A fourth-generation family-run Sunshine Coast fruit and veg shop has been named the best in the country.
Erbacher’s Fruit and Vegetables at Diddillibah was recognised with the Retailer of the Year – People’s Choice accolade by A Better Choice, which is Australia’s national program supporting local independent fruit and veg shops.
It surpassed 326 stores across Australia to take out the top spot in the awards, which garnered more than 48,800 entries across a 10-week campaign.
Third-generation family member and Erbacher’s owner Tanya and her husband Dave said they were “over the moon” when they found out they had won nationally.
“Customer service is key for us. We are traditional and hands-on in our approach,” she said.
“Our staff are incredibly important to our business and they are friendly and knowledgeable – they talk to customers and answer their questions, and a lot of them have their regulars that they see every week. This is something you don’t always see in businesses today.
“I think what also stands out about the business is that we have been operating for 60 years now and are family owned and operated – there are second, third and fourth-generation family members working here now.
Dave added: “We also have the farm component of the business where we grow and sell our own produce.
“We go down to the Brisbane Markets with our truck about three times a week. In the summer months and Christmas time, it can be four to five times a week.
“The way we ensure quality produce is really down to the relationship with have with our wholesalers.”
A Better Choice national program manager Nina Torkman explained more about the accolade.
“The award, which celebrates quality, freshness, variety, locally grown produce, customer service and expert advice at independent Australian fruit and veg shops, has been powered by incredible community support, with over 48,800 entries across our 10-week Shop and Win campaign, including 18,401 unique, qualified votes during the voting period,” she said.
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate Erbacher’s Fruit and Vegetables as the national ‘Retailer of the Year – People’s Choice’ winner, a true champion of local passion and produce.”
