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Vittoria Food & Beverage CEO Leslie Schirato has been awarded a United Nations Lifework award.

Schirato received the UNAA Lifework - Individual 2016 award for his contributions to the Australian coffee, food and beverage industry.

He was also cited for his services to the community and philanthropic contributions to health, youth, rural areas, social welfare and those less fortunate, as well as investing time and mentoring of youth in business and talent development.

Each year the United Nations present just one award each to an individual and community in Australia.

In his acceptance speech, Schirato said Vittoria’s graduate program and his contributions to philanthropic organisations, including The Curran Foundation and Oz Harvest, have given him the greatest sense of achievement.

He also acknowledged his migrant father and the work ethic instilled in him.

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