The NATURAL GROCER was launched in 1992 as the premium arm of the highly regarded and reputable nut and dried fruit wholesaler THE NUT STAND CO.

The story began in 1936 when the company founder Chris Keldoulis started trading from a small nut stand located in the forecourt of Sydney's Liverpool Street Law Courts.

The smell of fresh roasted Kingaroy peanuts would waft through the building and out onto the street, enticing nearby workers and pedestrians, who would queue around the block for the fresh roasted nuts.

The salted pumpkin seeds and pistachios were also keenly sought, as THE NUT STAND CO was the only place you could buy them at the time. Chris Keldoulis spent evenings in the family kitchen blanching almonds in preparation for the busy trading days ahead.

It wasn't long before the company grew out of the Law Court stand and a move to Camperdown in 1963 initiated significant growth. Ahead of its time, the company started wholesaling to the many Greek and Lebanese groceries that sold bulk nuts, grains, seeds, and dried fruits. These products may be common place today, but in the early 60s were considered extremely exotic.

Chris Keldoulis was generous in sharing his knowledge of the industry and was a founding member of The Peanut Council. He also participated in many other industry councils and became a spokesperson for the industry.

His business philosophy never wavered. From the very first day of trading, Chris Keldoulis insisted on sourcing and supplying the very best quality edible nuts, beans, dried fruits, grains, seeds, honey and flour.

As a family man, he encouraged his children to work alongside him as he built the business, taking it from strength to strength. He also recognised the value of loyal and reliable staff and the company is proud of the long-standing service of their employees.