If you’re an Avalon local you may know Annette and Brian Hampton.
They have a local legacy – family, community and authentic organic food. I have known Brian & Annette for many years and now via their local business ‘Little Grocery Co.’, we enjoy our seasonal organic box delivered weekly, with love – literally to our front doorstep.
The Hampton’s believe that organic food is for everyone. Their passion to provide affordable, authentic organic produce to their community is what has led them to start Little Grocery co.
I caught up with Annette to talk all things Organic in Avalon Beach…
You’ve been in Avalon for so long now, what keeps you and your family here?
We’ve lived in the Avalon area for around 40 years. It’s the beautiful beaches and the relaxed community that keeps us here. We love being away from the busyness of the city but still having everything we need. We’ve been fortunate enough to have a business in this area as well. I wouldn’t live anywhere else in Sydney, I just love it.
We love receiving your weekly organic box, you service many Avalon locals – who are your customers?
The majority of our customers are families with kids who want to eat fresh, certified organic food. We have known many of them for years, staying connected since our previous organic business. When they found out we were doing Little Grocery Co. they were onboard, knowing they could trust the authenticity of the produce we source.
You’ve been working in the organic produce space for a while now – tell us about your journey…
A long time ago I was trying to get our family’s health on track. As we researched we discovered the necessity of eating organic. Also, Brian and I have been involved in farming for many years so we understand the realities of good versus harmful farming practices.
I wanted to feed my family organic food but shopping organically at that time was difficult. So as we sourced the produce we began to do so also for the community around us.
There are a number of fruit & veg box services on the Northern Beaches – we love your personalised service… what do you do differently?
It’s important my customers are getting the produce they want in their boxes. Customers can ask for specific items they want excluded or included on any particular week. I also really believe in value and affordability. Nothing wasted. I don’t want people spending money on produce they don’t use.
Have you seen a move towards organic food in the Avalon area?
Yes definitely. When we started back in 2010 there were people who appreciated eating organic but it wasn’t as popular as it is now.
I think one thing that stops people from buying organic is that they believe they can’t afford it. My passion is to help make it more affordable… I aim to create a value box that feeds a family.
Have you any plans to expand Little Grocery Co. in the future?
We are growing… sustainably. The most important thing is that my customers are satisfied with our service. So my focus is making sure that the people we are serving, we are serving well.
We are expanding into more bulk goods such as household cleaning and pantry items. I’d love to fully stock our customers with all their organic groceries.
What fresh foods and organic products should Avalon locals be looking forward to in the summer season?
Summer is the most exciting time of the year for fruit in particular… you’ve got all the lovely stone fruits like peaches and nectarines and plums and apricots and cherries. Pineapple and papaya, passionfruit and watermelon and honeydew and rockmelon, all of those lovely fruits!
If you’d like to start your property search or are thinking of selling in the beautiful Avalon & Palm Beach community, contact me today.
You can make your order with Annette via www.littlegroceryco.com.au
Instagram: @littlegroceryco
