In Conversation with Queen’s Harvest

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and Queen’s Harvest? 

Natalie: I’m Natalie, the daughter of John, and this is Annmarie, the daughter of Rocco. We are both third-generation members of the Queen’s Harvest family. We’ve been working at the market for as long as we can remember and are usually here every weekend, sometimes even during the week. This business has been a big part of our childhood and our lives growing up, making it a very special place for us. 

Annmarie: Queen’s Harvest has been here for about five years, starting in 2018, but the Tripodi family has been part of the market for around 60 years. My grandparents started the business in the 1960s, and later, my uncle and dad took over. They went on to establish Market Juice and J.T. Fruit & Veg, and in 2018, everything came together here at Queen’s Harvest. 

What sets Queen’s Harvest apart from other fruit and vegetable suppliers? 

Natalie: Queen’s Harvest is probably one of the only stalls in the market that offers over 100 different lines of produce. But it’s not just produce—we also sell our own cold-pressed juices and a whole range of locally-made chili oils, condiments, and fun snacks like locally-made potato chips, pickles, and even Halloween pumpkins. We’ve made a conscious effort to continuously expand our range, mix things up, and offer something new and exciting almost daily. 

What’s the biggest challenge of being a fruit and veg trader? 

Annmarie: I’d say the biggest challenge for fruit and vegetable traders is the early mornings—we have to get here really, really early to set up. Then there’s the weather! Whether it’s raining, cold, windy, or even too hot, we’re always here. It’s a long and physical day, and it can be very tiring. 

Natalie: We have a really wonderful team that helps us overcome all those challenges. We can’t control the weather, but we’re all hard workers, and working together as a team certainly helps those challenges disappear quickly. We’re all very passionate about what we do, and at Queen’s Harvest, we’re almost like family. It shows when you love what you do, and that’s something we’re really proud of here. 

What’s the most rewarding part of interacting with customers at the market? 

Natalie: One of the most rewarding things about being a trader at the market is the relationships you build over time. Knowing that your stall is a regular stop for someone’s weekly produce, fresh fruit, and veggies is really special. Over the years, we’ve formed some amazing bonds with our customers—some have been shopping with us for years, and we’ve watched their families grow. They bring their children in, and sometimes they’ll bring us gifts, like hand-drawn artwork. Just last week, I received two personalised beaded bracelets with my name on them, which was so sweet. That’s what makes it special—there’s a personal touch when you shop with a small business, and that’s what I love the most. 

How will you and Queen’s Harvest be celebrating Halloween this season? 

Annmarie: Halloween at Queen’s Harvest is always an exciting time. We have fresh pumpkins, and every year we choose one to carve and put on display. We also sell a lot of decorative mini pumpkins so customers can decorate their own homes. It’s such a fun time! It definitely brings back memories of when we were younger, going trick-or-treating in my little fairy costume! 

Who will you be dressing up for Halloween? 

Annmarie: I have such a love for horror movies, so I’d probably dress up as Carrie. The whole fake blood situation—everything! I’d make a mess! 

Natalie: I think it’s very on brand for me, but I’m going as a pumpkin. Seeing all the fresh pumpkins in store just makes me think it would make a great outfit! 

What’s your favourite pumpkin inspired recipe?  

Annmarie: I remember a time when I was at Brick Lane, and they had this incredible pumpkin hummus. I loved it so much that I ended up buying all the ingredients from Queen’s Harvest and made it at home. It’s a beautiful addition to the classic hummus recipe! 

Natalie: My favorite pumpkin dish would have to be pumpkin agnolotti. It’s something I made a lot with my Nonna. You make your own roasted pumpkin purée, use fresh pasta, and serve it with a butter and sage sauce. It’s so yummy! 

What are the benefits from being on Queen Victoria Market Online? 

Annmarie: QVM Online is a fantastic platform for us. It allows us to showcase all of our produce, snacks, treats, and juices, making it easy for our customers to find us wherever they are. They can have everything delivered to their homes, which is incredibly convenient. Personally, I love coming in each morning to pack all the orders and handpick the freshest produce to send home to our customers. It truly is my pride and joy! 

Natalie: It also creates great exposure for our store. Those who might not have visited us in person before may browse online and decide to give us a try, which hopefully encourages them to come into the store as well. 

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

Natalie: What I love most about being a trader here at Queen Victoria Market is that it feels like more than just showing up to work every day. It’s about honoring and upholding a very special family business that has been expanding for 60 years. Being part of such a historic family legacy is really special, and of course, QVM is an iconic landmark in Melbourne. It’s hard to beat that! 

Annmarie: For me, I love contributing to the local community of Melbourne. It’s such a central place where people from all different walks of life come through. I really enjoy encouraging and inspiring others to shop small and support local businesses.

Explore Queen’s Harvest at Queen Victoria Market on Tuesday and Thursday through to Sunday location in D Shed, Stalls 5-12, or shop their range of fresh produce on Queen Victoria Market Online.