In 1967 Sam and Maria Cuteri left their homes in the romantic province of Calabria, Italy migrating to Australia where Sam started working in the poultry industry. In 1975, the Cuteris began their own poultry processing operation called La Ionica Poultry. The rest as they say 'is history'

After several research trips to Europe Sam’s innovative plant is the only plant on mainland Australia not using spin washing and spin chilling, processes involving the use of chlorine.

From 300 birds per week in a small factory in Epping, Victoria, to over 300,000 birds in one of Australia’s most revolutionary processing plants in Thomastown, the brand name La Ionica has grown quickly to become synonymous with quality and healthy lifestyle throughout Australia.

After several research trips to Europe, Sam's innovative processing plant includes one of Australia's only refrigerated air drying chambers replacing the traditional spin washing, spin chilling and the use of Sodium Hypochlorite. The commitment to innovation and streamlined processing, resulting in chickens processed chemically free is what sets La Ionica apart from the competition.