Stronger Together
Y
The extended Del-Re family who migrated to Australia in 1950. [Rob’s mother Danny’s father and Rick & Mark’s father].
Being from Melbourne means AFL is life, and being Italian means family comes first.
You may think these two priorities are difficult to reconcile. But the opposite is true at Del-Re National, the Australian foodservice distributor famous for its four founders – Mark, Danny and Rick Del-Re and Rob Dimartino – who also happen to be first cousins.
“We grew up playing AFL together,” explains Rob, smiling. “And we’ve been able to continue that team environment through our business. Our philosophy is a little bit ‘one in, all in’.”
Despite their closeness growing up, the four cousins initially went into business separately. But, after several years apart, they realised that their skillsets were complementary – and that family was one of their greatest assets. Since amalgamating in 2004, the Del-Re cousins have worked together to create a recipe for success for their company, their customers and the community.
Danny, Mark & Rick Del-Re and Rob DiMartino at the launch of the new purpose-built warehouse in 2010.
The first 14 pallet truck at the Del-Re warehouse at Derrimut in 2010.
“That ‘family first’ attitude was ingrained in us from a very young age,” says Rob. “Bringing that culture into our business from day one has, without a doubt, been a catalyst for our success. Service is something that’s ingrained in us.”
In 2013, Del-Re National joined the Countrywide Network, winning the coveted Distributor of the Year Award just 12 months later.
“We saw the benefits of being part of Countrywide straight away,” says Rob. “It not only delivered a better return, but it also created an opportunity for us to network with like-minded businesses and benefit from their knowledge and experience. It’s been fantastic.”
Having access to such a large support network means Del-Re National can pass the benefits along to their customers.
“A lot of our customers are family businesses who are going through the same issues we are in terms of rising prices and running costs, so we’re trying to support them as best we can,” Rob says.
It’s a legacy the next generation is keen to continue.
Mark Del-Re and Rob DiMartino with the next generation who are running Del-Re National. From left to right, Rob DiMartino, Alex Bavage, Joel Del-Re, Matt Del-Re, Nicholas DiMartino and Mark Del-Re.
Del-Re National Food Group proud supporters of the Williamstown Football Club.
“We’re lucky to have the next generation coming through who have the passion for the industry and can take the business to the next level with the same values around culture that has been set before them,” Rob says.
“We sell food, and we love our food, and we challenge each other,” Rob continues. “It hasn’t always been easy, but the level of teamwork and respect we have for each other just makes us stronger.”
Director, Del-Re national Group
