Our
HISTORY
Built in 1983. Backed by Loyalty. Still Growing Strong.
Lemdell began in 1983 with Frank Capobianco, a truck, a handful of loyal growers, and a work ethic that didn’t quit. Built on handshakes and early mornings, the business quickly earned a reputation for quality produce and honest relationships.
Over the decades, that legacy has been passed down and grown by the next generation—expanding our range, deepening partnerships, and stepping confidently into export and pre-packing, without ever losing sight of where it started.
Rooted in the Sydney Markets and proud of our past, Lemdell continues to do what we’ve always done best: deliver fresh produce with loyalty, pride, and purpose.
The Lemdell Story
Four Decades of Fresh Produce, Real Relationships, and Family Values.
1960s
A New Start in a New Country
Frank Capobianco arrives in Australia from Italy, full of drive and ready to work. He lands his first job in a humble fruit shop, learning the trade from the ground up—early mornings, honest dealings, and the value of quality produce. It’s here the seeds of Lemdell are first planted.
1963
The First Shopfront
Frank Capobianco takes the leap and opens his own local fruit shop. It’s a small operation, but a big step—marking his first move into business ownership. Built on trust, quality, and hard work, the shop becomes a local favourite and lays the foundation for what would eventually become Lemdell.
1975
A New Chapter at Sydney Markets
When the Sydney Markets at Flemington open, Frank Capobianco sees more than just a new location—he sees opportunity. Backed by strong grower relationships and a reputation for quality, he secures a spot and establishes his wholesale presence. This move marks the official beginning of Lemdell and a legacy that’s still going strong today.
1983
The Mushroom Momentum
What started with one grower quickly snowballed—mushrooms became the heartbeat of the business. Within just 6 to 8 months, Lemdell expanded its grower network from one to 28, becoming a trusted supplier of premium mushrooms across Sydney. It was clear: Frank had found his niche, and the market had found its go-to wholesaler.
LATE 80’S
Steady Growth, Stronger Roots
Through word of mouth, loyal partnerships, and a reputation for reliability, Lemdell begins to grow steadily. The business expands its product range beyond mushrooms, meeting demand from chefs, grocers, and wholesalers alike. With every box packed and every delivery made, Lemdell earns its place as a trusted name in fresh Australian produce.
2000’s
Scaling Up, Staying True
As demand grows, so does Lemdell. The team expands operations, increases volume, and adds new product lines—always with the same commitment to quality and service. While the scale shifts, the values don’t. Loyalty, hard work, and relationships continue to drive everything from grower partnerships to customer deliveries.
2022
A New Generation Takes the Lead
After nearly four decades at the helm, Frank Capobianco hands the reins to his son Anthony. With deep respect for the legacy his father built, Anthony brings fresh energy and a collaborative mindset—ushering in a new chapter for Lemdell. The focus remains the same: quality, loyalty, and relationships—but with an eye on innovation and future growth.
TODAY
Leading with Legacy and Vision
Lemdell continues to thrive, staying true to its roots while evolving for the future. Still proudly family-owned, we supply the retail, wholesale, and export markets with premium Australian produce—backed by four decades of trust, consistency, and care.
What sets us apart today is how we lead. From stand-out customer service at our Sydney Markets stand, to our growing marketing presence and branded product lines, Lemdell is driven to set the standard.
We don’t just sell produce—we build experiences, strengthen grower relationships, and bring stories to life. This is Lemdell now: grounded in tradition, growing with purpose, and leading with heart.
