It is the last weekend of school holidays before the 2026 school year kicks off, and it is a busy time for many organising school uniforms, shoes, books and, of course, lunchboxes. If you are looking to start the school year off fresh, then head to your local, independent fruit and vegetable store displaying the A better choice! logo. Not only will the produce be fresh, but there is a range of seasonal produce to keep those lunchbox ideas rotating.
This week’s pick of the week is Figs from Gatton. Not only are Figs tasty, but they are also packed with lots of nutrients, providing your body with many health benefits. The fibre in Figs helps to make you feel fuller for longer and helps your digestive system and control blood sugar levels. Figs also contain potassium, and calcium and are a great source of vitamins A, C, and K. To pick the perfect Fig, select one with a sweet smell and ensure they are soft when given a gentle squeeze. When storing fresh Figs, keep them in the fridge on a paper towel-lined plate or in a breathable container. This will keep them free from excess moisture, and they should last for up to a week. Try this Fig Jam or Fig and Banana Overnight Oats if you are looking for something a little different.
Topless Pineapples continue to be plentiful supply from growing regions in Yeppoon, Harvey Bay, the Sunshine Coast, and Caboolture. With school heading back, a fresh fruit salad packed with juicy, sweet Pineapple makes the perfect lunchbox snack — delicious, healthy, and guaranteed to keep the kids fuelled up throughout the day.
Although summer school holidays may be coming to an end, do not fear, as summer fruits are still in season and still available for you to enjoy! White and Yellow Peaches from Victoria remain to be of great value and are tasting better than ever. Another delightful Stone Fruit still in season is Cherries: sweet, juicy, delicious, and a special afternoon snack. Cherry supply from Tasmania is just about to hit the mainland, so keep an eye out for them.
Lebanese Cucumbers from Gatton, Coffs Harbour and South Australia are in great supply right now. Another perfect lunchbox filler, Lebanese Cucumber sticks are super easy for kids to munch on at school and, of course, healthy! Add some dip, and you have yourself a very tasty and nourishing treat.
South Australia is providing the Brisbane Markets with plenty of Eggplants right now. A healthy choice for those busy weeknight dinners, Eggplants are more versatile than you may think! You can fry them, slice and coat them in breadcrumbs, mash them into a dip, sautée them, add them to a curry, or even roast them — either way, they are so delicious.
So, for all your lunchbox fillers, after school snacks, and weeknight dinners, head to your local, independent fruit and veg store displaying the A better choice! logo. You are sure to find a variety of fresh, quality, and seasonal produce that has been sourced through the Brisbane Markets.
About Brisbane Markets
As Queensland’s only central fruit and vegetable market, the Brisbane Markets is the state’s most important centre for the marketing and distribution of fresh fruit and vegetables. It records an annual trade of over 700 million kilograms of produce valued at more than $2 billion.
An important economic and employment hub, more than 4,500 people work or do business at the markets each day through over 170 businesses. This includes over 45 wholesalers who receive fresh produce from over 7,000 growers and trade five days a week to more than 800 registered buyers.
About Brisbane Markets Limited
Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) is the owner of the Brisbane Markets site and is responsible for its ongoing management and development.
BML provides infrastructure and services to facilitate the marketing of fresh food, flowers and other ancillary products for fruit, vegetable and flower wholesalers, retailers, provedores, secondary wholesalers, food processors, transporters, exporters, industry organisations and market support businesses.
More information can be found on our website: www.brisbanemarkets.com.au.
About A better choice!
The A better choice! retailers are hardworking local family business owners, who are passionate about fruit and vegetables, they are our experts in their field and provide excellent customer service… with a smile.
Here’s the thing: no one can match A better choice! fruit and vegetable retailers for FRESH! Every morning, they hand pick a diverse selection of high-quality fresh fruit and vegetables from the Brisbane Markets, sourced from thousands of Australian farms.
Make your first choice A better choice! with local retailers throughout Southeast Queensland including Brisbane, Ipswich, Toowoomba, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Tweed Heads. Please click on the link to find your local fruit retailer www.abetterchoice.com.au/store-locator/ . By shopping at your local fruit and veg shop, you are making A better choice!
About Brismark
Brismark is a member organisation which represents and serves the needs of the wholesaling sector of the fresh fruit and vegetable industry – in particular, the primary wholesalers that operate out of the Brisbane Markets at Rocklea. Brismark provides industry representation, and a range of financial and business services to support the wholesaling sector of the fresh fruit and vegetable industry and their associated businesses and actively contributes to strengthen the Central Market system. Brismark also oversees the A better choice! retailer program in Queensland.
