About Us
A passion for fruit and vegetables was forged by the DiStefano family over several generations when travelling from Wangaratta to the Footscray Wholesale Markets with his dad was seen as one of life’s great joys for a young Joe back in the 1950’s and 60’s.
Now Joe’s sons Joseph and Kane along with their wives Sue and Renee are the driving forces behind Border Markets, which provides fruit and vegetables to wholesale customers.
Although Joe is retired, he still comes into Border Markets every day and his passion for fresh fruit and vegetables hasn’t eased with time.
“I went to Spain not long ago and went to a lot of the markets and the way the fruit was displayed is what I was taught when I was younger, it was just so exciting.” Joe said.
“There’s an art to it and it just excites you but it is hard work and long hours.”
Kane and Joseph are happy to continue the family tradition despite the 3.30am starts and 7-day a week commitment to their customers. They’ve helped grow the business from a handful of employees to a staff of more than twenty.
“We’ve grown up around fruit and veg all our life,” Kane said.
“As kids, we were there, constantly around it but I enjoy it. It’s hard and tiring but you only get out what you put in and we wouldn’t think of doing anything else.”
Joseph agrees the family work ethic has been a major factor in the growth and success of Border Markets.
“There’s a real sense of pride. It’s been hard at times but if you get in and have a go it’s endless what you can do. It’s been a good reward for hard work.”
Border Markets sources and supplies fruit and vegetables to wholesale customers ranging from hospitals, schools, restaurants, hotels, selected IGA supermarkets, Australian Defence Force and Junee Correctional Centre to name a few.
