and performances, including tours across Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the USA with productions such as WICKED, Moulin Rouge, Evita with Tina Arena, Doctor Zhivago, and American Idiot, the latter featuring the music of Green Day.

What is truly inspiring about the Scalzo family is that, through the Grace and Emilio Foundation, they focus on supporting young people who are at risk of not meeting their full potential. Together with partners such as Backtrack, the Mirabel Foundation, and the Mornington Peninsula Foundation, they aim to create the conditions for young people to thrive.
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Cathy is passionate about philanthropic and impact investment initiatives focused on women and girls. As a Trustee of the Foundation, she has served as the Deputy Chair of the West Melbourne Economic Development Alliance and Kids in Philanthropy, an organization putting children at the centre of community-led efforts for other children in need. Her current engagements include sitting on the boards of ygap and the Mornington Peninsula Foundation, and she is the interim chair of Australians Investing in Women. The family have also invested in initiatives that support women and girls including the Women’s Property Initiatives, Good Return’s Impact Investment Fund, the SEA Women’s Economic Empowerment Fund, the Trade Finance Vehicle supporting women’s enterprises in the Pacific, and inSpire, a program for migrant and refugee women seeking to rebuild their lives after experiencing domestic violence.

Beyond the boardroom, Quin himself is actively involved in philanthropic endeavors, supporting many organisations such as the Brotherhood of St. Lawrence, and mentors young professionals through a Youth Employment Committee of the Hume Council.

Quin has been a dedicated and long-term member of the illustrious Rotary Club Of Melbourne, which was established in 1921. It was a great honour for him to be chosen as the 100th President of the Club in the year 2016-2017.

Notably, in 2018, Quin was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM)- for both his services to the the food and business industries and for his support for a range of charitable organisations.
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Quin Scalzo's story is not only one of business acumen and financial success; it stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of family values. His journey from the small village of Decollatura in Calabria, Italy, to the helm of a successful empire in Australia and New Zealand serves as an inspiration to young generations, immigrants and budding entrepreneurs alike, proving that with determination, passion, and a strong sense of purpose, anything is possible.

Cover: The Scalzo family (some), from left to right: Christopher, Sally Andren, Tom, Cathy, Quin, Michael, Lina and David
Images provided by the Scalzo family