Maz still enjoying "the game" of fresh produce wheeling and dealing | MARKETS PROFILE

I STARTED the business in 1985 and have grown it from a small greengrocer in Fairfield into two large fruit markets in Chatswood Chase and Miranda Westfield.

To cope with the lockdowns over the last two years we have developed a successful box delivery business.

What do you specialise in?

We specialise in the delivering the freshest fruit and vegetables at the best price for both in-store customers and our box-delivery customers.

We stay true to our customers and our wholesalers by offering the best quality produce at fair market prices.

We take advantage of any opportunity when it arises to get the best value for our customers.

What sets your business apart from other local greengrocers and delivery services?

Our produce comes to the market straight from the farm, and packed directly into our veggie boxes.

Any fresher than that, you'd have to grow it yourself. Along with our mixed fruit and veg boxes, we offer a range of specialty options including Asian Flavours, Simply Salads, Healthy Soups and Casseroles and Mediterranean Flavours.

We want to give our customers as much choice as possible, so unlike lots of box delivery services, our customers can also build their own fruit and veg box with added grocery items to cater specifically to their needs.

Where do you source your produce from?

We source most of our produce each morning from Sydney Market, as well as direct from some growers with whom we have established relationships. I personally go out to Sydney Market every morning.

I try everything before I buy, because I believe if I like it so will our customers.

Ninety-nine per cent of our produce is Australian grown, and we will always try to source locally where possible as it is really important for us to support Australian farmers.

Who are your customers?

We deliver Sydney-wide six days a week.

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How did you get into the fruit and veg business?

That's an interesting question. Early in the piece I was looking for a business, and I didn't have much money. A fruit and vegetable shop was the cheapest business I could afford.

I didn't know anything about fruit and vegetables at the time; everything I know I have learnt from my customers.

They tell me what they want, and of course I learnt as I went along, and once you know what your customers want everything becomes a little bit easier.

Now both my son and my nephew work in the business with me.

What do you enjoy about the market?

I have some great relationships with people at the market, it's a partnership. I love the wheeling and dealing; sometimes telling each other off, it's all part of the game.

Some days it's the buyer's day, sometimes it's the seller's day; it goes with the territory.

What would you change at the market if you could?

I think we need some younger blood at the market, particularly in management, they are getting too old and too dull!

I would like to see our industry made in to a profession. You can go to TAFE to become a butcher, to learn any trade, you should be able to go to TAFE to learn to become Fruiterer.

It's a big industry and it makes sense to become more professional, to be taken more seriously.

How has Covid-19 affected the business?

We have seen the highs and lows of the industry over the years, and have had to rise to the challenges that we face.

At the moment, we are all in the same boat, which is definitely a bit rocky. Building our delivery business is a win-win for us and our customers, our way of continuing to provide them with the very best available fruit and vegetables.

If they can't come to us as they usually do, we are delivering to them.

What is the secret to a successful business?

You have to believe in what you do, and always strive to do it better than the guy next door, and ask your customers what they think.

They don't always tell you what you want to hear, however you can always learn from their comments. Listen to them and you will improve your business.

What does the future hold for the fruit and vegetable industry?

I think we need new blood in the industry so that we can develop new ideas and adapt to challenges and change.

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