V&R Fresh Food Market

Story

V & R Fruit and Vegetable Market is a family-run business that was established by Vincenzo and Rosa Gangemi in 1979.

When Vince migrated from Italy he originally worked for food and wine merchants Mortelliti and Pante in Geelong distributing food by selling produce to the European community off the back of a truck. When his job as a shop assistant ended Vince decided to change career path and decided he would take labourers out to the market gardens in Werribee where he met local growers and that started the path for his own business.

Initially Vince aimed the business at the local European community and stocked a hotchpotch of products to cater to their needs together with fresh produce, but over time V & R expanded to satisfy the gourmet palate and has grown to what it is today.

Vince and Rosa’s daughter Connie and her husband Joe Luca also left their jobs to join the family business. Today, Vince and Rosa’s role has changed and taken on an easier approach, and although they have an opportunity to travel they prefer to oversee the day to day running of the business. Connie and Joe have the major responsibility of keeping the business running smoothly.

The imposing red brick building with its large car park, and herb and fruit tree plantings in front is always a hub of activity that sees customers flock from all over the region.

The family have a total commitment that sees Joe heading off to work at a time when everyone else goes to bed. He begins about midnight, getting lists together for restaurant orders etc. then heads off to the Melbourne Market, arriving back in Geelong by 6.30am when his day begins at the shop.

V and R’s diligence and passion for their business has seen them winning a number of awards, including being one of the ten finalists in the 1997 Retailer of the Year Award, when they also won a Certificate of Excellence, from the Melbourne Market Authority.

The family’s ongoing dedication to provide quality produce and service was further reinforced when in 2002 V & R was named the Regional Retailer of the Year from some 400 plus entrants at a lavish presentation held at the Crown Palladeium at which all the staff and partners were present.