Buon appetito! Roma Foods rolls out exports in Southeast Asia

Roma Foods is one of Australia’s largest free-from product manufacturers, producing high-quality alternative grain foods. The company is now growing exports in Southeast Asia, thanks to its Pasta roma! gluten-free products.

Founded in 1953, Roma Foods combines Italian passion with Australian production. It owns a portfolio of brands including Orgran, Buontempo, Spliits, Pasta roma! and Freemills. The 100% Australian-owned company employs 100 staff in Southeast Melbourne.

In the early 1990s, Roma Foods began exploring exports to the US, UK and Italy. Today, the company exports to more than 50 markets across 7 continents including South America, Europe and Oceania.

‘We recognised that Roma had a niche offering,’ says Max Buontempo, Roma Foods’ Managing Director. ‘Exporting gave us the opportunity to grow our sales and reduce reliance on the Australian market alone.

‘Our exporting journey has been strengthened by Austrade’s knowledge, presence and coordination of international opportunities.’

Pasta roma! supports a growing demand for high-quality, gluten-free pasta. Formerly a niche product for a niche consumer, gluten-free products are becoming more available. In Australia, Coles, Foodworks, IGA and Woolworths stock Pasta roma!’s gluten-free pasta in the main pasta aisle.

‘Pasta roma! is the new kid on the block,’ says Matt O’Brien, Head of Sales, Roma Foods. ‘It’s an alternative pasta with authentic taste and texture.’

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and oats that can cause an immune reaction in people with coeliac disease. Pasta roma! vegan, plant-based product is made from local rice and sun-ripened corn. Free from allergens, it contains no gluten, wheat, egg, nut, dairy, yeast or soy. Allergens such as eggs or nuts are not permitted onsite.

‘Everyone deserves access to high-quality allergen-free products,’ says O’Brien. ‘We aim to provide that access as much as possible including to our nearest neighbours.’