When food is put on the table, you may not think of the community behind the meal you are about to tuck into but they are part of an industry that is as diverse and passionate as the best foodies among us.
So when they get together to celebrate the early morning rises and toil behind delivering fresh food, it’s an extravagant affair – and this year’s 2022 Sydney Markets Fresh Awards was a true testament to that.
Held at the ICC Sydney recently, the cream of NSW and ACT’s florists, greengrocers, providors, wholesalers and content creators gathered for the first Sydney Markets Fresh Awards after a two year hiatus with gusto.
For the heroes of our food and florist industry, it was a chance to have their achievements and resilience, particularly throughout the challenges faced with the pandemic and natural disasters, acknowledged – and newsreader Chris Bath was once again the Master of Ceremonies and in the spirit of the event dressed up as a pilot, signalling that the hard times are behind us and the community is set to fly again.
The Sydney Markets annual Fresh Awards are a much anticipated industry event and in all 17 incredible winners amongst the fresh produce, floral and content industries were honoured. They were among 63 finalists across 17 categories of which, I had the privilege to be among the panel of judges, and have proudly been since the inception of these incredible awards.
It’s easy to see why the Sydney Markets is so important to Australia. It is home to the Sydney Produce Market, Sydney Flower Market and Sydney Growers Market and supplied by over 20,000 local and interstate growers. In fact, more than 700 businesses call the Sydney Markets home, selling fresh fruit, vegetables and cut flowers to florists, fruit retailers and consumers.
Recognising the hard work and passion by this community, Brad Latham, CEO of Sydney Markets, welcomed the night of celebration with the Markets community and acknowledged their incredible dedication.
“The Fresh Award contenders are some of the heroes of our industry,” said Brad Latham, CEO of the Sydney Markets. “They have had to navigate some of the most challenging times in business both with the pandemic and natural disasters, yet not only have they survived, many have thrived. These small businesses have remained cornerstones of our local communities, pivoting and adapting to ensure they can continue to service their customers.”
John Pearson, Chairman of Sydney Markets added, “These businesses are a credit to themselves, and to the industry in general. They work tirelessly to deliver top quality produce, customer service and value for money. Sydney Markets has been looking forward to commemorating our Fresh Awards finalists and winners with an awards ceremony like we have not seen before – and tonight’s event did not disappoint.”
Retailers and growers were evaluated through an intensive mystery shopping program. They were judged on everything from produce quality and freshness, customer service and industry knowledge, as well as their store appearance and innovative approaches.
Non-Retail / Studio Florist and Fresh Content creators were assessed by a panel of esteemed judges including journalists, authors and industry experts.
SYDNEY MARKETS FRESH AWARDS FINALISTS & WINNERS 2022
GREENGROCER AWARDS
Greengrocer of the Year:
WINNER: Fruitezy – Miranda
Finalists:
The Grocery Store – Miranda
The Whole Fruit and Grocery Store – Sylvania Ziggys Fresh – Fyshwick
Retail Presentation
WINNER: Tom’s Superfruits – Belconnen
Finalists:
Fruitezy – Miranda
LoSurdo’s Fresh Food Grocer – Northbridge Ziggys Fresh – Fyshwick
Knowledge in Action
WINNER: LoSurdo’s Fresh Food Grocer – Northbridge
Finalists:
Fruitezy – Chatswood Fruitezy – Miranda Tom’s Superfruits – Belconnen Ziggys Fresh – Fyshwick
Service Excellence
WINNER: Jannali Quality Fruit & Vegetables – Jannali
Finalists:
Fruitezy – Miranda
The Whole Fruit and Grocery Store – Sylvania Ziggys Fresh – Fyshwick
Best Small Business
WINNER: Wollombi Road Providore – Cessnock
Finalists:
Daily Fresh – Randwick
Summer Hill Village Fruit Shop – Summer Hill Thirroul Fruit Barn – Thirroul
Best Medium Business
WINNER: Willoughby Fresh – Willoughby
Finalists:
Menai Top of the Crop – Menai
The Whole Fruit and Grocery Store – Sylvania Thre3 Brothers Fresh – Dural
Best Large Business
WINNER: Ziggys Fresh – Fyshwick
Finalists:
Fruitezy – Miranda
LoSurdo’s Fresh Food Grocer – Northbridge The Grocery Store – Miranda
FLORIST AWARDS
Florist of the Year:
WINNER: Belfield Blooms – Belfield
Finalists:
Art of Bloom – Balmain Bella Floral Boutique – Morisset Your Favourite Florist – Engadine
Retail Presentation
B & M Florist – Monterey
Finalists:
Eden Flower Studio – Gregory Hills Floral Ink – Wentworth Falls Mary K Floral Design – Maroubra
Service Excellence
WINNER: Bella Floral Boutique – Morisset
Finalists:
Art of Bloom – Balmain
Eden Flower Studio – Gregory Hills Your Favourite Florist – Engadine
Merchandising and Branding
WINNER: Touchwood Flowers – Port Macquarie
Finalists:
Belfield Blooms – Belfield Funky Flowers – Caringbah Your Favourite Florist – Engadine
Non-retail/ Studio Florist
WINNER: HANANINGEN – Sydney
Finalists:
Florada – Waterloo
MN Floral Images – South Wentworthville Peony Story – Rosebery
The Naked Florist – Cardiff Heights
GROWERS AWARDS
Produce Grower of the Year:
WINNER: Grech Farm Trading – Theresa Park
Finalists:
Gourmet Herbs – Glossodia Grima’s Fresh Farm – Horsley Park Parilla Fresh – Milperra
Flower Grower of the Year:
WINNER: Bagala Bros Australia – Horsley Park
finalist:
Commercial Flowers – Kenthurst
S & P Dominello Flower Growers – Peats Ridge Thornton Bros Roses – Thirlmere
WHOLESALER AWARD
Wholesaler of the Year:
WINNER: Perfection Fresh – Sydney Markets
finalists:
Allcrops – Sydney Markets Alvaro Bros – Sydney Markets Tropicana Banana – Sydney Markets
For more on the floral industry and the Sydney Markets, read the below story on Australian Native Flowers which are sold at the Sydney Flower Market.
