Sydney Markets has crowned the winners of the 2017 Fresh Awards, leaving hundreds of Greengrocers, Growers, and Florists across NSW and ACT green with envy.
Rose Bay, Blue Mountains, Rossmore, Monterey, Jesmond, and Balgowlah, are among the areas housing some of Australia’s top fruit, vegetables and flower retailers and growers.
Recognising the challenges of running independent businesses in highly competitive industries, the Fresh Awards aims to both celebrate the successes of these local gems, as well as help them identify opportunities for improvement.
More than 300 independent retailers and growers across NSW and ACT participated in the program, where retailers are measured through a rigorous mystery shopping program over the course of six months. The mystery shoppers make purchases, test industry knowledge, and engage with staff to measure the customer’s shopping journey through the store.
The freshest picks were announced at a gala function at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney on Wednesday July 19, with Chris Bath acting as Master of Ceremonies.
Sixty greengrocers, florists, growers, and bloggers were in with a chance, but just 15 walked away with a category title and an impressive prize package.
Brad Latham, Sydney Markets Limited CEO said whether family run, a partnership between friends or a sole trader, independent businesses were the heart of their local communities.
“From waking up at the crack of dawn daily to purchase the best picks to the back breaking work of harvesting and picking, Greengrocers, Florists and Growers go to great lengths to provide their customers with the freshest and highest quality produce,” he said.
“Sydney Markets is committed to recognising their efforts and encouraging more Australians to support their local fresh produce providers.”
Family businesses were the big winners on the night, with the two top prizes, Greengrocer and Florist of the Year going to family operators, Harbord Growers Market in Balgowlah and B & M Florist in Monterey.
Family businesses account for around 70 per cent of Australian businesses. This figure rings true for fruit, vegetable, and flower industry, with many businesses second or third generation family owned and run.
Greengrocer of the Year Award winner, Amerigo Gerace from Harbord’s Grower Market, Balgowlah, said they had been in the fresh produce industry for more than 26 years, across three generations of family.
“We have worked exceptionally hard to not just supply the best produce for our community, but to also make customers feel like they are a part of our store family. It’s an experience they can’t get at the huge chains and what helps us stand out. It feels extremely satisfying to be awarded for our efforts and really does show that family run businesses will never go out of style with Australians.”
And the winners are:
2017 Greengrocer of the year: Harbord Growers Market, Stockland Balgowlah
2017 Flower grower of the year: S & P Dominello, Peat Ridge
2017 Produce grower of the year: Vegie King, Rossmore
Greengrocer awards
Best Small Business: Fruitologist, Rozelle
Best Medium Business: Harbord Growers Market, Balgowlah
Best Large Business: Parisi’s Food Hall, Rose Bay
Service Excellence: Mountain Fresh Growers, Winmalee
Retail Presentation: Parisi’s Food Hall, Rose Bay
Knowledge in Action: Jesmond Fruit Barn, Jesmond
Florist awards
2017 Florist of the year: B & M Florist, Monterey
Store Presentation: Native Botanical, Young
Merchandising and Branding: Jodie McGregor Flowers, Annandale
Service Excellence: Dianne’s Fresh Flowers, Sans Souci
Best fresh blog awards
Greengrocer Story: Alice Longhurst & Sharon Williams, Western Sydney Food Blog
Flower Story: Lisa Tilse, We are Scout
