Welcome to Zurcas Coolstores' new web site. Please contact us if you can think of anything we can add that will make your visit more informative. In the late 1930s, Bill Zurcas (Director) emigrated from Greece and settled in the fertile Goulburn Valley region of northern Victoria. After many years of hard work, he was joined by his nephew Michael Zurcas (Managing Director). Together, they have spent decades building Zurcas Coolstores Pty Ltd, which is now respected locally and internationally as a provider of quality fresh fruit. Growth is really important in this business (pardon the pun), and over the years we have grown.Today we have the capacity to produce 375,000 cartons of pears and 150,000 cartons of apples from over 300 hectares (750 acres) of fruit plantation. Our ability to both grow and source substantial quantities of fruit has lead us to establish large and modern packing facilities at Shepparton (Victoria) in the heart of the Goulburn Valley. Our storage facilities have the capacity to house over 17,000 bins of fruit on a seasonal basis, and to store that fruit in Controlled Atmosphere conditions and temperatures for up to 12 months. We have procedures in place for all aspects of our industry - from growing and packing right through to controlled storage and Occupational Health and Safety.The Zurcas family's ongoing commitment to quality control ensures we achieve and maintain the standards required by Freshcare and WQA. The Shepparton region is known as the ‘food bowl’ of Victoria. It is partly because of the region has become a major transportation hub linking Melbourne with capital cities across the nation. It is also due to the fact that Shepparton's climate is inclined to grow fantastic fruit.With such an efficient transport system at our doorstep, we can confidently guarantee that our product is delivered fresh every time.InternationalOver the years we have been able to negotiate very competitive sea and air freight rates with several different agents. This enables us to offer you great value for money freight services at all times.Our specialist staff will ensure all your export documentation is completed and electronically lodged for each consignment. Our orchards begin harvesting in late December and the work continues until around April each year. We harvest around 30,000 bins of fruit each season.Accomodation for harvesting staff is usaully available on site for overseas or interstate workers.PruningPruning is carried out between May and September. Thinning is carried out between October and December. Packing work is usually available between February and November.