Sandhurst came about as a dream that we could give to the Australian and International customers the foods that we grew up with as an Italian - Australian family. Most people associate Italian Food with huge plates of Pasta, Pizza and red-check tablecloths. We went about looking at products that were preserved in the ancient 'cantinas' (Cellars) of regional Italy.
We discovered that Italian Food revolves around family and that old food is good food. We used modern techniques to preserve these foods that were invented before microwave ovens, freezers and 24-hour supermarkets. The products are inspired by southern Italian tastes. Foods from Campagna, Basilicata, Puglia, Calabria and Sicily all have made their way into our product range.
Family Roles:
It has been said that a family is the strongest example of the union of people on earth. We took some strength from great Italian family businesses that we saw and realized that all great Italian companies are large families. To this end, each family member has a significant role and it forms the backbone of the family business. (Just as in rural Italy there were roles for all family members from an early age to teach values).
In our family, our mother Geraldine ensures that the flavour profiles are right. She will often spot check the recipes and ensure that we haven't missed out on adding a vital ingredient or flavour. She often checks the incoming produce for consistency, quality and presentation. For example, our fresh Eggplants are taken home for us to make 'Parmiggiana' to assess the quality of this produce.
Vince Lubrano, the founder of Sandhurst loves to experiment and now he is dedicated to growing produce on a small nature strip beside the factory. This new 'association' with nature allows Vince to enjoy his semi-retirement whilst in other times, he will find a new product and experiment with some recipes that he then takes to Geraldine for approval or 'tweaking' that makes the recipes tested and true.
Ray Lubrano overseas the entire production process and is involved in the logistics and operations functions of the business whilst Mimmo, the youngest handles all sales and marketing matters relevent to the company. He's also the one you've heard on our radio ads! Sandhurst employees are dedicated family people that care about what happens on a day-to-day basis and they make the difference when comparing our brand to the others that sit beside us on the shelves.
Where the name "Sandhurst" comes from!
The name Sandhurst was derived from SANDHURST FARMS ' a small pickling factory that Vince Lubrano and his brother-in-law Pasquale bought in the mid 1960's. They revolutionized this old English Pickling company that was named after a retired military colonel that was educated in Sandhurst Military Academy of England. Vince and Pasquale grew this little business until 1976 when it was sold to SR McAlpine and Sons. (333's condiments)
The Sandhurst name was resurrected in 1989 when Vince was playing around in a semi-retirement project to keep himself busy. It grew to what is now the largest player in the Antipasto and olive field of Australia.
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