The opening of the new Get Fresh Supermarket in the South Auckland suburb of Mangere (99 Westney Road) on Saturday, February 21, 2013, was an event to remember.
The $3 million new building, occupying 1012 square feet, occupies the ground floor, accounting for the supermarket, butchery and takeaway. The company office and storage area are located on the upper floor.
The complex also has ample car park facility.
Multicultural communities
Inaugurating the supermarket, Labour MP Su’a William Sio said that Mangere, which houses the Auckland Domestic and International Airports, is truly the gateway to New Zealand and the rest of the world.
“I am proud to represent this constituency in New Zealand Parliament. With its multicultural communities, lifestyles, commercial ventures and cuisine, Mangere is a great place to live and do business.
“I am happy to inaugurate the new Get Fresh supermarket and I have no doubt that it will continue to grow and serve the growing needs of our people,” he said.
Among those present at the inaugural function were Get Fresh Group of Companies Managing Director Hussain Ali, his son and Director Naushad Ali, his grandsons Umar and Saad, Shah Group of Companies and Radio Apna Managing Director Sahil Shah, Al Madinah School Principal Asin Ali and a number of businesspersons and community leaders.
Mr Hussain Ali said that the new supermarket came with blessings of Allah and the support and assistance of everyone concerned with the project.
“I was keen to have the supermarket on this plot of land (although the original idea was to build a house) since it is close to the Airport Mosque. The day I told my brother to bid, I received the good news that Immigration New Zealand had approved our application for permanent residence.
“The land was auctioned and the bidding went on until our offer was unmatched. I am grateful to Almighty Allah for his Grace and Guidance,” he said.
Extensive range
The new supermarket has a wide range of items, including vegetables, fruits, grocery, bulk food, soft beverages, snacks, cereals, dry fruits and nuts, Indian spices, rice, wheat, flour, and much more.
It also features a butchery dedicated to Halal products and a takeaway section.
Thousands of customers rely on this supermarket for their household needs and with convenient business hours seven days a week, it will remain the main (and in most cases the only) source of purchase for residents and others.
As a country of migrants, New Zealand’s population demonstrates an insatiable demand for fruits and vegetables and with more than 140 ethnic groups, the market for these are potent indeed.
Significant player
Get Fresh is a significant player in the market and Mr Ali and his son Naushad are aware of their responsibility, among which is regular import of good vegetables and fruits from their native Fiji and daily sourcing from local growers and sellers.
Quality, consistency in supply, good service and appropriate pricing are among the ingredients that make the recipe of success.
Get Fresh understands one important factor- that customers need to buy vegetables and fruits for their daily needs and hence these must be available at affordable prices.
“We have tried to maintain the prices of most items sold over the past several years. We want people to lead healthy lives,” Mr Ali said.
Growing Halal
The butchery caters to Halal customers.
“The awareness for Halal has been growing, followed by demand. Although we are in the business of fresh fruits and vegetables, the need to stock and promote other products related to food has been pronounced,” Mr Ali said and added that while Muslim customers have always been conscious of the religious implications of Halal, others are increasingly subscribing to the belief that Halal is healthier and safer.
Naushad paid tributes to his uncle Amjad Ali who founded the company and his father Mr Ali.
“They are my mentors who have guided me throughout my life. I owe my success to them. They personify the saying that entrepreneurs of Indian origin possess and display a deep-sense of commitment that is hard to beat.
“They are hardworking, diligent and enthusiastic. Their penchant for family unity and participation in progress is unbeatable,” he said.
