Maistas: A New Lithuanian Enterprise in Australia

In 1955, a Lithuanian meat trading and smallgoods manufacturing company known as “Maistas” was established in Sydney. The company was founded by five Lithuanian community members: Jonas Šlyteris, Juozas Grybas, Gediminas Umbražiūnas, Pranas Švarcas and Vacys Ambraška.

The company began by purchasing a butcher shop in Dulwich Hill and, within a short period, successfully increased its turnover fourfold. However, selling meat was only the beginning of their vision. From the very first days, plans were underway to establish a purpose-built meat processing operation.

After acquiring the necessary machinery, completing the factory facilities, and receiving approval from health and other regulatory authorities, production commenced. The machinery of “Maistas” began operating, and clouds of smoke rose from the smokehouse as traditional Lithuanian-style smoked meats and sausages were produced.

On 12 August, the shareholders, together with several invited guests, modestly celebrated the official opening of the company.

At the beginning, “Maistas” employed six people and processed more than 1,000 kilograms of meat each day. The company produced a range of European-style smallgoods, including salami, mortadella, liverwurst, frankfurts and smoked ham.

Production was supervised by Juozas Grybas, who brought valuable experience from Lithuania, where he had worked for many years in the Lithuanian “Maistas” factories managing sausage and other processed food departments.

The name “Maistas” carried a special meaning for Lithuanian immigrants. In Lithuania, the original Maistas was a major state-owned meat industry and trading company established in 1923, with its headquarters in Kaunas, operating until the Soviet occupation in 1940. The word maistas simply means “food” in English, but for many Lithuanians it represented quality, tradition and memories of their homeland.

The new Australian “Maistas” proudly continued this tradition. Its modern equipment, strict cleanliness standards and dedication to quality reflected the values of the Lithuanian company that had inspired it. The owners hoped that their sausages, hams and other products would satisfy not only Lithuanian customers but also the wider Australian community accustomed to European flavours.

To support the Lithuanian community, compatriots were offered discounts of up to 20% when purchasing “Maistas” products directly from the company, with home delivery also available.

The company operated successfully for approximately ten years, becoming another example of the determination, enterprise and cultural commitment of Lithuanian migrants building new lives in Australia.

Musu Pastoge Wed 17 Aug 1955