What started as humble beginnings for Herb and Doris Charlesworth in the Adelaide Central Market has grown into a four- generation family-owned business and a South Australian success story.
Their small stall on the Western Roadway became popular with local shoppers, offering a range of savoury snacks and nuts.
After 20 years and with declining health Herb passed the baton to his son Chappy, who quickly grew the business and expanded the stall to the full footprint that Market shoppers have come to know and love. Charlesworth were the first company in Australia to cook nuts fresh on-site with this tradition continuing today.
In the 70’s, third generation Brett and Mark continued to expand Charlesworth, opening five new stores and moved their production from their family home in Glengowrie to a warehouse factory in Marion.
They launched their glazing and chocolate departments as well as their range of gift hampers and baskets which are some of their most popular products. On their 70th Birthday they were inducted into the SA Business Hall of Fame.
As CEO and third generation Brett Charlesworth looks back at the past 90 years, he is excited for the years to come: “We’re not 90 years old—we’re 90 years young! It’s the best of both worlds. As specialists in nuts, fruits and chocolates, we have all the knowledge, experience, and expertise that 4 generations and 90 years have given us.
But we’re still filled with the same youthful passion, energy and positivity that my grandparents Herb and Doris Charlesworth had when, as a young married couple, they opened our first store at the Adelaide Central Market on the 26th of March 1934. As good as our first 90 years have been, the best is still to come. We couldn’t be more excited about our future.”
Adelaide Central Market General Manager Fabienne Reilly congratulated the Charlesworth Family on this momentous occasion: “Family run businesses like Charlesworth Nuts are the heart and soul of our Market and we couldn’t be prouder to call them part of the Market family. Success stories like theirs prove the importance of the Market as part of the fabric of SA and we continue to see established and emerging family-run businesses thrive in the iconic Adelaide Central Market.”
“The Market is a hub for world-class produce and unique experiences within the City of Adelaide and has been a starting point for so many local success stories. We couldn’t be prouder to celebrate Charlesworth Nuts 90th Birthday.”
Charlesworth Nuts now employs more than 167 employees, 150 unique products and operates 11 stores with their Market Stall being their first.
March 26th will mark 90 years since their first store in the Adelaide Central Market opened and will be celebrated with a free gift for any shopper that spends more than $5 in-store on the day.
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