Erbacher’s Fruit & Vegetables has proudly taken out top honours in Queensland’s prestigious 2025 A better choice! Retailer of the Year – People’s Choice Awards, a program jointly funded by Brismark and Brisbane Markets Limited.
Tanya and Dave, Owners, Erbacher’s Fruit & Vegetables
Erbacher’s outperformed 326 stores across Australia to secure both the Queensland and national titles. Following closely in the Queensland rankings were Fresh Sensations at Carindale in second place and Fruity Life in Nambour in third, with all three retailers recognised by their loyal customers for exceptional service, expert advice, and a strong commitment to providing high-quality fresh produce.
With more than 48,000 shoppers voting nationwide – including 11,000 nominations for 104 Queensland stores – this year’s awards highlighted the vital role independent retailers play in connecting communities with quality, fresh, produce.
Erbacher’s Fruit & Vegetables Owner and third generation Erbacher family member, Tanya, and her husband Dave said they were extremely proud of this recognition as a tribute to their staff and their dedication to providing excellent customer service and passion for providing the community with locally grown produce.
“Customer service is key for us. We are traditional and hands on in our approach. 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,” said Tanya.
“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.”
“We also have the farm component of the business where we grow and sell our own produce,” added Dave.
“And 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 at the Brisbane Markets – we have high expectations from them, and our customers have high expectations of us. The wholesalers are able to provide what we need to make this place work. We have the same relationship with our local farmers and suppliers as well. This is really important to having the best quality available.”
“We are so grateful to our staff and say thank you to our customers who are incredibly loyal to us,” said Tanya.
Andrew Mousikos, Manager of Fresh Sensations at Carindale who took out the Queensland title last year, shared his excitement on gaining a position in the top three this year and credits his team’s dedication and unwavering commitment to fresh, quality produce as key to their success.
“It is all about quality, freshness, and service – without these three qualities, we would not be where we are today. Customers know they can rely on us to find their fresh produce needs,” said Mr Mousikos.
“We value our customers and want them to have a great experience in-store from start to finish – customers come here for a personalised experience.”
Owner of Fruity Life Nambour, Kurt Drummond, also believes their success stems from more than just a wide range of fresh, high-quality produce – it is about loyalty and community.
“I am proud of my staff and their commitment to all the hard work they put in every day. Not only do we have loyal staff, but loyal customers who have taken the time to nominate us,” said Mr Drummond.
“My staff, they are my family. We have been open for about 10 years, and they have been with me every step of the way to provide the community with fresh produce and great service.”
These top three Queensland stores share accolades with seven other fruit and veg shops who were recognised as state finalists including Crispy Carrot at Mount Gravett, Lawnton Country Markets, Robina Fresh Deli & Fruits, Skippy’s Market Fresh at Rothwell, The Standard Market Company Gasworks, Toowoomba Fresh, and Westridge Fruit & Vegetables in Toowoomba.
Brismark CEO and Brisbane Markets Limited Managing Director and CEO Andrew Young congratulated the winner and finalists for their hard work and dedication to the fresh produce industry along with their passion for exceptional customer service.
“Brismark and Brisbane Markets Limited are proud to support the retailers who hand select produce daily from the Brisbane Markets to ensure they can provide their customers with a large range of quality, fresh fruit and vegetables,” said Mr Young.
“When you shop at a local, independent store, you are supporting local and often family-owned businesses right across the supply chain, including local growers.”
About A better choice!
The A better choice! Retailer Program is a national program designed to educate consumers about the many benefits of shopping at their local, independent fruit and veg shop. A better choice! retailers provide their customers with a large range of quality, fresh produce. For more information about A better choice! or to find your nearest A better choice! retailer head to www.abetterchoice.com.au.
About Brismark
Brismark, or The Queensland Chamber of Fruit and Vegetable Industries Co-operative Limited, is a member organisation which provides industry representation and services to support the wholesaling sector of the fresh fruit and vegetable industry, and actively contributes to strengthen the Central Market system. Brismark runs the A better choice! retailer program in Queensland which is jointly funded by Brismark and Brisbane Markets Limited.
