Roma Food Products CEO, Sam Schachna, is stepping down from the role after leading the company for more than six years. The business will continue operating under managing director, Max Buontempo, as internal and external opportunities are explored for future leadership roles.
Roma Foods started out in 1953 as a small South Australian pasta manufacturer, which was acquired in 1984 by the Buontempo family, and moved operations to Victoria shortly after. After more than 70 years, Roma has grown to become one of the largest allergen free manufacturers in the Southern Hemisphere.
The company’s 15,000 square metre site in Carrum Downs produces company-owned brands Orgran, Pasta Roma, Spliits, BuonTempo and a broad portfolio of over 100 gluten-free and allergen-free products across baking, biscuits, breakfast, snacking, pasta and dessert categories. These are delivered to over 40 markets worldwide across the retail, foodservice and industrial channels.
Roma Foods managing director, Max Buontempo, said Schachna had made a valuable contribution during his time with the company and thanked him for his efforts and commitment over the years.
“The culture that you have helped shape built on resilience, collaboration and a clear sense of purpose will endure and continue to be a foundation for our success. On behalf of myself and the broader Roma team, thank you for your contribution. We wish you every success in your next chapter,” he said.
Buontempo told Food & Drink Business that as the company continues to evolve and grow, the team will continue to review the structure of the organisation and explore opportunities internally and externally for future leadership roles, whether that ultimately be CEO, general manager or other senior positions.
“At this stage, no decisions have been made regarding those roles. In the meantime, the business will continue under my guidance, supported by a strong and experienced team,” said Buontempo.
“Having personally been involved in the business for the past 42 years, I remain closely engaged with the team and across all areas of Roma Foods, including product development, innovation, sales, export markets, customer relationships and the overall direction of the company. Together with our experienced management group and long-standing team members, this provides strong continuity and stability moving forward.
“Looking ahead, we remain very optimistic about the future growth of Roma Foods, particularly through innovation, expanding market opportunities and the strength of our long-standing team and relationships,” he told F&DB.
During Schachna’s time with the company, the Roma team strengthened local manufacturing and product development capability across allergen-friendly, gluten-free and plant-based categories, launching more than 40 new products and creating new brands to hit mainstream grocery categories. Most recently, Roma Foods launched its Orgran gluten-free, vegan Protein Crispbread, which delivers a 25 per cent protein content.
Schachna said leading a business with such a strong history of local manufacturing through a period of growth, modernisation and change has been a privilege.
“I joined in January 2020. Within weeks, COVID hit. There was no playbook – just a team determined to do what was right,” said Schachna.
“Local manufacturing mattered. Innovation mattered. But culture became our real competitive advantage. That was built by a great team and great partners – people who stepped up, adapted quickly and turned ambition into action. I’m proud to leave Roma in a strong position, with momentum and a clear platform for growth. I’ll remain involved through a transition period and look forward to seeing Roma continue to grow and succeed,” he said.
