Melbourne’s Favourite market traders have been decided!


Melbourne’s major markets have been abuzz with excitement and jovial competition throughout the inaugural Melbourne Market Awards and the festivities are only just beginning.

Market shoppers had the opportunity to show their support and pledge their allegiance to their beloved traders through a democratic, free voting process across South Melbourne, Queen Victoria, Prahran and Dandenong Markets through August and the results are in. Almost 7,000 votes were received, in a strong show of support for these iconic Melbourne places and people. 

South Melbourne Market’s ‘Favourites’: 
Coffee: Padre Coffee 
Deli: Theo’s Deli 
Fruit & Veg: Georgie’s Harvest 
Poultry: K&L Poultry 
Meat: Ralph’s Meats 
Seafood: South Melbourne Seafood 
Specialty: Claypots Evening Star 
General Merchandise: The Pet Grocer 

Queen Victoria Market’s ‘Favourites’: 
Coffee: Coffea 
Deli: Curds & Whey 
Fruit & Veg: J&T’s Fruit and Vegetable Supply 
Poultry: The Chicken Pantry 
Meat: Sardes Quality Meats 
Seafood: The Happy Tuna 
Specialty: M&G Caiafa 
General Merchandise: Pompous Paws 

Prahran Market’s ‘Favourites’ 
Coffee: Market Lane Coffee 
Deli: The Cheese Shop Deli 
Fruit & Veg: Pino’s Fine Produce 
Poultry: John Cester Poultry and Game 
Meat: Gary’s Quality Meats 
Seafood: Claringbold’s Seafood 
Specialty: Mister Nice Guy Cupcakes 
General Merchandise: Prahran Market Hardware 

Dandenong Market’s ‘Favourites’: 
Coffee: Perfect Coffee Shop 
Deli: Alpine Smallgoods 
Fruit & Veg: Alexander’s Produce 
Poultry: Premier Poultry 
Meat: TC’s Quality Meats 
Seafood: Schwarze Seafood 
Specialty: Peanut Market 
General Merchandise: E E Souvenirs and International Flags 

Congratulations to all of our ‘Favourites’ and to the wider Melbourne market community. Without our hard-working, expert traders and their loyal shoppers our markets would not be the vibrant and culture-rich hubs they are. 

The ‘Favourites’ are now in the running to be crowned ‘Melbourne Best Traders’ in their respective categories. They’re being secretly judged by our expert panel of judges including Russell Zimmerman (Australian Retailers Association), Nicky Riemer (Union Dining) and Hilary McNevin (Food Journalist). 

The winners will be announced at an exclusive award ceremony held at Feddish in Federation Square on Sunday evening, September 8th . 

The Melbourne Market Awards kick off Market Week celebrations, running from 7th-15th September with a series of events for the whole family across each of the Markets of Melbourne. See the full schedule here

Good luck ‘Favourites’!