IN A testament to their hard work and dedication to their craft, Fleming Berries farm nestled in the hills of Korumburra has been named a finalist in the prestigious Gippsland Business Awards in the Food and Wine Producers category. This recognition comes as a well-deserved honour for the farm's owners, who have tirelessly worked to cultivate their passion for horticulture and produce high-quality berries for their customers.
The journey of this family-owned berry farm began with a shared passion for horticulture and owner Malgorzata (Gosia) Fleming’s background in agricultural sciences and biochemistry. After completing her master's degree, Gosia, along with her late husband Justin, decided to pursue their dream of running a berry farm in the picturesque countryside of Korumburra. Together, they worked tirelessly to establish and grow their business, with Justin's expertise in market gardens complementing the owner's knowledge in horticulture.
Heartbreakingly, Justin passed away 19 months ago, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and dedication to the berry farm. Since then, Gosia has been managing the business with the help of their daughter – 13-year-old Daria, who brings a fresh perspective and new ideas to the table. Together, they have continued to uphold the farm's reputation for producing some of the finest berries in the region, particularly during the peak season from December to April.
“On the night of the awards it was 19 months to the day since we lost Justin, so it was of course an emotional time for us; however, we felt so grateful on the night to be recognised for our hard work,” said Gosia.
The recognition as a finalist in the Gippsland Business Awards has been a significant milestone for the business, bringing with it new opportunities and increased visibility within the community. This accolade not only celebrates their success but also serves as a testament to their commitment to excellence and innovation in the food and wine production industry.
“The community have been such a wonderful support to our family.”
Looking ahead, Gosia and Daria have ambitious plans to further grow and develop Fleming Berries, leveraging the recognition from the Gippsland Business Awards to explore new opportunities and expand their reach. Their dedication to quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction sets them apart as a standout business in the region, with a promising future ahead.
As a finalist in the Gippsland Business Awards for the Food and Wine Producers category, Fleming Berries in Korumburra serves as an inspiration to aspiring food and wine producers in the region. Their story is a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and innovation in achieving success in the competitive world of agriculture and food production.
