In an industry where efficiency often challenges authenticity, Floridia Cheese continues to prove that tradition and technology can thrive together, writes Mahdokht Aghel, strategic sales manager, J.L.Lennard.
Celebrating its 70th anniversary, the fourth-generation, family-owned cheesemaker has become a symbol of quality and consistency – combining old-world craftsmanship with modern automation. At the heart of this journey is a partnership spanning more than 25 years with J.L.Lennard, one of Australia’s most trusted suppliers of food processing, packaging, and inspection systems.
Speaking with Francesco Portella, commercial manager at Floridia Cheese, it’s clear that the company’s success is rooted not just in its family heritage, but in its openness to innovation and long-term partnerships.
Crafting a legacy
The Floridia story began in 1952, when Mauro Montalto, a shepherd from the Sicilian town of Floridia, migrated to Australia in search of opportunity. With deep cheesemaking knowledge and an uncompromising philosophy – never be the cheapest, just be the best – he and his family began making ricotta in their North Melbourne home.
By 1955, their cheese had gained popularity among Melbourne’s growing Italian community, prompting the family to establish the Floridia Cheese brand. Soon after, they moved to a small farm and factory in Bundoora, before expanding to Thomastown in 1998, where production continues today.
Four generations later, the company remains proudly family-run under Francesco Portella, who continues to honour his great-grandfather’s principles while steering the business into a new era of growth.
“We make cheese the way it should be made – slow, patient, and full of flavour,” Francesco says. “But to stay competitive, we’ve had to bring in the right technology – and that’s where J.L.Lennard has been a constant partner.”
Technology supports growth
Floridia’s collaboration with J.L.Lennard began over two decades ago, when the company purchased its first Packline ricotta tub sealing system. The partnership flourished from there, driven by mutual respect, long-term service, and shared family values.
“Floridia is one of those rare customers who value quality over shortcuts,” says Russell White, packaging sales director at J.L.Lennard. “It’s never been about a quick sale – it’s about supporting their growth and ensuring the technology always delivers.”
Today, Floridia’s production floor operates with Rovema vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) baggers, Multipond multihead weighers, and a range of inspection and packaging systems from Anritsu, Thermo, and Packline – all supplied and supported by J.L.Lennard.
These integrated systems form the backbone of Floridia’s grated and shredded cheese operations, delivering precision, reliability, and efficiency while maintaining the handcrafted quality the brand is known for.
Reliable partnership
Floridia’s success is built on reliability – both in process and in partnership.
Francesco recalls a production run when the company’s Rovema and Multipond lines operated 24/7 for three straight weeks, pausing only for scheduled cleaning.
“The machines just kept going,” he says. “They’ve stood the test of time, and the support from J.L.Lennard has been second to none.”
Carrying forward his family’s legacy, Mauro Montalto – grandson of the founder and part of the company’s senior generation – adds:
“What we put in does what it says it will. The outcome has always been guaranteed – and that’s why we keep working with J.L.Lennard.”
This long-term dependability has allowed Floridia to manage all shredding, grating, and packaging in-house, unlike many competitors who outsource. By controlling every stage – from milk procurement to final packaging – Floridia ensures unmatched product consistency and faster lead times for both domestic and export customers.
Innovation on the horizon
Steeped in tradition yet forward-looking, Floridia is expanding its export capabilities and introducing fresh innovations – giving a modern twist to its core offerings. Continuous investment in efficiency and hygiene also ensures Floridia remains well-positioned to meet growing demand both locally and abroad.
“We’ve got a long history, but we’re not done yet,” says Francesco. “We’re modernising the business, growing our export markets, and building the next generation of products – all while staying true to who we are.”
For J.L.Lennard, this enduring collaboration is proof that technology can preserve tradition rather than replace it.
“It’s a partnership built on shared values,” says Rosie Ranck, Director of Marketing & Digital Platforms at J.L.Lennard. “Floridia’s commitment to quality matches our own – they’ve proven that you can innovate without losing authenticity.”
One shared vision
From Mauro Montalto’s first handmade ricotta to today’s high-performance Rovema packaging lines, Floridia Cheese has evolved with care – blending its rich heritage and tradition with a spirit of innovation and a forward-looking vision.
As the business continues to expand, its story with J.L.Lennard remains a powerful example of how technology, service, and partnership can come together to sustain Australian food manufacturing – preserving the essence of craftsmanship while driving the future of production.
With the next generation leading the charge, Floridia is not just preserving tradition through innovation – it is shaping the next era of Australian cheese manufacturing.
This article was first published in PKN Packaging News March 2026 issue, page 44.
