A few words
About us
We’re passionate about our food
Our Orchards
The Georgopoulos family began orcharding in 1986 and is still today represented by director, Chris Georgopoulos. The opportunity developed 36 years ago, highlighting the importance of gathering the generational history and capturing the wealth and experience in growing fresh produce which has made GV Independent Packers (GVIP) the family owned business it is today.
It all began when Chris & his father (Jimmy Georgopoulos) purchased a 70-acre orchard located in Shepperton East in 1986, which is located within the heart of the Goulburn Valley. The original orchard is still owned and operated under GVIP today. Jimmy Georgopoulos passed away in 1987, Chris continued on orcharding while marrying his wife Mary and had four sons by the name of James, Christian, Travis & Alexander – in which all sons still work within family business.
Currently GVIP operates over 1,500 acres of orchard, predominantly varieties in pears, apples and stone fruit. Having a fully integrated business model has allowed GVIP to grow, store, pack, market and transport its product to their customers.
history
Our journey starts way back in 1948
Zurcas pears founded by Angelo Zurcas - purchasing the first orchard in 1948.
First container of Zurcas pears sent to current Singapore customer.
Chris Georgopoulos purchases his first orchard wth father Jimmy Georgopoulos - 70 acre orchard.
GV Independent Packers PTY LTD was created. Purchased new packing facility (GVIP) & purchased Zurcas Coolstores, to assist with cold storage demands.
Chris eldest son, James Georgopoulos, created a special IP variety called the Red Sienna Pride Pear.
GVIP begins to convert its first orchard from conventional growing to organic growing. Major milestone in becoming ACO certified.
Today, GVIP is a 5th generation family owned business, supplying all major retailers within Australia & continually developing a strong international presence.
GVIP makes large investment in taking a further step towards becoming fully automated within packing facility. This will achieve a packing rate of 950kg per hour.
Quality Assurance
GV Independent Packers are registered with AQIS as part of our overseas exporting business, Berraworth Exports. We are also accredited with the following bodies:
The Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point Food Safety Programme is an internationally recognised method of identifying and managing risks. It provides vendors, the public and government sector bodies with a high degree of comfort that food safety is being taken seriously and is well managed.
The Freshcare Food Safety and Quality Code of Practice is a HACCP-based standard for assuring fresh produce food safety requirements are met, from the Orchards, through to packaging process to delivery.
The Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program is a fully integrated food safety and quality management protocol developed by the SQFI and incorporating Global Gap as a benchmarking process.
ACO Certification Ltd is Australia’s largest certifier for organic and biodynamic produce and has over 2000 operators within its certification system. Certification ensures compliance with national and international production standards and allows trace back of all products to their origin.