MARKETS PROFILE
Darren Yip, manager, H Lum Yip & Sons, Sydney Markets, NSW.
Tell me about H Lum Yip & Sons
Last year it was our 75th anniversary. The business was started by my grandfather after he came out here from China.
He had uncles working at Haymarket so he worked with them until he started his own business.
My father then entered the business and now the third generation is running everything.
What do you specialise in?
We specialise in hard produce; things like potatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, pumpkin, watermelon and sweetpotato.
We actually supply a lot of gourmet potatoes, which are really popular these days and we have just started doing carrots from Tasmania.
Where do you source your produce from?
We source our produce from all over the country. We deal with Australian produce preferably but when things are in short supply we have to source from overseas.
We used to source a lot from other agents; now we are dealing with a lot of growers direct because we can shift larger volumes.
Who are your customers?
Years ago our main customers were mainly fruit and vegetable shops, whereas now we also supply a lot of providores, restaurants and cafes.
How did you get into the fruit and veg business?
I actually did an animal technician course part time when I left school and worked for the University of NSW for a while.
I was working in the family business while I was studying and liked it. Now I’ve been in the business about 30 years since I left school and its great working with my family.
What is the best thing about working at the markets?
I like the freedom and the challenges more than anything else.
You are always under pressure to get things out to meet our customer needs - just the everyday running of the business is something I enjoy.
I also really enjoy working with my family and with all the other family businesses out at the markets.
What have been some of the highlights in the business over the years?
One of the biggest highlights for me has been watching how the markets have changed and evolved over the years.
I have also enjoyed watching how our family has grown into the business, watching how my younger brothers have come into the business and found their place.
What is most challenging about working in the industry?
The hours we work are definitely challenging. Trying to keep your customers happy with the service and getting their goods out to meet their time requirements make every day challenging.
A recent challenge is meeting the new work health and safety regulations which are more stringent than ever before.
What is the key to success at the markets?
You really need to have your finger on the pulse.
It’s important to provide information to your customers about the produce you supply and seek information about how the local and overseas market is tracking; availability of new varieties and other things relevant to the industry to stay on top of things and find new opportunities.
It’s good to stick to some traditions when you have been in business for 75 years but you also have to make sure that you change with the times.
What would you change at the markets if you could?
I would like to change the way I do some things and be more efficient with my time. Attention to detail is very important to me and it’s difficult to pass this on to others.
What message would you give consumers?
The old catch cry “fresh is best” and to buy their fruit and vegetables in season when it is at its best and more affordable.
What does the future hold for the industry?
I think our industry has a very bright future as Australians are very conscious of where their fruit and veg come from. While they prefer locally grown produce to imports the future is bright.
