It was in April of 1974 that Peanut Market arrived at Dandenong Market. Owner Sam’s father began the business with half a dozen different nuts. By the mid-80s demand for the products grew and the customers themselves became the source of inspiration and innovation.
As the demographic changed in Dandenong, a new wave of cultures integrated into the existing fabric of a growing suburb. With this new wave came a desire for people to have a taste of home and Sam was able to deliver just that.
By the time Sam had taken over the business, the early customers had become a part of Peanut Market’s community. A request by a customer for Iranian long raisins would lead to a request for Middle Eastern dates and so on. Slowly but surely, Sam was able to find suppliers and meet the needs of this growing customer base. Sam says it best, “It became about buying for the customer”.
To this day, Peanut Market aims to procure nuts, seeds, and grains of all types, to continue catering to an ever-evolving community. With time, the requests for certain spices and grocery items would see the establishment of Sam’s third business at the Market , Sam’s Spice and Grocery, alongside the second, Perfect Coffee. In this chapter of the business story, we are introduced to the next generation: Sam’s kids, William and Constance.
For Will and Constance, the Market is a second home. Constance, or Connie, recalls the early mornings, waking before sunrise to prepare for Market Day with her dad. Memories of running around the Market as a kid, learning to make coffees when she was 12, and communicating with people who visited the Market from all over the world,
Connie acknowledges the uniqueness of her childhood experiences and how being at the Market contributed to many skills she uses today. The best part for her? “I get to work with my Dad. What could be better? He’s the easiest person to work with”.
In 2020, during the pandemic, Vava Pantry was created as Peanut Market’s online platform. With over 800 products lines available, the business was able to keep providing staples to its existing customers and reach new ones all around Australia.
This year Peanut Market introduced The Roasting Room, an extension of the existing store offering an immersive experience. Customers can see whole peanuts roasting, the aroma circulating into the air triggering fond memories for many.
Alongside the roasted peanuts, The Roasting Room offers freshly made nut butters of all kinds, with the team working to provide fresh tahini soon. The story of this business began with a simple stall run by a father and son. Today it is a testament to a family’s bond, innovative thinking, and community spirit.
Peanut Market is open every Market Tuesday, Friday, Saturday from 8am, and Sunday from 9am at The Pantry, Dandenong Market.
