Who are the Best Greengrocers in NSW and ACT?
Announcement posted by Sydney Markets 04 Nov 2013
Sydney, Australia – 4 November 2013 – 16 independent greengrocers from metropolitan and regional NSW and ACT were honoured by Sydney Markets Limited, the home of Fresh Food, Flowers and Paddy’s today in an annual award that encourages and rewards excellence in fresh produce retailing.
Now in its 12th presentation, the Greengrocer of the Year Awards recognises retailers for providing outstanding produce knowledge and freshness, excellence in customer service, store appearance, overall merchandising and branding.
This year, 210 small businesses in NSW and ACT were assessed by mystery shoppers against a list of criteria set by Sydney Markets. Throughout the year, over 700 store inspections were made from Tumut to Tamworth, Bathurst to Beecroft, and Canberra to Caringbah.
Independent greengrocers play an integral role in bringing fresh produce to their communities. As Australians are increasingly aware of the importance of a healthy diet, fuelled by consuming fresh fruits and vegetables, the Greengrocer of the Year Awards allows Sydney Markets to acknowledge the role of greengrocers play in NSW and ACT, in connecting local communities with a wide range of quality produce all year round.
Brad Latham, CEO of Sydney Markets said, “Sydney Markets would like to congratulate the winners and finalists of the 12th Greengrocer of the Year Awards. In an industry that is working harder, under difficult trading conditions, these awards serve to acknowledge the vital role independent greengrocers play in feeding Australia.”
Latham added, “An independent greengrocer’s competitive advantage comes from delivering outstanding customer service and product knowledge. This has meant catering to more diverse tastes, helping customers make more informed decisions about produce, and helping busy consumers save time by adding value and flavour to their meals through preparation and personal recommendations.”
2013 Greengrocer of the Year Award Winners
Fourth time finalist of the award since 2010, Parisi’s Food Hall from Rose Bay, was named Winner of the Metropolitan Greengrocer of the Year Award with Southgate Sylvania Best Fresh from Sylvania receiving the Highly Commended Metropolitan Greengrocer of the Year Award.
Regional award recipients, Country Fruit Bathurst from Bathurst, was named Winner of the Regional Greengrocer of the Year Award for the sixth consecutive year. Mountain Fresh Growers, Winmalee secured the Highly Commended Regional Greengrocer of the Year Award.
2013 Greengrocer of the Year Finalists
Metropolitan Finalists of the Greengrocer of the Year Award were:
· Daily Fresh Randwick, Randwick
· Martelli’s Markets, Rouse Hills
· Minchinbury Fruit Market, Minchinbury
· Norton St Grocer, Bondi Junction
· Norton St Grocer, Leichhardt
· Royal Randwick Fruit Market, Randwick
· Trim’s Fresh, Winston Hills
· Ziggy’s Fruit Market, Fyshwick
Regional Finalists of the Greengrocer of the Year Award were:
· Farmer Bob’s Fruit Market, Tamworth
· Fruit For All, Berkeley Vale
· Hilltops Fruit Barn, Young
· Paddock to Pantry, Scone
Over 300 guests from the fresh produce industry in NSW and ACT gathered at La Montage in Lilyfield for a gala dinner that cumulated with the announcement of the award winners and finalists.
For further information about winners and finalists, visit http://www.sydneymarkets.com.au/produce-awards.asp.
ENDS
Notes to Editor:
1. Photography: Hi-res images from the event are available at [https://www.cubby.com/pl/Award+night+images/_935721d3574d415299341d2e40265321#Award%20night%20images]
2. A brief background on each of the winners is appended below.
For further information, please contact:
Gabriel Wong / Louise Williams
Espresso Communications
Phone: (02) 8016 2200
Email: gabriel@espressocomms.com.au / louise@espressocomms.com.au
About Sydney Markets
Sydney Markets Limited owns and operates Australia’s largest market and is recognised as a world leader in fresh produce and community market management. An estimated 2,000,000 tonnes of fresh fruit and vegetables, valued at $3 billion, are sold through the Sydney Produce Market and Sydney Growers Market annually. Approximately 120 wholesalers, 394 produce growers, 172 flower growers and over 160 supporting businesses are located on site at Flemington. More than 5,000 people work in businesses at Sydney Markets.
Backgrounder of Finalists and Winners
| Metropolitan Stores | |
| Southgate Sylvania Best Fresh, Sylvania Mark Amerio and his staff show mass displays of fresh produce to give this store a fabulous feeling of abundance. The range is extensive and the fresh produce quality is outstanding. This Sutherland Shire store is focused on delivering quality, value and service. Mark Amerio and his fresh produce team run a fabulous contemporary fresh fruit and vegetable business in the Shire. This large, bright and well-presented store is has a fabulous feeling of abundance. Their range is extensive and the quality outstanding. This greengrocer is focused on delivering quality, value and service and has a strong sense of community spirit. Location: Southgate Shopping Centre,Shop 51/Cnr Princess Highway and Port Hacking Road, Southgate Shopping Centre, Sylvania Phone: (02) 9544 7822 / 0414 255 337 Media Contact: Mark Amerio Finalist: 2013, 2011, 2010 | |
| Parisi’s Food Hall, Rose Bay Since opening in 2009, Parisi's Food Hall, Rose Bay has been an industry benchmark for outstanding quality and store appearance. The store's interior is a stylish mix of marble and terrazzo. Its light, bright and spacious and caters well to the community's taste and needs. Operated by the experienced and passionate team of Peter Morelli, Mario Bombardier and Claudio Guerrera, this Dover Road store is a showcase of stunning quality fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers and so much more. A great deal of time and attention has been given to this store's presentation and any grower would be delighted to see their produce so beautifully and favourably presented for sale. Maximising the use of colour and shapes the team at Parisi's create artful displays. Traditional stacks are dotted with feature baskets filled with unique lines like quinces or pomegranates. New season pears are embellished with wrapping of purple tissue paper, banana leaves are used to create natural layers between truss tomatoes and mushrooms are removed from their box and nestled on cabbage leaves. The leafy greens look like they have just been picked. Paris's Food Hall is spacious, spotlessly clean, well lit and recipe cards are strategically located at the entrance to the store and around the store in conjunction with produce stacks to offer inspiration to their customers at the point of purchase. The trolleys and baskets are clean and the uniformed staff are only too happy to assist their customers with inquires. There is no doubt Parisi's Food Hall is enticing more customers as the car park is full, there is a constant stream of customers through the door and the café at the rear of the store is abuzz with chatter and a lingering fragrance of good coffee. Location: 19-21 Dover Rd, Rose Bay, NSW Phone: (02) 9371 2411 Media Contact: Peter Morelli - 0416 047 551 Finalist: 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 and Metropolitan Greengrocer of the Year in 2013 | |
| Trim’s Fresh, Winston Hills Located in Sydney’s North West, this greengrocer is large, spacious and carries an outstanding range of seasonal fruit, veggies and herbs. It also has a serviced deli counter and stocks over 1,000 gourmet grocery lines. Trim's Fresh customers love the superb customer service, store presentation, produce quality and the value for money. The store is a credit to John Adbow, Tony Trim and their staff. Location: Shop MM1, 180-190 Caroline Chisholm Drive, Winston Hills Phone: (02) 9624 8584 Media Contact: John Adbow Website: http://www.trimsfresh.com.au/stores/winston-hills Finalist: 2013 | |
| Royal Randwick Fruit Market, Randwick Mass displays of fresh produce give Royal Randwick a tremendous feeling of abundance, the range is all-embracing, the fresh produce quality is exceptional and gourmet grocery lines add to the store’s appeal. Owner Claudio Guerrera has run this Eastern suburbs store for 23 years and together with his manager Hoang Dang, has built a well presented store with outstanding customer service. Location: Shop 13, Royal Randwick Shopping Centre, 76 Belmore Road, Randwick Phone: (02) 9399 8296 Media Contact: Claudio Guerrera Finalist: 2013, 2012, 2009 | |
| Minchinbury Fruit Market, Minchinbury The impressive Minchinbury Fruit Market is one of the largest fruit and vegetable retail stores in Sydney. Proudly owned and operated by the Gauci family for over 50 years, this mega greengrocer centre is a soaring success. Shopping is a breeze for customers in this modern, well-planned and superbly stocked store. With its extra wide aisles, clear bright corporate signage and an extensive range of top quality fruit and vegetables, it’s clear that this store is a food shopper’s paradise. The Gauci family team are well versed on fresh produce and offer a high level of customer service: friendly, knowledgeable and always helpful. The hard work and expenditure on developing a new corporate branding over the past few years has paid off. Minchinbury Fruit Market’s striking new business logo has strengthened branding and the implementation of the design across signage, ticketing, uniforms, delivery vehicles and advertising have added to the stores professional look. A high level of quality, superb presentation and attractive prices add to the appeal of this award-winning store. Location: Minchinbury Fruit Market, 1039 Great Western Highway, Minchinbury Phone: (02) 9625 8021 Media Contact: Craig or Joe Gauci Finalist: 2013, 2011, 2010; Metropolitan Greengrocer of the Year in 2011 | |
| Martelli’s Markets, Rouse Hill Martelli's Market, located in Rouse Hill Town Centre, is beautifully presented store. As soon as you enter this store, you will be greeted with wide aisles, soft lighting and wood-panelled displays which showcase the immaculately presented fresh produce. There's not an apple or orange out of place and the range is extensive. All prices and country of origin are printed and positioned attractively above the produce. Large barrels are strategically placed at the front of the store to highlight seasonal produce and weekly specials. Not only does this greengrocer stock the freshest fruit and vegetables, there are plenty of fresh cut flowers, an extensive range of gourmet groceries, pre-cut packaged vegetables, fresh fruit salads and fruit yogurts. Owned and operated by Vincent Martelli since 2007, this greengrocer has built a loyal customer base and is passionate about his trade. Vincent has worked alongside his parents, Frank and Maria Martelli, since the tender age of eight years old and credits them for his passion for fresh produce. Martelli's Market is not a business to rest on its laurels. They are constantly thinking about improvements they can make to the shop and operational systems to ensure that their business is more successful and to enhance the customers' shopping experience. Location: Martelli's Market, Shop J5, Rouse Hill Town Square, Rouse Hill Phone: (02) 9836 5500 Media Contact: Vincent Martelli Finalist:2013, 2009; Metropolitan Greengrocer of the Year in 2009 | |
| Norton St Grocer, Leichhardt Norton St Grocer, Leichhardt has built an uncompromising reputation for offering quality, fresh produce, an impressive range, spotless presentation and top customer service. Owner, George Angelidis, is a second generation retailer with over 27 years’ experience who works hard to exceed his customers’ expectations. Complementing their fresh produce, Norton St Grocer also has an impressive well-stocked gourmet deli and countless continental groceries to inspire a gourmet or simple cook. Location: Shop B1, 51-57 Norton Street (Norton St. Plaza), Leichhardt Phone: (02) 9572 7511 Media Contact: George Angelidis Website: http://www.nortonstgrocer.com.au/ Finalist: 2013, 2012, 2011, 2009; Metropolitan Greengrocer of the Year in 2012 and Highly Commended Award in 2011 | |
| Ziggy’s Fruit Market, Fyshwick Situated in the Fyshwick Fresh Food Market, Ziggys’ is an impressive greengrocer offering an exceptional range of fresh fruit and vegetables. It is obvious that devoted owners, Ken and Toni Irvine, their sons and family are passionate about fresh produce and strive to be the best in the business. Bright, modern and inviting, the store has a unique market feel with an appealing sophistication in produce presentation and quality. Clear branding and high impact signage provide visual appeal and clearly indicate daily ‘specials’. For convenience, a good range of freshly-baked breads, gourmet groceries, dairy goods and eggs are on offer. The helpful staff are well versed on produce and customer needs and it is clear the polished team at Ziggy’s work closely together to provide a high level of customer service. Sydney Markets recipe cards are strategically located around the store to offer inspiration to customers. Some produce is thoughtfully mixed with complementary ingredients to prompt usage – like fresh berries positioned next to crunchy granola. Ziggy’s has 2 stores in Canberra, Fyshwick being the largest. Location: Ziggy's Market Fresh, 12 Dalby Street, Fyshwick Phone: (02) 6295 0606 Media Contact: Ken Irvine Website: http://www.fyshwickfreshfoodmarkets.com.au/ziggys Finalist: 2013 | |
| Norton St Grocer, Bondi Junction Norton St Grocer is a top notch store that places a strong emphasis on cleanliness, quality, presentation, variety and has exceptionally good customer service. Located in Westfield Bondi Junction, this store is a showcase of what's in season and available from Sydney Markets, the range and quality are quite impressive. The fresh produce displays are built, groomed and overseen by their new Produce Manager Jon Doumbous and a dedicated team who meticulously stack the fresh produce displays. The produce sparkles with freshness, colour and is trimmed and presented superbly for sale. The wide aisles enable customers to move about freely. An improved computerised checkout system ensures customers are served efficiently by attentive checkout staff. The salad bar at the front of the store value-adds to the store's offer. Salads, yoghurts and juices are made fresh daily to cater well to busy shoppers who want to take home semi-prepared meals, health-conscience shoppers and the hungry lunchtime trade. Operated by Albert and Claudio Guerrera and partner George Angelidis, Norton St Grocer, Bondi Junction is truly an inspirational place to shop for fresh produce and gourmet groceries. Location: Norton St Grocer, Shop 1027, Westfield Shopping Centre, Bondi Junction Phone: (02) 9386 5800 Media Contact: Albert Guerrera Website: http://www.nortonstgrocer.com.au/ Finalist: 2013, 2012,2011, 2009 | |
| Daily Fresh Randwick, Randwick Owned by Nick and Tony Sofia, this Frenchman Road store is a well-known community business that caters well to their customers' needs. Quality, service and convenience are paramount and they offer everything in volumes. Opening onto the street with colourful displays of pre-packed fruits and fresh cut flowers, Daily Fresh has visual appeal. Like many contemporary greengrocers, Daily Fresh has gradually developed and extended their offer. Today, it is a comprehensive one stop shop that offers a solid mix of fresh produce, fresh cut flowers plus a superb array of gourmet groceries, smallgoods and fresh meat. The feeling of abundance and overall quality creates a mouth-watering atmosphere that makes you want to fill a basket and head back to the kitchen to cook up a storm. Central to the success of Daily Fresh is their commitment to customer service; helping, suggesting and sharing their exceptional product knowledge and, most importantly, listening to their customers' changing tastes and needs. With the extension of their trading hours to 7am to 8pm, 7 days a week, Daily Fresh is working hard to service the Randwick community. Location: Daily Fresh, 105 Frenchmans Road, Randwick Phone: (02) 9399 7226 Media Contact: Nick Sofia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Daily-Fresh-Randwick/120323654739695 Finalist: 2013, 2010; Metropolitan Greengrocer of the Year in 2010 | |
| Regional Stores | |
Farmer Bob’s Fruit Market, Tamworth This regional greengrocer has been in the top six finalists for the last six years due to their consistently high standards. Operated by Stuart and Caryn Rennie, Farmer Bob’s Fruit Market this store offers comprehensive variety, freshness, competitive value and friendly customer service. Location: 3-5 Phillip St, Tamworth Phone: (02) 6765 2200 Media Contact: Caryn and Stuart Rennie Website: http://www.farmerbobsfruitmarkets.com.au Finalist: 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 and Highly Commended Award 2011 | |
| Mountain Fresh Growers, Winmalee Mountain Fresh Growers is situated in the Blue Mountain’s suburb of Winmalee and it is dedicated to their loyal clientele offering a consistently high standard of quality. Brothers, Frank and Charlie Iaris and Frank’s supportive wife Maria, as well as their dedicated staff in their smart green and black uniforms, are committed to excellence in customer service. The team are friendly, well informed and are happy to help customers with their questions. The local community and regular ‘foodies’ can select from a top selection of locally-grown produce, and an excellent variety of fresh fruit and vegetables sourced from Sydney Markets. To complement the produce and extend usage, there is a great range of gourmet and speciality groceries, smallgoods, cheese and gluten-free products on offer. Visually appealing, well organised and bright with excellent signage throughout the store, it’s clear that Mountain Fresh Growers have a keen eye for detail and great pride in their fresh produce and the community. During the recent bush fires, Mountain Fresh Growers, supported the community in many ways with the help of several generous Sydney Markets wholesalers who have supplied fruit and vegetables to the Rural Fire Services, fed and cared for local school children when they were evacuated from the school and have been there to listen to the many stories of hardship encountered by their loyal customers in the community. Location: Shop 20, Winmalee Village Centre, Whitecross Road, Winmalee Phone: (02) 4754 4880 Media Contact: Frank Iaris Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mountain-Fresh-Growers/450260921677695 Finalist: 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 and Highly Commended in 2013 | |
| Country Fruit Bathurst, Bathurst Fourth generation owner, Craig Sharah and his wife Anna, of Country Fresh Bathurst, know the meaning of excellence when it comes to fresh produce and customer service. They are continuously improving their award-winning business. With decades of experience in the business, Craig and Anna are persistently sourcing for the best quality produce available from Sydney Markets as well as local growers. They have also upgraded their contemporary shop to the highest standards, always listening to their customers. These are all parts of their keys to their success. From the moment that you walk into their vibrant store, you are welcomed by friendly, well-trained staff and can choose from an extensive array of superbly-presented fresh fruit and vegetables. The wide range of tomatoes, fresh leafy greens, local mushrooms and asparagus (that’s packed in ice to keep it ultra-crisp) is very impressive. For customer convenience and to extend fruit and vegetable use, there is a comprehensive range of ingredients available in this ‘one-stop’ gourmet greengrocer. Customers can choose from smallgoods, gourmet groceries with tastings, meats and fresh seafood and an impressive range of cheeses, as well as fresh-cut flowers for the table. After shopping, customers can enjoy an unrivalled coffee and sandwich or cake. There is also a free home delivery service. You are left without a doubt that the freshest best quality produce, eye for detail, and outstanding excellence in service are highly valued at Country Fresh Bathurst. Location: 165 George Street, Bathurst Phone: (02) 6331 3775 Media Contact: Craig Sharah Greengrocer of the Year: 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 Finalist: 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 | |
| Fruit For All, Berkeley Vale Central Coast greengrocers Tony and Nick Hagistefanis and partner Angelo Hondroyiannis have been trading from their Berkeley Vale location since 2007. Friendly, knowledgeable service teamed with a sound range of choice fruit and vegetables at reasonable prices make this store a popular shopping destination for Central Coast shoppers. Location: Unit 1, 11 Tumbi Creek Road, Berkeley Vale Phone: (02) 4388 4450 Media Contact: Nick Hagistefanis Website: http://www.fruitforall.com.au/ Finalist: 2013, 2011, 2009 | |
| Hilltops Fruit Market, Young Operated by Robert Bush, this small regional greengrocer in the main street of Young is neat, and well presented. This greengrocer supplies local growers by selling their produce and carries a solid range of seasonal produce hand-picked from Sydney Markets several times a week. With a ready supply of seasonal recipes and warm country service, this store is worth a visit. Location: Boorowra St, Young Phone: (02) 6382 4131 Media Contact: Robert Bush Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YoungHilltopsFruitBarn Finalist: 2013 | |
| Paddock to Pantry, Scone Paddock to Pantry is a small family-owned and operated business located in the Upper Hunter Valley, New South Wales. The owners, Steve and Carey, value good food, the people who grow it and the journey this produce makes from the Paddock to Pantry. They pay particular attention to where their produce comes from, who is producing it and like to support local growers and producers. Paddock to Pantry offers an effective combination of fresh produce and great service. Our active pursuit of supply chain efficiencies enables us to consistently provide fresh quality products at competitive rates. The store incorporates a small café and sells fresh produce alongside a range or quality local grocers and produce. Ongoing thought and careful consideration is given to their packaging and management of any waste. Location: 135 Kelly St, Scone Phone: (02) 6545 9851 Media Contact: Steve and Carey Guihot Website: http://www.paddocktopantry.com/ Finalist: 2013 (first year in program) | |