30 years of growth shows no sign of stopping

THE Galati family empire, today more recognisable as Spudshed, started far longer than 30 years ago.

Back then, a simple crop of beans grown on a 5-acre property in Yangebup would become their first goods sold at market.

By 1985, the family business had grown to include a bigger farm in Wattleup - and 24-year-old Tony Galati was developing a vision for the family business.

Thirty years on, its expansion has shown no signs of slowing down and Tony has developed a profile as Perth's most prominent potato farmer and much more.

The family business he leads operates six grower-direct produce stores in Baldivis, Innaloo, Jandakot, Wangara, Kelmscott and Mandurah.

In recent times the crusade to offer consumers an alternative to Australia's big chains " Coles and Woolworths " has gone beyond fresh produce, with Spudshed opening a liquor shed in Jandakot in 2013.

At the time Mr Galati said the move was about supporting smaller primary producers who do not turn out the volumes desired by the supermarkets.

"As a primary producer ourselves we understand the challenges they face," he said.

For all the growth and change, the Galati business remains very much in the family.

Tony's brother Vince operates a South West farm, and another brother Sam and his son do likewise with land near Kununurra.

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