Our story
Shopping is as much about the experience as it is about the things you buy. At Food Lover’s Market, we have taken this principle to heart, recreating the ambience of a fresh marketplace in a modern theatre-of-food setting. Visiting one of our stores truly is an experience like no other.
The group has grown to include many partners, such as Food Lover’s Eatery – a deli extension of the brand offering ready to eat meal offerings; FreshStop, the fresh convenience store; Market Liquors and Diamond Discount Liquors, our alcohol brand and Seattle Coffee Company, our coffee partner.
Founded by brothers Brian and Mike Coppin, the Food Lover’s Market group is a family-owned business that incorporates many sister brands – Food Lover’s Eatery, FreshStop, FVC International, Seattle Coffee Company, Diamond’s Discount Liquor and Market Liquors. Fruit & Veg City was the origin of the business, but thanks to an amazing team of colleagues, Food Lover’s Market has evolved into a modern experiential retail store that includes a gourmet butchery, bakery, seafood, grocery and health and wellness departments.
Our supplier partners include Cape Roaster, leaders in their industry and supplier of dried fruit, fresh and roasted nuts, our famous Christmas cake mix and much more; and FVC International – the largest importer and export of fresh produce in South Africa.
Our history
The year is 1993. Brian and Mike Coppin open the first Fruit & Veg City store In Access Park, Cape Town, launching one of the most incredible success stories South Africa has seen. The brothers’ journey continues to this day, with the two of them overseeing the rapid expansion of Food Lover’s Market to every corner of the country, and beyond. Having built their company on traditional family values such as trust, honesty and integrity, they now hold the honour of being South Africa’s undisputed leaders in fresh.
Today, you will find Food Lover’s Market stores throughout South Africa, Namibia and Southern Africa.
FreshStop
Found in the forecourts of Astron (formerly Caltex) petrol stations, this innovative name in convenience shopping has taken South Africa by storm since its launch in 2009.
FreshStop is the fastest-growing convenience store chain in South Africa, opening over 340 stores. Our fresh produce offering, a wide variety of established quick service food brands, market leader coffee brands and our diverse product offerings are what sets us apart from other forecourt convenience retailers.
Funky, fast and fresh is the name of the game at the more than 300 FreshStop Convenience Stores nationwide – open 24 hours for your convenience. Whether you need a quick late-night snack, a cup of gourmet coffee or some essentials for your family’s lunchbox, FreshStop is there to take care of your every need.
Market Liquors
Your shopping has just gotten a whole lot more convenient. Market Liquors, located next to selected Food Lover’s Market stores, makes it easy for you to top up with some drinks for your weekend braai or grab a good bottle of wine for that special dinner you have planned. Our selection is world-class and customers will find a wide variety of quality options to choose from.
Also forming part of the brand, and helping you get the best prices on your drinks of choice, we also own Diamond Discount Liquors stores, found predominantly around the Western Cape.
Seattle Coffee Company
There is a place where the craft of coffee is taken seriously, where expertly-trained baristas serve up artisan drinks, the way you like it. That place is Seattle Coffee Company, and Food Lover’s Market is proud to have partnered with this forward-thinking brand, to bring you gourmet coffee on the go that’ll perk up your day. Seattle Coffee is offered at many stand-alone locations, Food Lover’s Eateries, the majority of FreshStop stores, and selected Food Lover’s Market stores.
Food Lover's Eatery
Food Lover’s Eatery boasts a wide variety of affordable contemporary dishes and convenience meal options – In short, a hot-food emporium with a distinct New York deli feel.
Definitely the “go to”choice for lunch, or any meal on the go, for a wide variety, fresh food, and healthy options.
There are 7 eateries, 3 in central Cape Town and 4 in central Johannesburg.
Cape Roasters
FVC International
Supplying all stores within the FLM Group with the freshest fruit and vegetables on a daily basis is South Africa’s leading import and export company – FVC International. They are the largest importer of fresh produce into the country and also export to more than 35 countries. With a distribution network that stretches the length and breadth of South Africa, they ensure that our customers get the best quality produce at the most affordable prices.
