Domenic Pompei from Mountain Fresh Wholesale

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT WORKING AT THE MARKET?

I enjoy the camaraderie. You cannot get a community like this anywhere else, it’s something special and I’m happy to be part of it. We also have great growers who have been supportive and given us a chance to be able to build a great business.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU FACE IN THE MARKET?

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT ROLE & HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE MARKET FOR?

I’m the Director of Mountain Fresh Wholesale and I’m primarily responsible for selling produce and procuring. I took over the business two years ago after being offered the store by Anthony, since then we have been working hard to grow the business into what it is today.

WHAT BROUGHT YOU INTO THE MARKET?

My family has been in the market for three generations, beginning back in 1963. My grandfather started out in various retail markets including South Melbourne, Victoria, Dandenong, and the Richmond Market. From there, my grandfather settled at the Dandenong market with my father and continued to trade for over 40 years.

I studied and completed a degree in Accounting and Finance from Monash University and was meant to follow a career in corporate accounting, but after graduating I decided to go work in the market. My father brought us to the markets often growing up, so I feel as though I was raised here, it’s in my blood.

The hours. It can be difficult at times, not only socially but physically as well. With that being said, it is necessary that we come here early and do what we have to do, to ensure our intermediaries have adequate time to set up their shops, cafes, restaurants, etc.

DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING IN STOCK THAT IS IN SEASON?

We predominantly sell capsicums, eggplants, zucchinis, chillies, and tomatoes – all of which remain in-season all year long yet derive from various growing areas.

South Australian capsicums season is in full swing at the moment. Soon we’ll start having Queensland capsicums, eggplant, chillis and a bit of variety from different growing areas.

HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU WON THE YOUNG MARKETEER AWARD AT FRESH STATES GALA BALL?

I was very shocked. I didn’t expect to get the award, however it feels good to be recognised for all the hard work we’re doing at Mountain Fresh Wholesale. Between myself, my family, and all of us here at Mountain Fresh, we’ve been putting in a lot of effort and I’m glad others see that. I also would like to give credit to my father Domenic, my uncle Tony Mecca, and my family for their endless support. I’m very lucky to have a great support network.

GRANT NICHOL UPDATE: