Business View Oceania - January 2025

Rooted in a dedication to quality, sustainability, and problem-solving, the Mitani Group’s journey is as much about family values as it is about progress. As the business grows, it remains grounded in its heritage while embracing opportunities to reshape the food industry. THE ROOTS OF A LEGACY In 1979, the Mitani family set out on a journey that would eventually redefine their future.The business began as a modest operation, distributing poultry and seafood to local markets. Loui and Trianka Mitani and their four sons worked tirelessly to carve out their niche in South Australia’s competitive food industry. Reflecting on the company’s humble beginnings, Tammy Barker, Chief Operating Officer, notes, “Our grandparents laid the groundwork for something that would become much more than they might have envisioned.” These formative years were defined by hard work, collaboration, and a deep understanding of the local market’s needs. By the mid-1980s, the company began transitioning from its original distribution model into food service and catering supply. Serving pubs, takeaways, and restaurants, the Mitani Group found a foothold in the industry by addressing gaps in service and quality. This phase laid the foundation for its eventual expansion into food manufacturing. CATERING TO NICHE MARKETS One of the Mitani Group’s defining characteristics is its ability to adapt and respond to industry challenges. This adaptability was evident when the company ventured into manufacturing, marking a new chapter in its history. Among the Mitani Group’s most notable developments is the creation of the stuffing core. This product revolutionized poultry processing, addressed inefficiencies in manual stuffing processes, and became integral to one of Australia’s best-loved grocery items: roast chicken.The stuffing core is now a staple in supermarket deli sections nationwide. “The stuffing core was a game-changer,” says Lewis Mitani, Chief Sales Officer. “It allowed us to 37 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 07, ISSUE 01 MITANI GROUP

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