Kingfisher Citrus

By Aimee & Lynton Fisher, Nambrook farm VIC

Click and Collect or Deliver Direct – Weekly Produce Boxes

Photo: Supplied Photo: Supplied Photo: Jakub Fabijanski

Kingfisher Citrus is a proudly owned and operated fourth generation family farm and the family is the heart and soul of their food growing business. Brothers Angus and Alexander Fisher, first established the farm back in 1938 and it is the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of Alexander, who continue to live and work the farm today. Lex and Glenda, together with their sons, Ronan and Lynton and their wives, Mel and Aimee have embraced the opportunity to sell direct through Farmers’ Markets across Victoria. The Fisher family business continues to flourish.

Startup Gippsland: Let’s get to it! Tell us a bit about your startup..

Aimee Fisher: Through adversity came innovation for our fourth generation of Kingfisher Citrus farmers. We provide families a hassle free alternative to supermarket shopping with 24hr online access too our seasonal farm fresh produce, delivered direct to your door or click and collect from our market stall.

Startup Gippsland: How did you learn about Startup Gippsland and what was your first thought about it?

Aimee: I spoke with Steph [Thoo] about the program at the Warragul Farmers Market and was also encouraged to apply from other SME business friends in the Wellington Shire. I was very interested to learn ways to grow and scale our business and improve efficiencies.

Startup Gippsland: Why did you want to join the program? What was the problem you were trying to solve?

Aimee: We wanted to scale the business and sell online. Improve efficiencies and create a sustainable business model. Provide the wider community access to farm fresh produce that is picked to order and delivered direct to your door or click and collect from a market stall.

Startup Gippsland: What was your experience like in the 12 weeks of the program? 

Aimee: Startup Gippsland is not something you enter into lightly. Everything you learn is of value and there are so many ‘ah-ha’ moments. I feel I need to revisit my notes, now that I have a new understanding.

Startup Gippsland: What are the biggest benefits of you undertaking the program? Can you provide an example of how it worked for you?

Aimee: Startup Gippsland Program put the spotlight on our business, no longer could we just work in the business, we had to make time to work on the business. The momentum of the 12 week program catapulted us into action and as a result we are days away from launching our new online store.

Startup Gippsland: Have you discovered new or different users for your product/service, compared with original expectations? Are you still pursuing your original startup idea? 

Aimee: We look to retain our existing customers and expand our database as we are about to launch online with our ‘deliver direct or click and collect‘ concept. Subscriptions is something we will grow into.

Startup Gippsland: What was your biggest success after undertaking the program? Personal or professional (or both)! 

Aimee: Our biggest success was forging a partnership with Couriers Please freight, essential in the distribution of our online sales. SUG has changed our mindset and the way we look at different opportunities.

Startup Gippsland: what was the most important skill you’ve learnt, and a realisation you’ve had during/after the program?

Aimee: How to sell yourself…life’s a pitch 😉 If you have the question, look and you will find the answer. Don’t be afraid to ask.

Startup Gippsland: anything else you’d like to add? 

Thanks Startup Gippsland team for the wonderful opportunity to participate in the very first Startup Gippsland Program! And remember… If you’re wanting weekly fresh produce, direct from the grower, that is full of flavour and picked to order, please visit kingfishercitrus.com.au and click to collect at your local farmers market or we will deliver direct to your door!

Testimonials

“Life’s a pitch 😉 If you have the question, look and you will find the answer. Don’t be afraid to ask.”

Their Mentor was…

Liz Fleming

Liz Fleming Mentor

Click Here to read Liz’s reflection

Watch Aimee & Lynton’s Startup Pitch here:

Ready to get involved as a Mentor, Sponsor, Partner or a Participant?

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