In Bowen, North Queensland, Ben Martin's Marto's Mangoes is a testament to the family's passion and dedication. Started by his parents, Gary and Bernadette, in 1990 on a humble block of dirt, the farm has grown into a thriving enterprise.
A family legacy of award-winning mangoes
2:39 min read
The Martin family from Bowen, North QLD
Ben, who grew up helping on the farm, has turned his love of mangoes into a successful business. Today, Marto's Mangoes boasts over 30,000 trees and produces millions of mangoes each season.
“You see mangoes in your sleep at times,” laughs Ben, reflecting on the all-consuming nature of his work.
Ben’s commitment to quality is evident in his state-of-the-art packing shed, which uses advanced technology to inspect and grade mangoes. “It’s a magical machine to watch,” he says proudly.
Marto's Mangoes is more than just a business, it's a family legacy. Ben's wife Ash-Lei and their children, Lachie, 11, and Georgia, nine, are involved in the farm's operations. “It's a joint effort,” Ben explains. “We all have our own areas and it all gels together, like a good football team.”
Ultimately, he’s been putting in the hard yards so the family legacy continues for generations to come. “That’s why you do it, for the kids. And hopefully, one day, if they want it, it’s there,” says the 2019 Australian Young Farmer of the Year winner.
A family legacy of award-winning mangoes
The gratitude he holds for his family is extended to Woolworths and the support they have shown Marto’s for 12 years. When Ben first approached Woolworths, the Martins were heavily reliant on exports (which accounted for 70 per cent of their business, a risky setup with unpredictable outcomes). For Ben, landing a partnership with Woolworths came at a time when his business and family were growing (Ash-Lei was pregnant at the time). Marto’s now exports 30 per cent, with 60 per cent of the crop going to Woolworths. In return, Woolworths now stock some of the most quality-controlled mangoes in Australia.
Woolworths, which celebrates its 100-year anniversary this year, has been a key partner for Marto's Mangoes, providing a stable market for their produce. “Partnering with Ben to provide more great Australian grown produce to our customers is a great example of how we can grow and succeed together,” says Paul Turner, Woolworths’ Commercial Director of Fruit & Vegetables.
Beyond his business, Ben is a leader in the mango industry. He serves as the Chairman of the Australian Mango Industry Association and is also involved in various industry committees. “You need to be involved and give back to your industry,” says Ben.
Paul says: “Marto's Mangoes is a great example of the passion and dedication the drives the Australian Horticultural industry.
“As Woolworths celebrates its 100th anniversary, together with great partners like Ben and his family, we look forward to bringing the best of Aussie fresh to our customers for a long time to come.”
