Geelong grocer takes top spot in state awards

A GEELONG family-owned business has taken out the top gong in Better Choice’s Retailer of the Year – People’s Choice Awards.

Geelong Fresh Foods was crowned Victoria’s favourite greengrocer in this year’s awards and was also runner up in the national competition.

Carmel Dawson owns the Pakington Street business alongside her two brothers, Mark and Daniel Virgona, and said it was nice to receive the award, and it shows they have got the community’s support.

“We’ve got some shoppers that have been here since we started, we know their kids, we will see them grow up, so it’s nice to know they appreciate us, and they’ve voted for us.”

Fruit and vegetable shops supported by A Better Choice from around the country were in the running for the award.

The awards are chosen by customers, who are prompted to vote after making a purchase in a participating store, with about 20,000 people casting their votes around Australia.

The Better Choice Program is part of promoting fruit and vegetables nationally, with customers tasked with choosing who does it best.

Geelong Fresh Foods prides itself on providing customers with quality food and is recognised as a leading provider of fruit and vegetables.

Ms Dawson said they had now been in the store for 20 years and believed one of the reasons people voted for them was their affordable prices and their ability to follow some of the latest trends, including the viral Dubai chocolate.

“We have a good reputation, we work hard and we try and provide quality fruit and vegetables and also in our deli and groceries, we’re always trying to provide everyone with the top-quality stuff.

“It’s become a little hub over the years for families to come and do their shopping.”

Ms Dawson thanked the community for backing them and supporting them over the past 20 years of business.