We have been around for over a century servicing our customers with a passion for selling high-quality fresh produce.
In the 1900s, Alfred Edward Chave opened his first fruit market stall in the busy Roma Street markets. Day after day, year after year, Alf dedicated himself to building his fresh fruit and vegetable business. It is now one of Australia’s leading fresh fruit and vegetable businesses.
Alfred
Cecil Chave
Alfred Edward Chave son, Alfred Cecil Chave, was to join the family business after he finished high school. Young Alf was a talented sportsman.
He first represented Queensland at tennis in the Linton Cup as a 19-year-old in 1924 and developed a career in sports journalism in the 1930s. Alf Jnr would remain one of Queensland’s top-ranked tennis players even in the 1940s.
He enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II. Following the war, Alf Jnr returned to the markets and became involved once more in the family business, eventually taking it over and managing it as owner. Having inherited his father’s passion for fresh produce. Alf Jnr worked hard to grow the company for over twenty years. Also, he still remained committed as a prominent tennis administrator.
Whilst many other companies struggled with dealing with the challenges of two World Wars and the Great Depression. The A.E Chave fresh fruit and vegetable business grew and became one of the largest, profitable and most respected vendors in the market. Thanks to his passion, hard work, and determination.
I don’t think he could have ever imagined his modest fresh fruit and vegetable business would still be operating more than a hundred years later and that it would be so successful.
Alfred E. Chave Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Business
Since 1975 Tony Joseph AM and his family have been running the fresh fruit and vegetable business based at the Brisbane Rocklea Markets
We have access to state-of-the-art facilities ensuring that our customers receive the very best quality, fresh fruit and vegetables.
To this day, work ethic has been the foundation of the success of the family’s fresh fruit and vegetable business. As a result, the Alfred E Chave name has become synonymous with fresh produce throughout Australia. We have continued to build close relationships with our customers and our growers, some of whom are still working with the Joseph family more than 40 years after Tony started in the markets.
Alfred E. Chave Pty Ltd now trades as one of the leading fresh fruit and vegetable wholesaling and exporting businesses in Australia, servicing clients throughout the World.
Expect more from us
We’re not just passionate purveyors of fresh produce.
We are dedicated to providing our suppliers and customers with the best customer experience too.
Our team collectively offers over 400 years of industry experience, community support, personalised service, seasonal education and market information updates.
Highlights
Alfred Edward Chave opened his first stall in the Roma Street Markets
Alf’s son Alfred Cecil Chave joined the family business
Alf Jnr represented Queensland at tennis in the Linton Cup
Alf Jnr developed a career in sports journalism and tennis commentary
Alf Jnr is the top-ranked tennis player in Queensland
Alf Jnr enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force
Alf Jnr returned to the family business
Tony Joseph AM served in the Australian Army and returned from Vietnam in 1971
Alf Jnr passes and wife Patricia runs the family business
Patricia sells the business to Peter, Reg and Mick Joseph of Allstate Foods, business renamed to Potter-Chave Pty Ltd
Tony married Maree, the daughter of Simon and Nell George
Tony Joseph AM and Simon George purchase the business from Potter Chave Pty Ltd (rename the business Alfred E. Chave Pty Ltd)
Tony Joseph AM on the board for Queensland Chamber Fruit and Vegetables and involved in administration of markets
Alfred Chave Exports starts exporting fruit and vegetables through the Asia Pacific
Simon George retired from Alfred E Chave and Tony and Maree Joseph and family was entrusted with owning and running of the business
Tony Joseph AM was appointed CEO for Brismark
State Government sells Brisbane Markets Limited and Tony Joseph AM is appointed Chairman of BML
Tony Joseph AM was appointed as a Director of the Brisbane Broncos Football Club
Tony Joseph’s AM sons Anthony and Paul Joseph take over the business
Fresh Produce e-commerce trading platform Phoenicia launches
Tony Joseph AM awarded Member of the Order of Australia on Australia Day 2021
Awards & recognition
1988
Tony Joseph AM receives recognition of award to the fruit and vegetable industry (Outstanding personal contribution to the Wholesaling sector)
1999
Tony Joseph AM receives Australian Chamber Meritorious Service Award for outstanding contribution to the wholesaling sector for the fruit and vegetable industry.
2011
Tony spear headed the unprecedented recovery operation in the aftermath of the floods at the Brisbane Rocklea Markets.