Three of the retailer’s fresh produce suppliers praise its commitment to developing close relationships with local growers
Aldi has been named Australia’s number one for fruit and vegetables for the fourth year in a row in Canstar Blue’s annual Customer Awards.
The retail chain was given a five-star score in three out of five categories, including ‘overall satisfaction’, ‘value for money’, and ‘freshness of produce’.
Group buying director for fruit and vegetables Matt Atley said winning the award proved that low prices and freshness were not mutually exclusive.
“We’re really proud that Aussie shoppers keep rating our fruit and veggies as the best – it’s a reflection of the hard work and continued consistency from our Australian Produce Partners.”
Close partnerships with local growers appear to have helped clinch the prize. According to the company, 97 per cent of its fruit and vegetables come from Australian farms.
“We’re making sure our customers get the freshest produce every time they shop,” Atley added. “From farm to store, we’re committed to delivering top quality at exceptional value.”
Canstar Blue CEO Megan Doyle commented: “Aldi’s fourth consecutive win… is a testament to the value it provides its customers, particularly at a time when households need to keep a close eye on the budget.”
Close relationships
One of Aldi’s fruit suppliers, Red Rich Fruits, is reckoned to produce more than two tonnes of Pink Lady apples per day for Aldi stores.
The company’s MD Matthew Palise said he believed working with the chain had helped it to prosper and grow.
“We’ve been fortunate to work closely with Aldi to grow the farming, packing and distribution arms of our business over that time,” he said.
“It has been a great working relationship which has helped grow and expand both of our businesses. We are one of the last family-owned Australian apple businesses in the country and we are very proud of that.”
Queensland-based Berry North has delivered berries to Aldi for the past six years, supplying around 300,000 punnets of blueberries a year.
“Over the years, as our supply out here on the farm has grown, this has been extended through to Aldi stores and their customers,” observed Berry North owner Nicole Inderbitzin.
“It has been rewarding seeing our success in growing blueberries in the tropics. This journey hasn’t been the easiest, but it’s always exciting to head to an Aldi store and see our fruit on shelves.”
Another supplier, Premier Fresh Australia, has sourced bananas for Aldi since it entered the country in 2001.
“Our longstanding relationship with Aldi has allowed Premier Fresh Australia to really focus on what we do best, producing the best possible bananas for customers 365 days a year,” said head banana grower Mark Smith.
“We are in constant communication and always forecasting for the future with Aldi, which allows us to better prepare for what’s ahead in a more effective way.”
