Scent of success for Bagala Bro’s roses at Sydney Market Awards

BAGALA Bro’s are known state-wide for their dazzling array of fresh flowers, with more than 40,000 roses being sold weekly from the stalls.

Michael Bagala Snr and Michael Bagala with some of the top roses grown at their Horsley Park farm. Pictures: Matthew Vasilescu

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BAGALA Bro’s are known state-wide for their dazzling array of fresh flowers, with more than 40,000 roses being sold weekly from the stalls.

Now the Horsley Park-based family business could also be crowned the Best Flower Growers in NSW at the prestigious 2018 Sydney Markets Fresh Awards on July 25.

For co-owner Michael Bagala, being a finalist at the awards for the second successive year, means that they are being recognised for their passion and quality over the years.

Michael Bagala is a happy man inside in his purpose-built rose gardens.

Mr Bagala and his cousin Michael Sr, took over the company’s reigns from his dad Franceso and his brother Antonio around 10 years ago and have expanded the business.

“Ours is not the easiest jobs in the world because of the times we work and the fact that it is an ever changing market,” Mr Bagala said.

Michael Bagala Sr and Michael Bagala with some of the dazzling roses at the farm. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

“You have to be passionate and unlike many professions where you work to live, here, we live to work.

“It’s a honour to be a finalist at the awards because it’s nice to be appreciated.

“We are a family business, which was started by my dad and uncle Tony (Michael Sr’s father) when I was a little kid.

Michael Bagala is delighted his company is being recognised at the awards.

“We work usually from 10pm-1pm, even on Saturdays and make a lot of sacrifices in our personal lives.”

Bagala Bro’s grow a wide variety of roses at the Horsley Park farm with the avalanche white, ivory and pink roses the most popular among customers.

“Roses are like colours in fashion and we have to keep up with the trends,” Mr Bagala said.

“Unfortunately, being a fresh produce business there is also wastage as we are at the mercy of the markets where demand and supply rules.”

His tips for keeping the roses looking fresh after they are brought are to snip off a couple of cm (preferably at an angle) and keep changing the water in the vase.

The Fresh Awards are run by Sydney Markets and recognise and encourage best practice in fresh produce. In addition to the judges, the finalists are visited by mystery shoppers over a six-month period.

Winners will be announced at The Star on Wednesday, July 25.