Queensland

Media Release

Clarkfield Markets Fresh named Retailer of the Year

When husband and wife team Carlo and Susan Lorenti open their doors this week their customers can be assured that they shop at the best fruit and vegetable greengrocer in South-East Queensland.

Clayfield Markets Fresh was named the Brisbane Produce Market Fresh Tastes Retailer of the Year.
The announcement was made at the Brisbane Produce Market Gala Dinner, held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday, 26 February 2010. The prestigious award is part of the Brisbane Produce Market Fresh Tastes program in which 120 South-East Queensland local and independent fruit and vegetable retailers participated in 2009.

From this group the top 30 were short listed to battle it out for the title of Retailer of the Year.
Clayfield Markets Fresh has been an icon in Brisbane’s northern suburbs for close to 25 years. The Lorenti’s maintain an exceptionally high standard, which has now seen their store take out the award for the second time in five years, after being awarded Retailer of the Year in 2005. The community minded couple said that their store’s motto is “nothing is too much trouble”.

Carlo visits the Brisbane Produce Market daily to ensure that the team at the store can deliver the freshest, top quality produce to their customers. “The most important aspect of our business is our customers, getting to know what they want and being able to provide this each and every time,” he said. Carlo said that their staff are fantastic and always go the extra mile to ensure that customers are satisfied. The Fresh Tastes program is an initiative of Brisbane Markets designed to encourage excellence in fresh produce retailing.

The program is open to independent greengrocers in South East Queensland who buy produce at the Brisbane Produce Market on a regular basis. Brisbane Markets Chief Executive Officer Andrew Young said that the Retailer of the Year element of the Fresh Tastes program was a positive way for the industry and retailers to initiate improvement in key areas such as product quality, product knowledge and customer service.
“South-East Queensland’s fruit and vegetable retailers set a high standard, and we wish to acknowledge their commitment to providing quality, fresh fruit and vegetables and outstanding customer service,” Mr Young said. Brisbane Markets Marketing and Communications Manager Ann-Marie Johansen said the Fresh Tastes program meant customers were the winners.

“Each year the bar is raised and the retailers compete fiercely for the coveted title,” Ms Johansen said. “Clayfield Markets Fresh was up against some exceptional independent greengrocers spread throughout South East Queensland so this is a real achievement for Carlo, Susan and their team.”
 “The store came out tops in the judging criteria which looked at a number of factors including, quality produce, product knowledge, shop appearance, merchandising, customer service and their commitment to Brisbane Markets initiatives.”

As the winner, Clayfield Markets Fresh received a trophy and a $10,000 promotional prize. The Lorenti’s are also generous supporters of Queensland children’s charities, Susan currently holds the prestigious title of Mango Queen for placing the winning bid of $45,000 on the “symbolic” first tray of mangoes at the annual Brisbane Markets Mango Auction, hot on the heels of her husband Carlo who was Mango King in both 2006 and 2008.

Current Hall of Fame Members

Hall of Fame members are Queensland's top Retailers. Only retailers that have won "Retailer