Fresh On Kendal

Weekly supermarket shops aren’t usually synonymous with peace and calm, but it’s a whole other story at Fresh On Kendal. Tucked away in Burnside on Kendal Ave, the neighbourhood struck gold with the arrival of this local independent grocer at the end of 2023.

It was always a dream of Maxine Poole’s to own her own fruit and veg shop, where good ol’ friendly service was resurrected, high quality produce came with a reasonable price tag, and people were treated as friends rather than just another transaction. It’s safe to say, that dream is alive and kicking.

At Fresh On Kendal, visitors are invited to slow down and peacefully browse a range of quality produce that they mightn’t find in everyday supermarkets. Maxine is picky when it comes to selecting the best produce, with a simple philosophy: "If I wouldn't eat or buy it, I don't expect you to. If I wouldn't pay that for it, why should you?". She has established personal connections with all her suppliers, sourcing only TAG1 fruit and vegetables (the highest quality grade) from local markets or reputable South Island suppliers. 

Alongside goods from the garden, Fresh On showcases unique (and delightfully unusual) products from a selection of local artisans and crafters. They support small businesses who want to share their creations with the community, without going down the mainstream supermarket route. There’s baked goods from Bellbird, premium cuts of meat from Halswell Butchery, Little Shaggery Farm organic juice, Chikim’s Kimchi (usually only found at farmers’ markets), The Bikkie Jar shortbread, award-winning Coalgate Honey, vegan and gluten-free chocolate from Mind Your Temper, Oamaru Organics soup, fresh flowers (in paper and crochet form too), as well as a smoothie, juice and coffee bar.

Community and sustainability remain at the heart of Fresh On’s vision, and they are always introducing initiatives to benefit people, place and planet. Inside, cabinets and wooden fixtures have been created with recycled wood, cane baskets take the place of plastic crates and paper or compostable bags (that can actually go in your green bin) are offered. The store donates to a school breakfast every Monday and Tuesday, sends unsold reduced to clear stock down to the local community free stall, and feeds food waste to rabbits, guinea pigs and chickens.