Les Schirato

Les Schirato is an inspiring entrepreneur who has played a major role in shaping the coffee industry in Australia. Widely known as Australia’s ‘Coffee King’, Les is the man behind the success of Vittoria Coffee for over 30 years.
His drive for constant innovation and keen sense of marketing has helped the brand establish its firm status as the number one pure coffee brand in Australia. In 2001, Les Schirato was awarded with the Entrepreneurship of the Year, an accolade that affirms his status as a savvy leader with a passion for lifestyle Italian goods.
Born in Sydney in 1955, Les Schirato’s journey with the Cantarella Bros Group of Companies began at the young age of 16, where he started out as a hardworking and dedicated part-time employee. He commenced full time employment with the company in 1972. Since then, Les has spearheaded the company into unprecedented heights with a revenue growth of $170 million in 2008.
As the current CEO of the Cantarella Bros Group of Companies, Les is also the President of the Australian Tea & Coffee Association, and a valued member of the Young Presidents Organisation, Australia Food and Grocery Council, Australian Institute of Directors and Australian Marketing Institute.
Les Schirato’s ingenious business and marketing concepts were featured in highly revered Australian and international publications including Marketing without Money by Edward de Bono and John C Lyons, and Winning Marketing Decisions That Grow a Business – How Successful Entrepreneurs Do It by Greg Byrne.
Even after all the accomplishments and accolades that he has garnered throughout his illustrious career, Les is still actively involved in charities and community initiatives. In 2008, his philanthropic contributions to the community was recognised when he was awarded with the Member of the Order of Australia for his dedicated contributions to health, youth, church, social welfare organisations and to business.

Les Schirato in the media
Les Schirato is an inspirational entrepreneur who has played a major role in shaping the Australian retail industry, and he was instrumental in introducing the ‘coffee culture’ to Australia. Les Schirato is regularly featured in reputable print and online publications, and he is we