The Evolution of Coastal Fresh: A Family Business Story

Written on the 25 February 2026

Some businesses are built on spreadsheets and strategies. Others are built on something more personal: family, a passion for quality, and a deep connection to the community. At Coastal Fresh, our story is firmly rooted in the latter. For nearly three decades, we have been more than just a supplier of fresh fruit and vegetables; we are a family-run business dedicated to delivering excellence from the farm to your door. This is the story of our evolution, a journey of growth, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the values that define us.

Our Humble Beginnings

Every great story has a beginning. Ours starts in 1995 with our founder, Lovrenc Bratina. With a clear vision and a passion for produce, Lovrenc established Coastal Fresh to provide the Gold Coast with the freshest fruit and vegetables available. It was a business built on a simple philosophy: source the best, treat people well, and work hard every day.

From the very start, family was at the heart of the operation. Lovrenc’s sons, including current owner David, grew up in the business. They learned the trade not in a classroom, but in the bustling markets and the warehouse, developing an intimate understanding of the industry and the importance of relationships. When Lovrenc decided to retire, it was a natural transition for David to purchase the company, ensuring the family philosophy and traditions would continue to guide Coastal Fresh into the future.

More Than a Business, We're a Family

The word "family" at Coastal Fresh extends beyond the Bratina name. It includes our incredible team, many of whom have been with us for the long haul. We believe that a positive, supportive work environment is essential to our success. Our team members are the backbone of our operations, from the buyers at the markets before dawn to the drivers in our fleet of refrigerated vehicles.

This sense of teamwork and mutual respect is one of our core values. We foster a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. This stability and experience within our team translate directly into the reliable, high-quality service our customers have come to expect. When you partner with Coastal Fresh, you are being served by people who are deeply invested in the company's success and share a collective pride in what we do.

A Commitment to Our Community and Local Farmers

As a business that has grown with the Gold Coast, we feel a profound responsibility to our community. This starts with our unwavering support for local farmers. We understand that the freshest produce doesn’t come from a distant warehouse; it comes from the dedicated growers right here in our region.

We work directly with farmers throughout South East Queensland and Northern NSW. This allows us to secure the best seasonal produce while ensuring farmers receive fair prices for their hard work. By prioritising local sourcing, we provide our customers with a true paddock-to-plate service. This not only guarantees incredible freshness but also strengthens our local economy and supports a sustainable future for agriculture in our region. When you see our trucks on the road, you can be sure they are filled with the bounty of our local lands.

Innovating for a Fresher Future

While our foundations are built on tradition, our vision is fixed on the future. The fresh food market is constantly changing, and we have always been at the forefront of innovation to meet new demands and trends. We continually invest in technology and infrastructure to improve our service and the quality of our products.

Our state-of-the-art processing facility is a testament to this commitment. It features the latest in water purification and UV sterilisation, ensuring the highest standards of food safety. Our multi-zoned, temperature-controlled warehouse is designed to maximise the shelf life and quality of every item we store. We have also embraced fresh technology to streamline the ordering process for our wholesale customers, making it easier than ever to get the produce they need.

Our fleet of over 20 refrigerated vehicles maintains the cool chain from our warehouse directly to your door, protecting the integrity and freshness of your order every step of the way. This combination of traditional values and modern innovation is what sets us apart.

The Coastal Fresh Difference

From a small family operation to an innovative leader in the wholesale industry, our journey has been one of steady growth and evolution. Yet, the principles that Lovrenc Bratina established in 1995 remain our guiding light: quality, customer focus, family, teamwork, and community.

We are proud of our history and excited for our future. We will continue to innovate, to support our local farmers, and to provide the communities from Brisbane to Byron Bay with the freshest produce available. Thank you for being a part of our story. Contact us today.