Two Central Coast Businesses – Fruit For All in Berkeley Vale and S & P Dominello Flower Growers in Peats Ridge – received awards in the Sydney Markets Limited 2021 Fresh Awards.
The top florists, greengrocers, providores, wholesalers and content creators across NSW and ACT were crowned the freshest and best in the industry.
Fruit For All won the Knowledge in Action Award, beating greengrocers in Sydney, and S & P Dominello Flower Growers won the Flower Grower of the Year beating Eagles Green Supplies in Ourimbah, and East Coast Wildflowers in Mangrove Mountain.
The annual Fresh Awards are a much-anticipated industry event.
However, due to the uncertainty brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Sydney Markets made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s live soiree.
The announcement made on November 12 saw Sydney Markets CEO, Brad Latham and Chairman of the Board, John Pearson reveal the 16 winners via video for the first time in the event’s history.
The Fresh Awards presentation ceremony is scheduled to follow on November 17.
Taking place from the Markets floor, Masters of Ceremonies and Fresh Awards favourite, Chris Bath announced the winners.
The Fresh Awards are one of the industry’s most highly regarded accolades.
They encourage and acknowledge best practice and innovation in the growing, retailing, wholesaling and content creation of fresh produce and flowers.
This year saw 41 finalists recognised across 16 categories which, for the first time, included Fresh Content and Providore of the Year awards.
CEO of Sydney Markets, Brad Latham said he took great pride in recognising the hard work and dedication of those working within the fresh produce and floral industries, particularly over the last two years.
“The Fresh Award contenders are some of the heroes of our industry.
“They have had to navigate some of the most challenging times in business with many not only surviving, but thriving.
“These small businesses have remained cornerstones of our local communities, pivoting and adapting to ensure they can continue to service their customers.
“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.”
Harry Mulholland