A shared passion for providing top-notch customer service, quality fresh fruit, vegetables and local produce at affordable prices, is key for Tinwald’s Produce Pals Fruit ’n’ Veges owners Aman Sharma and Dean Gibson.
Having both started working at a family-owned fruit and vegetable store in Christchurch while they were both still in their teens, the duo had dreams of one day launching their own business together. To their surprise, that dream came together sooner than expected. After taking a six-month break in 2022, they were excited when the opportunity to take over the iconic Tinwald fruit and vegetable premises came up.
“We had talked about doing a shop together, and then this opportunity popped up. Everything just came together. It was a case of right place, right time for us. It was too good an opportunity to pass up. We knew the history of the site, we knew it had the potential, and we knew we were ready. The location on a main State Highway was a big tick for us,” says Dean.
After relocating to Ashburton, the duo opened Produce Pals Fruit ’n’ Veges two and a half years ago. At 27 and 23 years of age, respectively, at the time, Aman and Dean had already clocked up many years of experience in the industry. “We weren’t coming into it blind, but like anyone starting their first business venture, we knew what we had to do, but didn’t know what to expect. What makes it so achievable is the huge team support,” says Aman.
From the beginning, the duo have gone out of their way to source quality fruit and vegetables at affordable prices utilising only NZGAP Certified Growers. Where possible, they have also cultivated relationships with local growers to supply seasonal produce.
In addition to fresh produce, Produce Pals Fruit ’n’ Veges also stocks a wide range of meats from the Halswell Butchery and Safari South Africa Shop, along with fresh eggs from Geraldine Free Range Eggs and local Five Feather Farm. They also receive daily deliveries of delicious fresh bread from Grizzly Baked Products, and stock staples like milk, cream and butter at competitive prices.
The pair acknowledges their ongoing relationship with local freight company IDL Transport, with whom they’ve been working since day one, ensuring daily deliveries keep everything as fresh as possible. That, combined with excellent local support, means higher turnover, which in turn means fresher produce for everyone, explains Dean.
But perhaps Produce Pals Fruit ’n’ Veges’ biggest drawcard is their outstanding customer service with friendly smiles and staff prepared to go above and beyond the norm. Since the outset, Aman and Dean have placed an enormous emphasis on customer service, and they’re incredibly proud of the reputation they have created. And it’s something everyone in their team of employees embraces with their team awarded "Best Customer Service” in Mid Canterbury by local Hokonui Radio Station last October.
Since opening, they have developed a loyal clientele, attracting a wide range of customers, many of whom stop by on their way through. As a way of giving back to the community, any leftovers are donated to the Ashburton Food Bank. In addition, they are also super supportive of local sports teams and clubs, as well as many one-off events.
Find out more about Produce Pals Fruit ‘n’ Veges here.