Exhibiting at Asia Fruit Logistica 2025

Mitolo Family Farms, also known as The Mitolo Group, is one of Australia’s largest vertically integrated producers and packers of potatoes and onions. Headquartered in Virginia, South Australia, the company has grown from a small family business established in the 1970s into a national leader in fresh produce, serving major supermarkets and export markets with premium-quality agricultural products. The business has diversified its operations over the years to include olive oil (under the Ollo brand) and wine production (Mitolo Wines), while maintaining its core focus on fresh vegetables.

History and Family Legacy

Founded by the Mitolo family, the company began as a small farming operation cultivating potatoes in the fertile plains north of Adelaide. Over the past five decades, Mitolo Family Farms has expanded significantly, driven by technological investment, vertical integration, and strong supply partnerships. Today, it remains a family-owned enterprise, now managed by second-generation leaders who uphold the traditional values of quality, sustainability, and innovation.

Core Products and Services

Mitolo Family Farms offers a diverse range of agricultural products, including:

• Potatoes:

  • Table potatoes (brushed and washed varieties)
  • Carisma (Australia’s first officially certified low-GI potato)
  • Specialty and gourmet varieties
  • Seed potatoes for commercial growers

• Onions:

  • Brown and red onions
  • Export-ready and domestic packaging

• Value-Added Products:

  • Pre-washed, pre-packed produce
  • Ready-to-cook potato formats
  • Chipping potatoes for processors

• Olive Oil:

  • Ollo Extra Virgin Olive Oil, made from South Australian olives, cold-pressed and sold domestically and abroad

• Wine:

  • Mitolo Wines, a premium wine label based in McLaren Vale, South Australia, producing Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Italian varietals

Supply Chain and Infrastructure

The company manages over 17,000 hectares of farmland across South Australia, utilizing sustainable agricultural practices and state-of-the-art technology to maximize yield and minimize environmental impact. Key supply chain capabilities include:

• In-house agronomy and R&D team
• Automated grading, washing, and packing lines
• Controlled-atmosphere storage for year-round availability
• GPS-controlled machinery for precision farming
• On-site seed multiplication and potato breeding programs

Its head office and primary packing facility in Virginia handles more than 120,000 tonnes of potatoes and onions annually, making it one of the largest packing operations of its kind in Australia.

Financial and Market Performance

As a private company, Mitolo Family Farms does not publicly disclose financial statements. However:

• It supplies over 50% of the potatoes sold at Coles, one of Australia's largest supermarket chains
• Handles more than 200,000 tonnes of produce annually across all product lines
• Export presence in 14+ countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, and Hong Kong

The Carisma potato alone has captured a significant niche market, especially among health-conscious consumers and diabetic dietary plans due to its glycemic index of 55, compared to typical potatoes at 80+.

Certifications and Compliance

Mitolo Family Farms is committed to delivering safe, high-quality produce with full traceability. Their certifications include:

• Freshcare (Food Safety & Environmental)
• HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point)
• GlobalG.A.P. for best agricultural practices
• Australian Certified Organic (for selected lines)
• Sedex membership ensuring ethical sourcing and labor practices

Each production batch is traceable from farm to retail, supported by digital systems for real-time monitoring and quality assurance.

Sustainability and Innovation

Sustainability is embedded into the company's operations:

• Efficient irrigation systems reduce water consumption by up to 40%
• Solar power installations across farming and packing facilities
• Organic waste recycling and composting initiatives
• Integrated pest management to minimize chemical use
• Packaging innovation, including recyclable and biodegradable materials

Their sustainable practices were highlighted in their feature video “Exploring Mitolo Family Farms with Callum & Themis,” which showcases both field and facility operations.

Customer Testimonials

“Mitolo's Carisma potato is a game-changer for people managing blood sugar. Their quality is consistent, and the supply chain is incredibly reliable.”
— Senior Category Manager, National Grocery Retailer

“From paddock to plate, Mitolo has demonstrated best practice in agricultural sustainability, and their product always exceeds expectations.”
— Procurement Manager, Fresh Produce Importer (Singapore)

Major Achievements

• Australia’s first low-GI certified potato (Carisma) in partnership with the Glycemic Index Foundation
• One of the top three potato producers in Australia by volume and value
• Vertical integration across farming, packing, and logistics
• Multi-award-winning Mitolo Wines, rated 90+ points by James Halliday and Wine Spectator
• Featured in national sustainability case studies and agricultural best practice guides

Mitolo Family Farms continues to set benchmarks for innovation, quality, and responsible farming in the Australian fresh produce industry, delivering trusted food solutions from the heart of South Australia to the world.