A Better Choice! retailer Bevan Betros and his family have been serving the Toowoomba and Dalby communities for more than 84 years as second‐generation independent grocers and fruiterers. However, he says that the recent supply chain challenges brought on from the Omicron outbreak have driven home the benefits of being an independent retailer.

“Local, independent fruit shops have been able to supply plenty of fresh, quality and value for money produce which comes directly from the Brisbane Markets,” said Bevan.

“We did have some challenges with getting dry goods, especially stock coming from inter‐state as they have had staff shortages due to COVID.

“However, we go to the Brisbane Markets daily and have been able to continue sourcing plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.”

The Brisbane Markets is home to Queensland’s only central fruit and vegetable market and is the state’s most important centre for the marketing and distribution of fresh fruit and vegetables. It records annual trade in excess of 700 million kilograms of produce including a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Although Bevan says that like all businesses, he has had trouble getting enough staff, his staff are knowledgeable, customer‐service focussed, and his independence gives him the flexibility to adapt.

“We have been able to find ways to make it work,” said Bevan.

“Our staff also have extensive knowledge which has helped us dramatically in dealing recent times, and we have remained positive.”

Bevan’s store, Betros Brothers, offers online shopping and home delivery so they been able to easily adapt to the increase in customer demand for these services with lockdowns and isolation requirements since the start of the pandemic. However, the last two years have not been without their challenges for many independent retailers.

“It’s important to continue supporting the independent retailers now more than ever.”

Local, independent fruit and veg shops provide customers with a better choice of quality, freshness, and service. They give customers the opportunity to shop as close to home as possible while supporting their local community.

A Better Choice! retailer and Betros Bros owner, Bevan Betros (back right) is thankful for his knowledgeable team and that he has access to a range of high‐quality, fresh produce for his customers

 

About A Better Choice!

The A Better Choice! program supports over 500 independent retailers and wholesalers across the country who supply more than half of Australia’s fresh produce each year. In Queensland, the A Better Choice! program is run by Brismark and supported by the Brisbane Markets. More information about A Better Choice! including retailers and wholesalers can be found by visiting www.abetterchoice.com.au

 

Media contacts:

Karen Tilke, Business and Service Delivery Manager, Brismark Phone: 0417 207 233 or Email: [email protected]

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