ABOUT
Fonlea Orchards produce high quality apples at Stanthorpe in Queensland’s Granite Belt. The company is a third generation, family business that has been trading for over 75 years and is continuing to invest in the future. Over 45% of production is of the Royal Gala and Pink Lady varieties and the business is well placed to supply major retail clients on the east coast of Australia.
Our History
Fonlea Orchards production is based on three properties in Queensland’s Granite Belt. A total of 145 hectares of close-planted modern orchard are in production, with 11.5 hectares of young trees coming into production in 2018 – 2021.
In 1945 Alfonso and Lucy Vedelago purchased land at Thulimbah and established Fonlea Orchards. This ‘Home Orchard’ was progressively expanded and now comprises of 70 hectares of modern apple orchards.
In 1996 an additional property, the “Castle Orchard” was purchased at Pozieres to enable expansion and further secure irrigation water supplies. The Castle farm has 40 hectares of orchard in production.
In 2004 “Mario's Farm” was purchased at The Summit, to provide an additional water source and an additional 11 hectares of land for future expansion.
In 2011 “Sunstar Orchard” was purchased at Cottonvale. This orchard consists of 35 hectares of high density Pink Lady and Gala apples.
Personell
The principals of Fonlea Orchards and Fast Fruit Sales are Robert and David Vedelago, who have over 100 years apple industry experience between them.
David’s son Trent is employed as the business’s Production Manager.
Robert invests most of his time marketing fruit and managing the packing shed. He is assisted by David’s daughter Tamra, who is the business quality assurance manager.