What’s happening?
Toowoomba Fresh at Grand Central Shopping Centre has again been named among Queensland’s top ten fruit and vegetable retailers.
Local nominations helped place the store as a finalist in the A better choice! Retailer of the Year – People’s Choice Awards.
The awards recognise independent fruit and vegetable retailers that offer quality, fresh produce sourced through Australia’s Central Markets.
They also recognise stores that provide strong customer service to their local communities.
Sunshine Coast-based Erbacher’s Fruit and Vegetables was named both the National and State winner for 2026.
Why it matters?
The recognition puts a Toowoomba business among Queensland’s leading independent fruit and vegetable retailers.
Owner Robert Smith said the team was honoured by the support from customers.
“We work hard every day and take enormous pride in the quality of the produce we source and the presentation of our store. Being recognised in this way is a wonderful reflection of the dedication and passion of our entire team,” Mr Smith said.
He said customer support made the recognition even more meaningful.
“Most importantly, it means so much to know that our customers appreciate what we do. Thank you for your continued support – we could not achieve this without you.”
Local Impact
The finalist spot reflects strong local backing for an independent retailer inside Grand Central. It also highlights the role local fruit and veg shops play in supporting growers and market networks.
Brismark CEO and Brisbane Markets Limited Managing Director and CEO Andrew Young commended Toowoomba Fresh on being named a finalist again.
He said the store’s hard work reflected the wider fresh produce sector.
“The commitment shown by retailers, and their passion for providing customers with quality, fresh produce sourced from the Brisbane Markets, is commendable,” Mr Young said.
He also noted that shopping locally supports local businesses, growers and the wider community.
Key details
- Toowoomba Fresh has been recognised as a finalist for the second consecutive year, showing ongoing local support.
- The awards placed the Grand Central retailer among Queensland’s top ten independent fruit and vegetable stores.
- The A better choice! program connects retailers with fresh Australian-grown produce sourced through Australia’s Central Markets.
Zoom In
Toowoomba Fresh was recognised alongside several other Queensland finalists.
They include Fresh Sensations Carindale and Chermside, Fruity Life Nambour and Lawnton Country Markets.
Other finalists were Mister Fresh Fruits at Lutwyche, VC Fruit Market at Ferny Hills, Beemart at Bundaberg and Harvest Markets Yamanto.
The A better choice! Retailer Program aims to show consumers the benefits of shopping at local, independent fruit and veg stores.
Its retailers provide a wide range of fresh Australian-grown produce through Australia’s Central Markets.
Zoom Out
Brismark, also known as The Queensland Chamber of Fruit and Vegetable Industries Co-operative Limited, oversees the program in Queensland.
The organisation supports the fresh fruit and vegetable wholesaling sector through advocacy, industry representation and services.
Andrew Young said the Brisbane Markets link is important for stores like Toowoomba Fresh.
“Wholesalers operating at the Brisbane Markets enable retailers like Toowoomba Fresh to connect with thousands of independent growers across Australia, ensuring customers have access to a wide variety of quality fresh produce.”
What To Look For Next?
The 2026 recognition gives Toowoomba Fresh another chance to build on local customer support.
It also keeps attention on independent fruit and veg retailers that work with growers through the Central Market system.
For shoppers, the result is a reminder that local buying can support stores, growers and the wider fresh produce network.
