CONGRATULATIONS to 2007 Greengrocer of the Year Award Winners

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Congratulations to the 16 finalists for Greengrocer of the Year awards for 2007

Metropolitan	Regional
Best Fresh Farm Markets, Caringbah	C.J Dean's Fruit Market,Tumut
Cronulla Fruit Fair, Cronulla	Farmer Bob's Fruit Market,Tamworth
Freshco, Hornsby	Highlands Fresh, Mittagong
Fruit Ezy, Chatswood	Mr Spudley's Vegie Patch, Shellharbour
Gymea Fresh Fruit Market, Gymea	The Local Fruito, Erina
Kareela Fruit Market, Kareela	TJ's Country Fresh, Kincumber
Martelli's Fruit Market, Cherrybrook
Minchinbury Fruit Market, Minchinbury
Norton St Grocer, Bondi Junction
Simply Fresh Fruit Market, Phillip - ACT

 

Monthly Winners 2007

• November
• October
• September
• August
• July
• June
• May
• April
• March
• February
• January

 

November 2007 –Fruit Ezy, Chatswood

Max Filipe and his brother in law Abilio Paiva have run their award winning business, Fruit-Ezy in Chatswood Chase since 2000 and during this time established a reputation for offering customer’s exceptional quality and a vast product range.

When you stand outside this store you can’t help, but wonder in. The shelves are stacked high, the colour and sense of abundance is dazzling and the aromas alluring. Before you know it, your shopping basket is brimming with goodness that would inspire a novice or gourmet cook.

Asian greens, leaf and root vegetables look like they have just been harvested. Succulent Bethonga pineapples are sliced and displayed on trays ready to eat. Late spring you will find fragrant, juicy fruits including, green mangoes, loquats and the first of the season’s lychees and stonefruits.

To complement the fruit and veg, Fruit Ezy offers an assortment of gourmet groceries, freshly squeezed and blended juices and fruit salad.

The all important style of ticketing and branding is neat and consistent, staff at highly visible and present well in their vibrant red shirts.

If you can’t make it to the store to shop in person then Fruit Ezy will home deliver, simply jump on your computer and visit their website www.fruit-ezy.com.au, its colourful and user friendly and they guarantee their quality with a 100% money back guarantee.

Fruit Ezy - Shop Lg7, Chatswood Chase, 345 Victoria Avenue, CHATSWOOD, 2067,  tel 02 94115367

Caption:       Clockwise - Monica Paiva, Max Filipe, Filipe and Abilio Paiva.

 

October 2007 –Fruit For All

Central coast fruit and vegetable retailer, Fruit For All of Tuggerah recently received the October 2007 Greengrocer of the Month Award.

This store has a good range of quality fruit and vegetable and many of the complementary extras such as pasta, juices, cheeses and yoghurts. There store is has a wide frontage which allows them to create an attractive display.

The floor staff offer sound product knowledge and the check out staff are efficient and friendly.

Fruit For All was originally started by the father and son team of Paul and Tony Hagistenfanis in 1993 in then newly opened Westfield Tuggerah.

Today this busy business is operated by Tony, his brother Nick and Cousin Angelo Hongroyiannis. Paul works part time, buying for the store and is often spotted in the store chatting with customers, stacking the displays and sharing the knowledge gained during his 40 years of fruit and vegetable retailing.

On the Move:  Late October 2007 Fruit For All will relocated to Unit 1/11 Tumbi Creek Road, Berkley Vale. The new site will see this established fruit and vegetable business set up as a wholesaler for the food service industry however they will also welcome the public.

 

September 2007 –Farmer Bob’s Fruit Market

From small beginnings the Rennie family, who are originate from South Australia have built two successful fruit and vegetable business in the heart of Australia’s country music capital of Tamworth.

However on this occasion it is their Phillip street store that has won them a Sydney Markets Greengrocer of the Month award.

The Rennie’s moved to Tamworth in 1993 and took over a small existing business, which they have subsequently expanded, considerable over the last 14 years.  From the street you can’t miss this store – it is painted a sunny yellow, it has large colourful signage and the parking right at the door is a bonus.

A modest Stuart Rennie and his wife Caryn oversee the day to day running of the store, however given that their business is a 5 hour drive from the Sydney Markets they rely on the keen eye of Charles Rennie, Stuart’s father who is Sydney based to oversee all the produce buying.

Farmer Bob’s Fruit Market has country charm, wide aisles, is well maintained and offers a fabulous selection of seasonal produce, most of which is beautifully displayed in 15 meters of open refrigerated cabinets which certainly upholds the quality and freshness this store is renown for. This store offers warm, genuine service and are great supporters of their local community.

Details: Farmer Bob’s Fruit Market, the Cnr of Bridge and Phillip Street, TAMWORTH. 2340. Tel 02 6765 2200

 

August 2007 –Simply Fresh Fruit Market

Committed workers with top customer service skills, displays bursting with colour and attention to detail are just a few of the attributes that have contributed to helping Simply Fresh Fruit Market take out their latest Greengrocer of the Month award.

Proprieties John and Cathy Commisso have operated this award winning store for the last 8 years and are always on the look out for ways enhance their customers shopping experience.

Simply Fresh Fruit Market has a wonderful sense of abundance; it offers a diverse range of quality fresh fruit and vegetables along with an exotic collection of gourmet groceries. This independent greengrocer obviously places a high priority on customer service, hygiene, freshness and value. The stores appearance is neat and orderly,the team take pride in their work and they always have a beautiful display of recipe cards and brochure to educate and entice their customers.

Simply Fresh Fruit Market also offers their customers a delightful selection of salad filled sandwiches, freshly squeezed juices and tasty salads from their well appointed salad and juice bar.

Details: Simply Fresh Fruit Market, Shop G106, Woden Plaza, PHILLIP, 2606. Tel 02 6282 9781

 

July 2007 –Kareela Fruit Market

Kareela Fruit Market is owned and operated by highly motivated and energetic, Adrian Coluccio, a 31 year old father of 4 children, who was himself born above his parents fruit and vegetable business in Merrylands.

Since taking over this store in November 2006 Adrian has carried out significant renovations and reopened his boutique store adamant to offer quality, value and a top notch customer service.

Kareela Fruit Market is a great example of the community greengrocer; customers are known by name and move comfortably around the store, the busiest time is between 3pm and 7pm when schools out and everyone is deciding what to have for dinner. Customers are sure to like Kareela Fruit Market’s periodical offer of a dozen free eggs when they spend over twenty dollars.

The store is decorated with large colour graphics, which add character to the floors and benches, are sticker-free and highly polished. There is a great range of quality produce, herbs and fresh cut flowers.

Kareela Fruit Market staff to be attentive and smartly dressed in branded polo shirts. Their ticketing included the produce’s country of origin and they were clean, clear and easy to read.

Details: Kareela Fruit Market, Shop 4 , Kareela Shopping Village, 5 Freya St, KAREELA 2232. Tel 02 9528 3071

 

June 2007 –Cronulla Fruit Fair

Owner Paul Saad has operated Cronulla Fruit Fair since April 2005, he also owns Sydney’s Best, in the Roseland Shopping Centre

Located in the Cronulla CBD mall, Cronulla Fruit Fair is small to medium sized store  that trades from 7 am to 7pm offering fresh produce, flowers, grocers, deli lines, fruit salad, juices and yoghurt. The store ambience is friendly and casual, staff are chatty, courteous and tackle customer inquires with enthusiasm.

“Quality isn’t a choice it is a necessity” is the motto of Cronulla Fruit Fair and clearly, Paul Saad and his team take their motto seriously, his store presents well, the fresh produce is impeccable and the customer service is attentive and professional.

Stacked in a traditional tiered formation the displays are kept compact, the team at Cronulla Fruit Fair are constantly trimming and restacking the shelves to maintain the presentation and the freshness.

Then it comes to tailored customers service Cronulla Fruit Fair is a stand out, each Thursday senior citizens receive a 20% discount and free home deliver. Customers can visit the store or phone through an order and have their purchases delivered. According to Paul this concept has been well received by locals and fulfilled a community need.

Details: Cronulla Fruit Fair, 44 Cronulla Street, CRONULLA 2230 . Tel 02 9523 2749

 

May 2007 –Frooty Fresh

Adrian Cremona owner of Frooty Fresh, Wyoming has been presented with the Sydney Markets Greengrocer of the Month Award for May 2007.

Whilst Adrian has known the bustle of the Markets since he was a boy and worked along side his father Joe over the years in the Cremona Bros wholesale business, it was only three years ago that the then 30 year old Adrian decided to defer his university degree in applied science to take up the challenge of running his own business.

Since taking over the premises in the Wyoming Shopping Village, Adrian has expanded Frooty Fresh and made significant improvements to the store appearance, produce quality and range and focus on customer service.

Frooty Fresh has an inviting feel, they display a good range of fruit and vegetables and also stock an extensive range of gourmet cheeses, nuts, juices, condiments, sauces and dips.

Sydney Markets mystery shoppers were impressed with Frooty Fresh’s professional image, staff enthusiasm, friendliness and product knowledge.

Details: Frooty Fresh , Shop 13, Wyoming Shopping Village, 195 Pacific Hwy, WYOMING. Tel 02 43295062

 

April 2007 –Martelli’s Fruit Market

Martelli’s Fruit Market, managed by Maria Martelli and her dedicated family are the proud recipients of the Greengrocer of the Month award for April.

This year the Martelli family celebrates their 18th year of trade at Cherrybrook and they have established a long standing reputation within their community for supplying quality produce, innovation and exceptional customer service.

The variety of produce, smart presentation and wide aisles makes this store a pleasure to shop in. Shoppers are given the opportunity to win $30.00 of free produce each week, seniors receive a 10% discount on Tuesdays and during winter they are offering a 10% discount for purchases made between 7pm-9pm on Thursday evenings.

A unique feature of this outstanding greengrocer is their sizeable commercial kitchen, the large glass wall enabling customers to watch the production of the fantastic selection of semi and ready to go meals, this activity creates colourful theatre and instils customer confidence in the quality assurance of the meals.

For the Time poor shopper Martelli’s offer delicious homemade vegetable soups ready to reheat, packs of chopped potato and leek ready to add to soups or stews, roasting vegetables peeled and chopped and stir-fry packs. There’s also a wonderful range of salads including Greek salad, tomato and rocket, pasta, tomato and baby mozzarella, garden salad and fresh fruit salad.

Details: Martelli’s Fruit Market, Cherrybrook Shopping Centre, Shepherd Drive, CHERRYBROOK Tel 02 94810444

 

March 2007 – Waterside Fruit Connection, Pyrmont

Waterside Fruit Connection located at the Sydney Fish Markets in Pyrmont has taken out the Sydney Markets Greengrocer of the Month award for March 2007.

Operating a business in an environment unique as the Sydney Fish Markets is not without its challenges. However since taking over this successful store in 2002, owners Steven and Paul Moraitis have vigilantly strived to improve this store.

Waterside Fruit Connection is open 7 days a week; this store caters to the needs of the local community as well as day trippers, tourists and workers who pop in for their lunch or dinner needs.

Waterside Fruit Connection stocks premium quality produce. Their ultra fresh herbs salad greens are purchased fresh daily from growers in the Sydney Markets. Customers of this store will find the grab and go lines such as fresh fruit salad, beans, sugar and snow peas, rocket, asparagus very convenient.

Sydney Markets Anonymous Shoppers were impressed with the stores range and quality, presentation, neat ticketing and professional customer service.

Details: Waterside Fruit Connection, Shop 9, Sydney Fish Markets, PYRMONT Tel 02 95522104

 

February 2007 – Minchinbury Fruit Market

Minchinbury Fruit Market is a family run business established in the 1960’s by the Sam Guaci. 47 years on, this thriving business is still offering its customers quality, value and a wide choice.

However what started as a roadside stall selling produce grown by the Gauci family in their market garden has today become a massive retailing outlet that radiates freshness and an even wider choice of quality fruit and vegetables at competitive prices. In 2006 this store under went an extensive renovation, the end result is a modern, clean and open store.

Minchinbury Fruit Market offers customers easy, at the door parking, they are open 7 day a week and the extra groceries lines and in-house butchery make this store a one stop shop that has friendly vibe.

Details: Minchinbury Fruit Market, 1039 Great Western Hwy, MINCHINBURY, 2770. Tel 02 9625 8021

 

January 2007 – Engadine Best Fresh

Nestled amongst the strip shops on the Old Princess Hwy in Engadine, Engadine Best Fresh is a small boutique greengrocer that offers a unique shopping experience.

Opened in July 2005 by Mark Amerio and Maurice Sorace, who also run Sutherland Best Fresh, Best Fresh Engadine is tastefully presented, well lit and kept immaculately.  “We keep it simple” says Maurice, “we offer our customers a consistent quality, a comprehensive range of produce, our staff are continually topping up, rotating the displays and are more than happy to provide produce for tasting.

Mr Amerio buys daily from the Sydney Markets, Flemington to ensure his stock is ultra fresh and he frequently sources special requests for his customers to ensure they can try out a new recipe.

Back in the store it is apparent that Mark is in his element interacting with his customers; for this former chef and hairdresser a good chat and banter with his customers is obviously therapeutic.  “I love getting feedback from my customers – it ensures that we meet the community’s expectations and the compliments make all the hard work and long hours worthwhile.

Details: Engadine Best Fresh, 1077 Old Princess Highway, ENGADINE, 2233. Tel: 02 9520 3866.