This year marks 50 years since Fred Harrison, CEO of Ritchies, started his first shift at the supermarket chain at just 14 years old.
C&I sat down with Harrison to discuss his career that began as a teenager selling homegrown produce and evolved into leading one of Australia’s largest independent grocery retailers.
Harrison’s journey with Ritchies started at just 14 years old, selling fruit and vegetables grown in his backyard to the business. By 15, he was working as a casual employee and steadily rose through the ranks.
“I was in there one Friday dropping off produce, and the owner of the business saw me and said, ‘Well, you’re not 13 anymore – how about coming to work for us?’” Harrison recalled. “That was the start of it all.”
Today he oversees a company with 84 stores and more than 6,800 employees. He credits the growth of Ritchies to the dedication of its team.
“It’s been a big team effort over the years. There are so many people who have been here for 30 or 40 years—it’s incredible,” he said.
Reflecting on key milestones, Harrison highlighted the expansion of Ritchies’ store network and the impact of the company’s Community Benefit Card program.
“We’ve distributed over $54.5 million to more than 4,000 clubs and charities,” he said. “That’s been one of the biggest highlights for me. Seeing the difference we can make in communities is really special.”
Harrison also pointed to industry changes over the decades, particularly the introduction of scanning technology and the increasing importance of data in retail.
“The biggest change to the industry was scanning,” he said. “It transformed how we operate. But beyond that, the use of data has become crucial in marketing and customer loyalty. Retail has evolved so much, and you need to stay ahead of the game.”
Despite the evolving landscape, Harrison said his favourite part of the job remains the variety and working closely with employees.
“No two days are the same,” he said. “One day, you’re in the office, the next you’re out in the stores, seeing how things run. But what I love most is seeing people grow in their careers. Watching someone get promoted—whether to deli manager, store manager, or another role—there’s a genuine thrill in that. People set themselves goals, and when they achieve them, it’s rewarding for everyone.”
Looking ahead, Harrison remains focused on the future of Ritchies, ensuring it continues to grow while adapting to industry trends.
“The priority has always been fresh food and a great shopping experience,” he said. “People want bright, modern stores, and that’s where we’re heading. Compliance is also a big part of the business now—it’s necessary, but sometimes it can go a little overboard.”
As for celebrating the half-century milestone, Harrison said they had a morning tea that turned into a lunch that turned into dinner. But after that day of celebration, it was straight back to work.
“Now it’s back to heads down, bums up.”
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