OUR STORY

Fino Foods is a family-owned company founded by Michael and Nicki Dalton in 2003. 

For Michael Dalton, good food — and the way it brings people together — has always been a way of life. Born to restaurateur parents, he grew up surrounded by the hum of busy kitchens, shared meals, and great wine. Those early experiences shaped a lifelong passion for finding and sharing the most delicious produce.

While studying law and economics, Michael worked in restaurants, developing a keen interest in specialty Chinese ingredients, seeking out unique finds — from soy sauces to regional condiments — and introducing them to the chefs he worked alongside. 

Realising that food, not law, was his true calling, Michael hit pause on his studies to follow his passion. The idea was simple: to source the best specialty produce and bring it to the food industry. And so, Fino was born (and no, he never did finish those studies).

2003 - BEGINNINGS

Michael and Nicki found Fino Foods in Brisbane, running the business from their garage, initially, quickly expanding to a small warehouse.

Soon after Fino begin distributing Mount Zero Olives and Land of Plenty, two companies we continue to work with today. Fino values long-term relationships, and most have been working with Fino for many years.

2006 - A GROWING TEAM

Michael and Nicki have their first child and also welcome their first team member, Andrew Greaves — Andrew is now Fino’s Operations Manager.  Leonie joins not long after and is now our Head of Finance.  Michael and Nicki feel very lucky to have many long-standing team members working with them.

2016 - ARTISAN JAPAN

The first of many research trips to Japan - and subsequent launch of the Artisan Japan range. Working with Nancy Singleton Hachisu, a leading expert in authentic Japanese cuisine and a James Beard Award winner and producers Takehiro Wadaman and Mami Kitani

Product highlights include: Shoyu and Ponzu from Yamaki Jozo; Yuzu Koshos from Kushino Farms; and Black Sesame Paste from Wadaman.

2015 - AUSTRALIAN ARTISAN CHEESE + SMALLGOODS

Artisan Australian Cheese and Small Goods are the cornerstone of Fino’s portfolio. Fino represents many local but world-class cheese producers, such as Kris Lloyd, Barry Charlton & Ian Fowler. Likewise, charcuterie from Robbie & Rebbeca Bell, salami from Tony Sgro, Robbie De Palma, Roger Rodriguez & Damon Porter.

Fino supports one of Australia’s longest-running home salami competitions in Stanthorpe, the South Bank TAFE Apprentice of the Year Competition, and is a member of the Australian Speciality Cheese Association.

2022 - ARTISAN SPAIN

Fino introduces Spain's Jamón Blazquez to the Australian market, including: Jamón Iberico de Bellota, Paleta Iberico de Bellota and Jamón Iberico Cebo de Campo.

Other product highlights: Queso Valdivieso, Conservas La Narval, Olasagasti Anchovies and many more.

2023 - ARTISAN ITALY

Girolamo, Fino’s Italian heritage range, is produced for Fino in Italy and Silvia Tovo of Meracinque visits Fino to launch their Carnaroli Classico into the Australian market. 

Other product highlights: Senga Mostada, Manicardi Balsamic of Modena, Antonella Sardinian Tomatoes and Bon’ora vegetable conservas. 

2024 - INVESTMENTS IN QUALITY

A new, purpose-built Brisbane headquarters opens, featuring dedicated cheese-cutting and packing rooms. Certification as a registered Quarantine facility and ISO2200 Quality Management System. Completion of a significant upgrade of our IT systems to better predict and manage our products and our customer needs.

TODAY & BEYOND - SERVING THE FUTURE OF SPECIALTY FOOD

With a network of direct delivery and distribution partners around Australia, Fino continues to source, share, and celebrate exceptional food.

As the range keeps evolving, we are actively focused on education and knowledge sharing within the specialty food sector, helping customers excel through a deeper understanding of ingredients and produce. 

Our purpose is ensuring Australian chefs and retailers have access to exceptional quality and inspiration from the very best global and local specialty produce, now and into the future.

MEET OUR TEAM

HOW WE WORK

From how we discover producers, to how we import and care for their products, to delivering their incredible produce to our customers, our passion guides every step.

SOURCING & SELECTION

Where exceptional products begin

At Fino Foods, we choose our producers with intention. While exceptional food is at the heart of our business, it’s the people, producers, and traditions behind these ingredients that truly make the difference.

We invest significantly in research, travel, and building relationships — both locally and abroad — to ensure that every product we represent reflects genuine quality and provenance.

Our connections often begin through trusted recommendations from industry professionals and are strengthened through regular buying trips to Spain, Italy, Japan, and other parts of the world, where we attend trade shows and visit producers firsthand.

For us, it’s never just about following what’s trending. We focus on anticipating what’s next — introducing products that shape future food trends and curating products that will shape the future of Australia’s foodscape.

WAREHOUSE & DELIVERY

From Fino to kitchens and grocers across QLD, NSW & ACT

From our facilities in Brisbane and Sydney, we manage a broad range of ambient and chilled products — imported directly from our European and Japanese producers, as well as from our local Australia-wide producers.

Each night, our experienced packing team prepares orders for next-day delivery. With an 8pm cut-off, every order is carefully picked, packed, invoiced, and palletised before morning dispatch.

Our fleet of modern refrigerated trucks — driven by long-standing members of the Fino team — delivers daily across Greater Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Northern Rivers, Greater Sydney, Southern Highlands, South Coast, Canberra & ACT.  

It’s a smooth, reliable operation that brings the world’s best products directly to the best chefs, kitchens, retailers and delis across Australia.

IMPORT & LOGISTICS

A seamless bridge from producer to Australia

Our import and logistics operation is the constant link between our producers and Australia’s food service industry. It’s a detailed, always-on process built on precision, expertise, and respect.

Behind every shipment is a system shaped by years of experience:

  • Trust — strong relationships at every point in the chain

  • Coordination — planning and communication to synchronise every step

  • Process-driven systems — reliable workflows ensure consistency and professionalism from origin to destination

  • Traceability — full visibility from origin to arrival

  • Human connection — understanding the people and ethics behind each product

  • Full production insight — ensuring every step aligns with our standards

Our commitment to direct imports is what truly sets Fino apart. It’s the first and most critical link in our integrated supply chain — providing a 360-degree view of every product we handle and the foundation of our quality guarantee.

  • At origin: we know how, where, and by whom the product is produced.

  • In transit: we oversee how the product is transported, stored, and handled.

  • To our customers: ensuring the product reaches our customers exactly as it should.

This end-to-end approach ensures the integrity, quality, and story of each and every product is preserved — delivering a truly professional and seamless bridge from the producer to our customers.