The Strati family have a long and rich history in the fresh produce industry. Grandfather Domenic stepped off the boat from Italy in 1963 and started his new life in Sydney as a market gardener at West Hoxton. His three sons followed him into market gardening until Giovanni, Domenic's middle son, decided to change course and try his hand at fresh produce retailing. After about 10 years learning the retail business, he purchased his first business in Merrylands before moving onto a bigger store at Condell Park.
At age 16, his son Rocco left school to help Dad in the business.
In 1987 the Strati family started an even bigger business, Fairfield Fruitland which they ran successfully for 20 years.
Fast forward the clock 5 years and Rocco opened the doors to his own "purpose built" award winning store Nature's Best. With all the fittings and features he'd dreamed about in the previous stores, Nature's Best has it all. A one stop shop with full deli lines, hard to find continental grocery goods, and a vast range of pristine quality produce sourced daily from local growers and Sydney wholesale markets.
Rocco speaks proudly of his accomplishment at Nature's Best. He and his wife Caterina now employ over 25 staff including his brother, 2 sisters and the 4 kids - when he can con them into coming! Also Natures Best has won the local business awards for best fruit market every year since opening. Not bad for the man who once thought he'd like to be an architect!
Asked if he'd have it any other way, he says no. It may be a tough business and he may suffer from eternal sleep deprivation but when speaking to him you get a sense that the business is in his blood.
It's a great store and well worth the visit!
