OSI Foods began its story as a humble butcher shop (Otto & Sons) in
Chicago, Illinois in 1909. Founded by German Immigrant Otto Kolschowsky,
the business quickly developed a reputation for the quality of its products
and service. Having been successful in supplying meat to the locals, the
small company soon opened new branches in the surrounding areas.
Otto & Sons’ big break occurred when it became the trusted local supplier of
beef patties to McDonald’s in 1955. Supplying beef to McDonald’s restaurants
very soon became their main business and by 1973, a facility solely dedicated
to McDonald’s was opened in West Chicago, Illinois.
In 1975, the company changed its name to OSI Industries. It served as an
exclusive supplier to McDonald’s, and grew in size and prosperity as McDonald’s
expanded geographically. More than a century later, OSI is still a major supplier
to McDonalds worldwide and remains one of the largest privately held
companies in the United States.
1909
Otto & Sons
1955 - 1973
Otto & Sons’ big break occurred when it became the trusted local supplier of beef patties to McDonald’s in 1955.
The company changed its name to OSI Industries.
To fulfill its mission of becoming a global food manufacturer and supplier, OSI now has more than 65 facilities and employees 20,000 in 17 countries, including Australia.
Despite having no experience in the industry, Sam gathered all the knowledge he could and after returning briefly to Italy in 1969 to marry his fiancée, Maria, the couple set up a permanent home in Melbourne and made plans to start their own business. By 1976, they had rented a small shed in South Morang, north of Melbourne, and began processing 300 chickens per week by hand.
With a reputation for personalised service and a premium quality product, the business grew rapidly and the young couple found themselves having to employ more people and move premises to accommodate for this expansion. In 1992, a purpose built processing plant was commissioned bringing the European method of ‘Air Chilling’ to Australia. This unique processing method remains a point of difference for the business today.
1967
1976
By 1976, they had rented a small shed in South
Morang and began processing 300 chickens per
week by hand.
Throughout the growth phase, the business strategy focused on becoming fully self-sufficient and vertically integrated. A huge step towards this was taken in 1998 when a decision was made to commence growing live birds, with another milestone being reached in 2009 and 2013 with the acquisition of Golden Farms and farming assets, giving the business it’s breeder and hatching facilities.
1992
A purpose built processing plant was commissioned bringing the European method of ‘Air Chilling’ to Australia.
2018
In 2018, an opportunity presented itself which aligned with the Cuteri family’s vision for the future. As a result, a decision was made to enter into a merger with a like-minded company, OSI International Foods (Australia). Each an expert in their own field, this merger satisfies the longer term shared goal of the two entities to become one of Australia’s leading food manufacturers.