The so unique selection of So Crisp

Brisbane Markets wholesaler, So Crisp, is no stranger to the weird and wonderful, stocking even the most obscure lines to meet growing consumer demand.

With Queensland households consuming over 200 kg of fruit and veg annually (Harvest to Home, 2023), and more than 27% of our nation’s population being born overseas (ABS, 2021), it is no wonder So Crisp’s selection has a willing audience.

Operating out of the Brisbane Markets for over 30 years, owners Craig and Sherie Chard said they are well known for offering an extensive range, including more unusual picks like taro, fresh Australian dates, gooseberries, jackfruit, okra and heirloom tomatoes.

“In the early days, most wholesalers specialised in just a few selected products. Our specialty was having a full range of produce,” Mr Chard said.

As a wide range became common practice around the markets, Mr and Mrs Chard, alongside their son, Mark Van Der Meeden, continued to expand their range to keep up with changing tastes.

“Restaurants were looking for ingredients for specialty dishes. Initially, the requirements were limited, but the demand was there, so we sourced interesting lines for customers. As the demand developed, we diversified our range even further,” Mrs Chard said.

According to Mr Chard, their produce range has only continued to expand alongside the increased demand for

“Over the past few years, we’ve had the opportunity to do business with people of all different backgrounds. The ethnic diversity in the markets has really helped sustain the demand for those rarer lines,” Mr Chard said.

“Consequently, buyers have a more varied customer base, focusing on gourmet produce.”

Nathan Graves is a buyer for A better choice! retailer, The Standard Market Company. He believes that purchasing through the Brisbane Markets makes it easier to access these rare produce lines.

“I can access a wide range of fresh produce in one place to meet the needs and tastes of our diverse customer base. Wholesalers such as So Crisp also give me access to rare lines that would normally be difficult to source,” Mr Graves said.

“It simplifies the entire process and gives our customers more choice.”

Boasting over 50 years of experience, from family farms to retailing and wholesaling, Mr Chard’s knowledge of Australian horticulture allows him to understand where he can source exotic finds. He also cites a strong relationship with their nation-wide network of growers as a major factor in their success.

“When there is a demand for a new product, we will either source a current grower, or we suggest new crops to growers looking to expand their range,” Mr Chard said.

“Many new growers in the market are sent to us because of our range of produce and the valuable advice we offer. We then develop and maintain that relationship and can control our supply according to market needs.”