Fresh Awards 2024 - Greengrocer Awards

GREENGROCER OF THE YEAR

WINNER: Fruitezy Marketplace - Maroubra

Founded by Max Filipe in 2001, Fruitezy is a family-owned business in Sydney. Max began his journey in fresh produce in 1985 and expanded to multiple locations, including Miranda and Chatswood. After a brief break, he launched Fruitezy in Chatswood Chase, followed by stores in Westfield Miranda and Maroubra. In 2023, Fruitezy expanded to the Sydney Fish Market, where their headquarters and online delivery business are now located.


Finalists:

  • Parisi's Food Hall - Rose Bay
  • Martelli's Fruit Market - Cherrybrook
  • Minchinbury Fruit Market - Minchinbury

RETAIL PRESENTATION

WINNER: Ziggy's Fresh - Fyshwick

Ziggy's Fresh has a rich history starting in 1959 when Henry and Winifred Irvine opened their first fruit shop in Yass, NSW. The family tradition continued with their son Ken and his wife Toni, who expanded the business across NSW before moving to Canberra in 2002. They took over Ziggy's Belconnen in 2003, opened a Fyshwick store in 2008, and have consistently won the Greengrocer of the Month Award since 2009, culminating in the prestigious Sydney Markets Fresh Awards Greengrocer of the Year Award in 2016.


Finalists:

  • Fruit For All - Berkeley Vale
  • Richmond Fruit Market - Richmond
  • Menai Top of the Crop - Menai

KNOWLEDGE IN ACTION

WINNER: Bulli Fruit & Vegetable Market - Bulli

Bulli Fruit & Vegetable Market has been voted as the best fruit and vegetable retailer in the Illawarra region in 2013, 2014 and 2015. This greengrocer has now gained the prestigious Greengrocer Award of Knowledge in Action at the Sydney Markets 2024 Fresh Awards. With their great quality of fresh produce, and offering a range of products, including spices, grocery items and a small deli section.


Finalists:

  • Sutherland Best Fresh - Sutherland
  • Jesmond Fruit Barn - Jesmond
  • St Ives Greengrocer - St Ives

SERVICE EXCELLENCE

WINNER: Peachy Greengrocer - Rutherford

Founded in Rutherford in 2020, Peachy Greengrocer is dedicated to serving the community with top-quality produce. Previously, the business operated in Cessnock for about 15 years. Owner Justin, has more than 20 years of experience in the fruit and vegetable industry and a background as a chef. He saw a market gap due to the closure of local fruit and veg shops, which inspired him to open Peachy Greengrocer, ensuring high-quality produce remained accessible.

Justin sources produce directly from the Sydney Markets, focusing on superior quality, freshness and excellent presentation, which has led the business to win the 2024 Fresh Award for Service Execellence. Regular customers expect to see the familiar faces ofJustin and his wife, T'arne, who work six to seven days a week, creating a strong sense of community and personalisation to the shopping experience. Looking ahead, Justin aims to maintain high standards and possibly open a second store.


Finalists:

  • Fruitezy Marketplace - Maroubra
  • Wollombi Road Providore - Cessnock
  • Mortdale Fruit Box Market - Mortdale

BEST SMALL BUSINESS

WINNER: Fita Fruita - Turramurra

Established in Turramurra and owned by Khaled for the past decade, Fita Fruita has been voted Best Small Business at the 2024 Fresh Awards. The family-run fruit and vegetable shop has deep roots in the local community and is renowned for its exceptional quality produce, including unique items like pine nuts and donut peaches, Fita Fruita stands out with its boutique-like presentation and exemplary customer service.

Many of the staff have been with the business for a long time, which has created a familial atmosphere, as well as an active presence in the local community through fundraising and donations reinforcing their commitment to the area. Khaled’s dedication ensures that Fita Fruita continues to thrive and maintain its high standards of excellence.


Finalists:

  • Franks Fruit Market - Haberfield
  • Rossi Fresh – Carlingford
  • QE Foodstores - Paddington

BEST MEDIUM BUSINESS

WINNER: Minchinbury Fruit Market - Minchinbury

Since arriving from Malta in 1949, the Gauci family has grown from modest vegetable farmers to award-winning retailers. Located on the Great Western Highway, Minchinbury Fruit Market is a vibrant, spacious store offering an impressive range of fresh fruits and vegetables. The bright, clean interior features long aisles filled with quality produce and a mural showcasing the Gauci family's rich history. Beyond produce, the market offers gourmet groceries, an array of imported delicatessen items, and an in-house butcher. Now operated by the third generation of the Gauci family, Minchinbury Fruit Market remains a beloved fresh produce destination in Sydney.


Finalists:

  • Peachy Greengrocer - Rutherford
  • Bulli Fruit & Vegetable Market - Bulli
  • Galluzzo Fruiterer - Glebe

BEST LARGE BUSINESS

WINNER: Parisi’s Food Hall – Rose Bay

Parisi's Food Hall Rose Bay offers a stylish mix of marble and terrazzo in a bright, spacious interior that caters to the community's refined tastes. Managed by the passionate team of Peter Morelli, Mario Bombardier, and Claudio Guerrera, this Dover Road store showcases top-quality fresh fruit, vegetables, and flowers. Immaculate produce displays, an impressive range, and the added delights of a deli, fresh cut flowers, café, and gourmet groceries make Parisi's a must-visit destination, both in person and online.


Finalists:

  • Westpoint Growers - Blacktown
  • Fill & Carry Fruit Market - Kanwal
  • Best Fresh Grocer - Caringbah

BEST EXTRA-LARGE BUSINESS

WINNER: Martelli's Fruit Market - Cherrybrook

Martelli's, a cherished family-owned grocer since 1988, offers the finest fruits and vegetables in a clean and organized shop. Known for friendly staff and great prices, Martelli's has been a community favourite for decades.


Finalists:

  • Fruitezy Marketplace - Maroubra
  • Jesmond Fruit Barn - Jesmond
  • Trim's Fresh - Merrylands





2024 Fresh Awards Winners