Community
27 June, 2024
Victoria’s best grocers
TERANG’S Greavesy’s Fruit and Veg has been named the best fruit and vegetable grocer in Victoria, and the second best in Australia.
Owners Cassie and Jason Greaves were shocked when they got the call last week announcing their store had been named A Better Choice’s Victorian winner of the Retailer of the Year People’s Choice Award 2024.
In addition, Greavesy’s was also named second placed runner up in the overall national Retailer of the Year competition.
Mrs Greaves said she was overcome with emotion when she learned Greavesy’s customers had turned out in force to vote the store as the state’s best.
“I actually cried when I got the call,” she said.
“We’re over the moon to be voted as the best retailer in Victoria.
“People are always coming in saying that we’re the best fruit and veggie shop, so now we’ve got a little golden apple trophy which officially says we are.
“I still don’t know if it’s sunk in yet.”
Mr Greaves said the shop has had some success in the competition, ending in the top five in voting over the past few years, and were elated to finally get over the line to claim the top spot.
“It feels like it was only a matter of time,” he said.
“It’s bloody good, and a fair effort.
“We were up against so many bigger shops who get a lot more customers through the doors.
“I think it says a lot that our customers have been so willing to take the time to vote for us.”
Mrs Greaves said she appreciated the support of the community in placing their votes, as operating in a little corner of the south west Victoria against other stores operating in far bigger markets spoke to the enthusiasm the community has for supporting local business.
“We’re so grateful to our customers because the vote is entirely customer driven,” she said.
“Being in such an isolated area, there are shops in Geelong, Ballarat or Wodonga which are huge regional places.
“We’re so lucky we have customers who support us not just in Terang but those from Mortlake, Colac, Timboon, Cobden, Warrnambool and further afield.
“They can’t officially give us the numbers, but apparently, we didn’t lose the national vote by much so the drive is there to go bigger next year.”
A Better Choice is a national initiative designed to promote local fruit and vegetable shops, representing more than 550 retailers who sell half of the fresh produce sold in Australia each year.
Mrs Greaves said she was proud to be part of A Better Choice, which supported family business against the pressures of competing with major national retailers.
“Major supermarkets have their big brand so when they promote their business, they’re promoting all their businesses,” she said.
“A Better Choice aims to promote all fruit and vegetable retailer’s nationally.
“All of this has flowed on from encouraging consumers to support their local grocer and to eat better.
“To have people voting for us is a remarkable feeling, but it’s also being done in a way which supports local business.”
