History of Ross and Co
There are three companies with strong management links in this industry:
Ross and Co is located within the Brisbane Market and is one of the
largest wholesalers. The success of Ross and Co is based on a combination
of customer service and a wide range of quality fruits and vegetables which
satisfy the needs of a wide range of customers. These include independents,
secondary wholesalers and major retail chains. The
directors of the company are Ross Caltabiano,
John Misuraca and Alex Lazarou.
 Apple Country is based in Orange, NSW and is a registered
export packer of apples and pears. The Canobolas area, just outside of Orange
(picture right below), has been chosen for climatic conditions that produce
good fruit shape and colour extremely well under sound management.
 The partners in Apple Country are Andrew Caltabiano and
his brothers Ross and Joe. The orchards have been replanted since acquisition
to provide a mix of varieties required by the market place both today and
in the future. Modern storage facilities allow fruit to be stored and marketed
for almost twelve months of the year. The company is well on its way to becoming
one of Australia's leading growers and packers.
Andrew Caltabiano:
 The catalyst behind Ross and Co and its associated companies
is Andrew Caltabiano (pictured left). The group's foundations were laid in
1961 when Andrew, a citrus grower from Griffith, moved to Orange and formed
the M.I.A. Fruit Market Pty Ltd. This was a fully-fledged wholesaling operation
within a short period of time. Its primary service was to move produce to
and from the Sydney Markets. In 1968 it was amalgamated with the All States
Foods Ltd group. After continuing to manage the M.I.A. Fruit Market until
1971, Andrew started operating the All States Providores in the Haymarket
area of Sydney. In 1975 the company moved to Flemington a move which saw
its rapid growth. In 1986 the company was bought out by Andrew Caltabiano's
family company and the name changed to All States Food Services Pty Ltd.
Andrew sold All States Food Services Pty Ltd in 1999.
Andrew Caltabiano is very involved in the fresh produce industry and is
associated with a number of industry associations.
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