In Conversation with Eggporium

We sat down with Ben from Eggporium to chat about his family-owned business at Queen Victoria Market for 12 years, transitioned from supplying eggs to taking over the market stall after the previous owner retired. 

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and Eggporium? 

Eggporium is a family-owned business that has been a staple at the Queen Victoria Market for the past 12 years. Before establishing our own store at the market, my family had been supplying eggs throughout Melbourne for 22 years and supplying eggs to the previous owner for two decades, showcasing our long-standing commitment to quality and service. I have been a part of Eggporium since 2019, starting right after high school. Being involved in the family business from a young age has allowed me to learn the ropes and contribute to our store’s success here at Queen Victoria Market. Over the years, I’ve seen our business grow and evolve, maintaining our dedication to providing the best eggs to our loyal customers. 

How did you get into the business?   

Before establishing our own store at the market, my family had been supplying eggs throughout Melbourne for 22 years and to the previous owner for two decades. Our journey into the business has an interesting history: the previous owner, who was getting old and whose kids didn’t want to take over, was looking to exit the business. Stan, who had been supplying them, suggested that he take over. The rest is history, and twelve years later, we continue to provide the best eggs to our loyal 

Can you describe your sourcing process? 

All the eggs we source at Eggporium come from local, mostly small farms around South Gippsland, North Gippsland, Kangaroo Island. SA, Lismore NSW, North Western Victoria and the Latrobe Valley area. Some nearby farms deliver directly to us.   

How do you ensure the quality and freshness of your eggs? 

To ensure the quality and freshness of our eggs, all transportation is conducted in temperature-controlled environments. This means the eggs always arrive at our store very fresh. As soon as we get here, we either place them straight into our cool room or the refrigerated fridge located just under the shelves. This process ensures that when our customers purchase our eggs, they receive them in the best possible condition. 

How has the egg trading industry changed since you started? 

Over the last 10 years, we have noticed a shift in customer preferences towards more ethically sourced eggs. As a result, demand for caged eggs has declined, while free-range, certified organic, and pasture-fed eggs have become more popular. This change is partly because customers are more ethically aware. Additionally, the Australian government, in line with New Zealand’s policies, has pledged to completely phase out caged eggs over the next decade. This transition will likely lead to an increase in egg prices, but farms are preparing for these changes as the industry moves towards more ethical practices. 

Despite the recent challenges of the global bird flu outbreak, we have plenty of stock available, especially from our larger farms in the South Gippsland area. If you need eggs, it’s best to avoid supermarkets right now, as they are facing significant shortages. Instead, visit us at the Queen Victoria Market in person or online to find our full range of eggs, no matter the situation. 

What are some of the specific egg varieties that you recommend to customers? 

For those who are budget-conscious, such as restaurants, cafes, and international students, we suggest caged eggs due to their more competitive pricing. For customers who want to balance budget considerations with ethical concerns, we recommend free-range eggs. For those who prioritise the highest ethical standards and want to ensure that the eggs come from chickens raised in the best conditions, we suggest pasture-fed eggs, which also include some of our certified organic options. 

What interesting stories or memorable moments from your time at the market that you can share with us?  

When I started in late 2019, it was right before everything changed due to COVID-19. We experienced a significant drop in the number of tourists and locals coming to the market due to restrictions like the 5km radius limit. It’s been fascinating to witness how the market has bounced back over the past three years. 

One of the highlights is watching long-term customers’ lives unfold. It’s touching to see couples who started visiting the market as newlyweds, later coming back with their children. Observing these life changes and long-term relationships grow right here at the market makes it a special place. 

What do you love most about being a trader at Queen Victoria Market? 

What I love most about being a trader at Queen Victoria Market is the strong sense of community and the friendships that develop over time. The market is a vibrant place where interacting with so many traders and customers creates a social atmosphere that makes work feel less like work. I enjoy going home and reflecting on the day, realising that much of what I do is socialising and helping people with their groceries. Building these positive relationships and connections is the highlight of my experience here. 

Explore The Eggporium’s range of eggs at Queen Victoria Market on Tuesday and Thursday through to Sunday in D Shed, shop 1 – 3 or on Queen Victoria Market Online.