Brady's bunch takes out monthly award 

Palmwoods fruit and veg shop Brady’s Fruit, located about two hours north of Brisbane has been announced as the Brisbane Produce Market Fresh Tastes retailer of the month for October.

Owners Colin and Sandra Pearce were excited to be both rewarded and recognised for their hard work. Mr Pearce had been working in the store for 26 years before previous owner and namesake, Bob Brady, sold to the Pearce’s four years ago.

Since taking over the store Mr Pearce has focused on his strong local base of customers and offers them improved produce rotation and signage. Mr Pearce is a familiar face around the Brisbane Markets. He makes the four hour round trip at least four times a week, to buy the freshest produce available.

He has also started a range of gourmet varieties for both his local restaurant and individual customers.

“I bring in items like vanilla beans and fresh horseradish which might surprise some, considering our location, but we have found our own market for these products,” Mr Pearce said.

While Mr and Mrs Pearce have implemented new ideas for the store they have not let go of the more traditional ways, which includes a long serving team of staff. Brady’s have a team of 10 and the senior staff members are the recognised heart of customer service, with one member having been with the store for nearly 20 years.

Brisbane Markets’ Fresh Tastes program is a Brisbane Markets initiative to encourage excellence in fresh produce retailing. Participating retailers are provided with point of sale materials, in-store competitions, e-newsletters, development sessions, promotional opportunities and mystery shopping.

A mystery shopper visits their store twice throughout the year for the Retailer of the Month and Retailer of the Year awards. More than 150 independent fruit and vegetable retailers throughout South-East Queensland participate in the Brisbane Markets Fresh Tastes program.

risbane Markets Marketing and Communications Manager, Ann-Marie Johansen said the Fresh Tastes program meant customers were the winners, with greengrocers like Brady’s Fruit offered support to develop their staff’s customer service skills and their ability to supply the highest quality fruit and vegetables.

“By being part of the Fresh Tastes program our retailers demonstrate their commitment to excellence in produce, service and continual improvement which means a great shopping experience for their customers,” Ms Johansen said.

Brady’s Fruit is located at 190-192 Woombye Road, Palmwoods and is open six days a week from 8am – 6pm, closed on Sundays.