We love our story at Ivans, as do all who hear it, because it is a quintessential Australian success story founded on new beginnings and a land of opportunity.
Ivan had grown up living in a rural setting close to the Mediterranean. As a child, any food the family had was found in the earth and trees surrounding their modest home. Ivan spent childhood days climbing trees for figs and apples, digging up the soil for vegetables and eating ripe tomatoes from the vine.
At the age of 19 and in the still of night, Ivan left his home and family to look for a better life in Australia. After arriving, Ivan worked on the Snowy Mountain hydroscheme during the 1960’s, drove Melbourne trams during the 1970’s, before surprising his young family in 1980 with an idea of becoming a pie maker.
Ivan was fortunate that his wife Anne grew up in a Melbourne family that ran guest houses and so spent many hours of her youth in the kitchen preparing meals for the guests. Together they founded Ivan’s Pies in 1980. They soon became known for making the best home-made pies in Melbourne and the company today is known for making the best artisanal pies in Australia.
Ivan’s remains today a family business with the 2nd generation now managing the artisan traditions while the 3rd generation lend an occasional hand on school holidays! Of course, the family at Ivan’s reaches far wider to include our loyal and skilled employees and our many valued customers, many of whom have been with us for long parts of our journey.
We are proud of our products and love hearing the amazing feedback from our customers.
“Thank you for delivering my order this morning and for your wonderful customer service! I really appreciate it especially as a new customer.”
Food Service - Client
March 2020
“My husband and I buy your Chunky Angus Beef Pie and the Chicken Leek and Mushroom pies. Can I just say they are perfectly delicious home style pies. OMG I can’t tell how flavoursome they are. We will continue to buy these delicious pies. Keep doing what you’re doing. Thank you.”
Consumer - Retail purchase, major Supermarket
January 2020
“I have just purchased a small Quiche Lorraine already heated. I must tell you it was wonderful and the best I have tasted, comparing so well with anything homemade. Thank you.”
Consumer - Retail purchase, major Supermarket
June 2020
“I just wanted to say your Angus beef pie best I have ever tasted and I bought one for my mum also, she had it for dinner last night and said the same, thanks”
Consumer - Retail purchase, major Supermarket
April 2020
“Been meaning to message you to say I’m really happy with the product. I cater for a couple of local kids’ party places and have been trying a lot of different sausage rolls and pies to supply to both the kids and their parents, and yours have been the best by a long shot. Really glad I’m finally supplying a great quality product!”
Catering Client
January 2020