Meet Our Retailers: Market Organics

Market Organics

A discussion with Johan Gelderblom.

1. What is your business and how long have you been around?

At Market Organics, we are passionate about giving back to our local community. A family owned and operated retail brand with five locations across Brisbane, our business first began in 2002 as HomeFresh Organics - an organic home delivery service and milk run. Developing and broadening our service over the years to best support our growing customer base, we finally made the decision to enter the retail space in 2016 as Market Organics. Motivated by our many wonderful customers, we are so grateful for the support we received – and continue to receive - in transitioning from an online service to retail.

2. What is the inspiration behind your business?

When we first started HomeFresh Organics, high quality, certified organic produce was not readily available in our local community. What little you could get your hands on looked lifeless and was absurdly priced! We wanted to find a way to deliver healthy food to the masses - to encourage people to live more cleanly and sustainably. When stepping into the retail sphere, we wanted to ensure that this vision and passion for fresh and organic produce was equally transferred - we were determined to create an environment where our customers feel valued, cared for and considered.

3. Are Australian made products important to you?

At Market Organics, we are passionate about supporting local, Australian growers and producers where possible. Working directly with nearby farms and a selection of small, emerging businesses to source only the best products, we pride ourselves on the range and quality of the products that we stock. As a family-run business we understand the time, care and passion that goes into building a brand, and therefore seek to support other Australian families when we have the chance.

4. What does your morning routine look like before you start work?

Each morning at 5:30am, I wake up and head to the Rocklea Markets to receive our delivery of fresh fruits and vegetables. Coming direct from our local farmers, I take this opportunity to personally check the quality and quantities of everything we receive. A routine that I have come to know and love, I then typically visit our Rocklea store to greet the team and grab my morning coffee.

5. As a family business, family is important to us. What is most important to how you run your business?

As another family owned and operated business, we are passionate about creating and nurturing a working culture whereby staff feel safe and supported. Our three children – Tristan, Katie and Jessica – all assist in the company from the ground up, and we want our team to feel as though they are a part of this extended family. In creating this culture, we are able to promote shared learning and knowledge among the team – forming a strong foundation from which to grow our business.

6. How long have you been stocking Brookfarm and what is your favourite product?

Brookfarm is one of the first brands that we took on after establishing HomeFresh Organics in 2002! As an organic milk run at the time, the Brookfarm range was a perfect pairing for our customers and was a highly requested item alongside fresh produce, juice and eggs. More than 15 years on, and it is still a range that we stock proudly on our shelves.

7. Where is your store located and what are the top 3 things to do in your town?

We currently own and operate five beautiful Market Organics stores across Brisbane, with locations in Rocklea, Newmarket, Ipswich, Clayfield and Chapel Hill. Having just recently confirmed a new store in Bulimba for September of this year, and a flagship Market Organics superstore on the Gold Coast for early 2021, we are eager to continue to strengthen and grow our brand in the years to come.

8. Muesli or granola?

In our household, we love the Gluten Free Cranberry Muesli from Brookfarm! It makes for such a delicious and nutritious breakfast.