A passion for produce and commitment to customer education has seen Cowra’s own Galea Fruit & Veg & Wholesale named a finalist in the 2025 Sydney Markets Fresh Awards.

Located at 6 Grenfell Road, the small, family-run greengrocer is one of just four finalists in the Knowledge in Action Greengrocer Award category, which recognises businesses that actively educate customers about fresh produce.

The award is presented to the greengrocer with the highest average score in product knowledge across several mystery shopping rounds.

“We are very thrilled to be named finalists in the Sydney Market Fresh Awards,” said Sarah Galea.

“This is especially exciting being such a small greengrocer in rural NSW, thus seemingly unheard of to be in the running for such awesome recognition.”

The business is deeply rooted in family traditions and a love of fresh produce.

“This business has stemmed from a generational passion of fresh produce and premium service,” Sarah said.

“Jason’s family have been growing and selling fresh produce for generations and this is at the core of our operations.”

The team’s strong emphasis on supporting Australian growers and creating an informed customer experience clearly stood out.

“We always endeavour to share with our customers the origins of the produce we sell and in turn support local producers. Our biggest value is that the product is local and if not local then regional or produced in Australia.”

Product knowledge plays a vital role in Galea’s service.

“We ensure our team have a great knowledge base to help our customers make informed choices when purchasing and storing fresh produce to create a rounded customer experience.”

Despite growing their product range significantly in the last 18 months, the team has held on to their humble roots.

“We are a very rustic little store right down to the use of Jason’s family’s first ever market stall table that we still use today. This little table represents the growth of our small business.”

Always looking ahead, Sarah says they remain focused on innovation and regional pride.

“We have introduced a lot of new lines… however we are constantly on the lookout for innovative ways we can share our love of the region and all the amazing local products on offer.”

“We have new goals to achieve and ideas to explore to keep our ever-growing business an asset to all of our customers. We have come a long way but we are not done yet.”

The winners of the 2025 Fresh Awards will be announced at the gala night on Friday, July 18 at the International Convention Centre Sydney.

You can follow Galea Fruit & Veg & Wholesale on Facebook at facebook.com/galeafruitveg.