Two green grocers from Sutherland Shire are among those that are officially the 'freshest' out there.
Fruiticious at Gymea and Kareela Grocer were winners in the Sydney Market's Fresh Awards, which highlighted the best in the business.
Fruiticious won the 'best small business' award and Kareela Grocer won 'greengrocer of the year' at The Star on July 24.
The awards gather the best greengrocers, florists, growers, wholesalers and fresh bloggers from across NSW and the ACT, all who are recognised for being the top of their fields.
They encourage and recognise best practice and innovation in the growing, retailing and wholesaling of fresh produce and flowers.
Sue Dodd, Sydney Markets' manager of the Fresh Awards, Sue Dodd, said this year's finalists once again raised the bar.
"Our Fresh Award winners are some of the heroes of our industry. In an ever-changing society, these local businesses have remained cornerstones of our local communities because they have adapted and maintained their relevance to modern consumers," she said.
"These businesses are a credit to themselves, and to the industry in general. They work tirelessly to deliver top quality produce, customer service and value for money."
The Fresh Awards are decided by an in-depth judging process that is carried out by a panel of industry experts and a band of mystery shoppers across six months.
Nominated businesses are assessed on store appearance, customer service, product knowledge, produce quality, range, freshness, innovation, workplace health and safety, food safety and environmental sustainability.
Sydney Markets chief executive, Brad Latham, says the entire market community takes great pride in honouring these industry leaders for their hard work and dedication.
"These thriving local businesses have continued to aim high and deliver to an exceptional standard," he said.
"They deserve to be recognised and celebrated for their commitment to our industry.
"Many of these businesses have been running successfully for generations. Some have been passed along through families, others have been built by unbreakable partnerships.
"Whether longstanding or new to the industry, all of these businesses share an unwavering commitment to the fresh produce and flower industries."
Other finalists from the area were Best Fresh Grocer at Caringbah, Cronulla Gourmet Grocer, B&M Florist at Monterey and blogger, Mulberry Pomegranate - Katrina Kallos.