Episode 5: The farmer-owned berry company making $200 million a year

The biggest blueberry supplier in Australia formed out of a different fruit, with a reluctant leader from a completely different business. And it thrived. What started as four farmers creating a partnership selling their berries to the most competitive cities, became a successful business that any other people wanted to be a part of. From there the Oz Group Co-operative just grew. Follow Us On:Facebook – coopfarmingInstagram – coopfarming Episode Notes:Fiercely proud of their 100 per cent Australian ownership, Oz Group Co-op is passionate about providing their community with the freshest blueberries, raspberries and blackberries through sustainable farming. Founded by members of the Coffs Coast Sikh community in an innovative pivot after the decline of the local banana industry, it has grown to be the biggest blueberry supplier in Australia. A powerful force in Australian horticulture, they have grown from four to 140 members, with much of their success attributed to leveraging their community ties and Aussie-made credentials. Renowned agriculture journalist Pete Lewis talks to Stephen Thandi, former Oz Group chairman and local businessman about his very unique journey into farming and co-op management. For this fascinating podcast series, you will hear from real farmers who are successfully using co-operative farming business models. Through their stories and real life experiences, you will learn how this positive farming model changes lives. Links & Resources: Listen to all podcasts – https://coopfarming.coop/podcasts/ Watch Peter Lewis interview Stephen Thandi talk about his unique journey into farming https://coopfarming.coop/coop-conversations/episode-7-part-1-interview/ Watch Pete Lewis discuss how co-ops provide a marketing advantage in leveraging paddock to plate and farmer-owned. Featuring Stephen Thandi (OzGroup), Dick Groot Obbink (EAT Truffle), Greg McNamara (dairy farmer), Doriana Mangili (Sweeter Banana) and Melina Morrison (BCCM). https://coopfarming.coop/coop-conversations/episode-7-part-2-roundtable/ Want to find out more about OzGroup ozgroupcoop.com.au Find out more about co-op farming – https://coopfarming.coop/ Contact the Meet the Co-op Farmers Podcast team: https://coopfarming.coop/contact/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.