18 Top Juice

Top Juice has managed to capitalise on the growing trend for healthy juices, smoothies and salads.

Today, the seven-year-old food franchise turns over more than $30 million.

Top Juice is also committed to supporting local farmers and suppliers, with 99.9% of its produce sourced from Australia.

For example, the business sources its kale from a grower in Penrith, in western Sydney, while its figs come from the Blue Mountains.

Founder Ali Sawan told SmartCompany this commitment to quality local ingredients is the reason why TopJuice has grown significantly over the past few years.

The company had just four stores in 2011 but now is on track to have 50 stores by the end of the year.

“Top Juice has an uncompromised competitive advantage in that products provide an Australian grown healthy, affordable snack on the go,” Sawan says.

“Unlike major competitors, Top Juice [stores] don’t just sell juices, but a multitude of other products including protein shakes, smoothies, salads, cut fruit, natural yoghurt, and chocolate dipped fruit.”

As for his advice for others running a food franchise, Sawan recommends focusing on recruiting good people and keeping your customers happy.

“Retail is all about people,” he says.

“It’s people helping people. And, for Top Juice, it’s finding and retaining people that share our values.

“Constant consideration for how to deliver the best possible customer experience – every customer, every day. This is what we live by.”