OUR STORY
We can’t think of a time when the Queen Victoria Market hasn’t been a part of our lives.
Our parents began selling fruit and veg from Stall 26 in A Shed over 60 years ago, shortly after arriving in Melbourne from Calabria, Italy. These days it’s not uncommon to find three generations of our family behind the counter. For us, it's about honouring where it all began.
In 2018, with years of experience behind us, Queen’s Harvest was born. We have since grown to offer Queen Victoria Market’s widest range of fresh produce, including a carefully curated collection of specialty grocery items.
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
In 1960, Antonio Tripodi arrived in Melbourne from Calabria, Italy, in search of new beginnings and opportunity for a more prosperous life.
Although illiterate, Antonio established his business in 1964 trading at the Queen Victoria Market, in Stall 26, A Shed, having quickly become acquainted with an understanding of fresh produce.
Antonio was guided by wife Maria in many aspects, as she helped drive the business to become one of the most well-known fresh produce suppliers of the Market.
Pictured: Antonio Tripodi, Queen Victoria Market, 1964
GROWTH
Antonio and wife Maria worked tirelessly to grow their business, focusing closely on the basics; good produce and excellent service. They established a strong presence within the Queen Victoria Market, becoming trusted suppliers and skilled business people and since then, never looked back.
Maria often reflects fondly on the life-long friendships she developed with her customers, and the pride she still feels having helped build the business from the ground up. Maria did not fear the early starts or the cold mornings, her unwavering strength and grit made her a force to be reckoned with among traders of the Market.
Pictured: Maria Tripodi, Queen Victoria Market, 2000
GENERATIONAL
These days, it's not uncommon to find three generations behind the counter - Nonna often makes an appearance! Uncles, aunties, cousins, siblings, you'll find us all here; and so proud to be involved.
The importance of family involvement is embedded deep within Queen's Harvest and our business as a whole. It's no wonder shopping with us feels like family.
Pictured: Joseph Sculli and Antonio Tripodi Jnr, Queen Victoria Market, 2003
TODAY
Generational family businesses are a special kind of operation.
Queen's Harvest; an evolution of our first produce stall in A shed, three generations and almost 60 years later. For us, it’s about honouring where it all began.
Located within Melbourne’s iconic Queen Victoria Market, we’re fortunate to be able to welcome the next generation to shop beneath the sheds, while still remaining true to the market's rich, historical footprint. Our presence here breeds a sense of family and community like nothing else.
I can trust Queen's Harvest to have the best quality produce in the market! A family run business, always with smiles on their faces and willing to help with anything we need!
Rocco Tripodi is fresh, warm and honest. His staff are like his vegetables. Clear, present and friendly. A great asset to Victoria market.
For quality fruit and veg and specialty items that are hard to find, Queen's Harvest is your desination. There's truly no better team; visiting Queen's Harvest for a shop and an espresso is my weekly ritual.