Coolum-based Sunfresh Marketing Co-operative has been finding the best price for its growers' produce for 21 years. According to deputy general manager Evan Heidemann, the Sunshine Coast region used to be a "fruit bowl", but urban encroachment and skills shortages in the regional vegetable and fruit growing sectors are barriers to growth in the fruit and vegetable growing sector.
Sunfresh is a member of the Food and Agribusiness Network, which wants to see the productive capacity of the Sunshine Coast region double by 2030.
The co-operative started with 20 local members with farms in the Coast region and now represents 80 farmers across the country. In the past five years Sunfresh has sold 1071 tonnes of avocados and 50 tonnes of citrus (limes, lemons and finger limes) as well as custard apples, mangoes and lychees.
The co-op began when a group of Sunshine Coast growers decided to increase their sway in the market by pooling their resources and selling produce in greater quantities than each member could on their own.
Mr Heidemann said Sunfresh established strict presentation rules, and quickly found strong interest in Coles and Woolworths supermarket chains, which remain their biggest buyers.
The not-for-profit organisation's structure meant members had access to more information than would be the case with profit-making ventures.
"Transparency is a big reason they stay with us," he said.
The co-operative co-ordinates transport, warehousing in major capital cities and distribution, and takes just 5% of profits for its upkeep.
On a daily basis the Sunfresh team analyses markets and fills orders that get the best price for growers, Mr Heidemann said. He said there wasn't any formal commitment to sell to the big supermarket chains but they usually offered the best price.
