Erbacher’s Fruit and Vegetables on the Sunshine Coast has won the national title ‘A better choice!’ 2026 Retailer of the Year –  People’s Choice Award for the second year, cementing its reputation as the nation’s most-loved fruit and veg store.

Founded by Eric and Thelma Erbacher in 1965 and is now run by Tanya Husband, part-owner and the third-generation Erbacher family member, alongside her father, brother and uncle, with the support from the wider family.

Today, the business proudly spans four generations, with second, third and fourth-generation family members continuing the Erbacher tradition of serving the local community.

“It’s wonderful to be recognised for doing what we love,” said Ms Husband.

“We focus on consistently delivering old-fashioned service and sharing our fresh produce tips and insights with customers.

“We still have someone on hand to help customers with their shopping, including carrying groceries to their cars for those who need an extra hand. We haven’t moved from the shop that was built from the old chook shed. That’s what customers love, and they’ve been coming back for generations.”

Best of the best

This is the second national ‘A better choice!’ 2026 Retailer of the Year – People’s Choice Award for Erbacher’s Fruit and Vegetables and its fourth state award.

Erbacher’s Fruit and Vegetables beat 440 fruit and vegetable shops nationally to take the win with 4405 votes. They were followed closely by Minchinbury Fruit Market (3943 votes) and Trims Fresh Merrylands (3840 votes), both in New South Wales.

“This year’s close competition and high number of customer votes is testament to the outstanding service and exceptional fresh produce provided by independent, local fruit and vegetable stores around Australia,” said Nina Torkman, ‘A better choice!’ National Program Manager.

“We had more than 63,541 votes from customers this year, which is triple last year’s votes. It’s fantastic to see so many customers supporting their local fruit and veg store by voting and shopping locally.”

A better choice! National Retailer of the Year, People’s Choice Awards winners are:

National Winners: Erbacher’s Fruit & Vegetables (QLD)

State Winners:

• Qld: Erbacher’s Fruit & Vegetables
• Vic: Arnold’s
• SA: Adelaide Fresh Fruiterers Morphett Vale
• NSW: Minchinbury Fruit Market
• WA: Spudshed – Baldivis