Wilsons Fruit & Vegetables 4.05

At the end of the Second Word War, Arthur Wilson, continuing his families' fruit and vegetable growing tradition, purchased 30 acres of land on the Western Highway at Warrenheip.



He planted apple trees on half and established a market garden growing, cauliflowers, cabbages, silverbeet, pumpkin and carrots on the remainder. The produce was sold to a local merchant but a certain amount was sold from a tractor and trailer parked on the side of the road and from the packing shed.

Arthur, and his wife Barbara, soon established a reputation for top quality tasty apples and excellent vegetables. The demand for these wonderful fruit and vegies soon out grew the tractor and trailer and the packing shed.

In 1977, when Trevor Wilson left school and came home to work in the orchard and market garden, a small shop was built on the side of the highway. Wilsons home grown produce was supplemented with produce purchased from the market.

Trading initially was for only several days a week during the apple season. By 1984 it was necessary to employ the first full time staff member and open all year round.

This shop was added to three times before Vic Roads indicated that they would not provide access to the shop when the Ballarat bypass was constructed. Land at the corner of Western Highway and Brewery Tap Road adjoining the existing market garden was purchased and a purpose built retail shop and warehouse facility was opened in 1992.

Significant growth occurred in the ten years Wilsons traded at this location and in 1997, Wilson Fruit & Vegetables was awarded the Melbourne Markets Regional Fruit and Vegetable Retailer of the Year.

Again doubt arose over access to the premises at Warrenheip, so, the Wilson family opened their present premises in Mair Street East, Ballarat in August, 2002. Here the number of products was expanded to include speciality breads and biscuits, cheeses, pastas, jams, sauces, puddings, mueslies, freshly squeezed juices and of course the ever popular Greek Style Yoghurt.

A delicatessen was added in 2004 and extended in October, 2005 adding even more gourmet products available from Wilsons Fruit and Vegetables

Wilsons is still family owned and operated, with all three children and all seven grandchildren of Arthur and Barbara working in the business. Son in law Bill Lawson and daughter in law Kaylene are also on staff.

Vision: to provide an enjoyable shopping experience in a bright and exciting environment with excellent quality product and the best possible service.