KC Loo Fruit Centre

My local for all things fruit and veg — I’m there almost every day! Getting my fruit and veg on an as-​needed basis saves me from wasting floppy, sad vegetables that sit in the fridge for too long before I get around to using them, and KC Loo always has what I need for a good price. The other night I popped in at 7:30, half an hour before they closed, for half a cabbage. They only had whole ones, but the lovely little old lady who works there offered to cut one in half for me without me even asking — woohoo! Everything is always fresh, and they often have small amounts of «ugly fruit» for excellent prices — like bananas for banana cake, or a bag of cherries with a few squishy ones in for $ 1.

This grocer has a good variety of fresh vegetables and fruit for excellent prices. Most are local variety but I did see some imports from Fiji and even California! holla!
I walked out with two bags full of apples, tomatoes, avocado, kale, shallots, red potatoes, green onions, cucumber, garlic and carrots for $ 24.00.
They are located next door to a bakery. So not only was I able to get to my fresh produce, but could get fresh bread all in one trip. Definitely a winner!

K C Loo Fruiter, or «that fruit and veg place on the corner» as I always tended to refer to it as, is great! I worked full time in Mount Eden last year and recall visiting this place a few times. Their prices are really competitive, especially for fruit that is in season. And considering Mt Eden is an up market area.
The staff were consistently friendly and helpful when I have shopped there. I also liked the lay out, maybe it helps being on the corner, but whatever the reason the environment was easy and open. Despite lots of customers filling the space at one given time I always felt that the produce was easily accessible, clearly labelled and never squished in. If I was around the area more often I would pick them as my fruit n’ veg shop of choice!

KC Loos is a bit of an institution in Mt Eden. A family owned fruit and vege store that has been up and running for generations, my mum moved to Auckland almost 30 years ago and remembers KC Loos being there! It’s pretty rare that an independent family owned business would last so long in such a central Auckland location, and that’s one of the best things about shopping at KC Loos — you’re supporting a good cause and helping maintain a community oriented company.
Situated on the corner of Stokes Road and Mt Eden Road, KC Loos is constantly packed with local customers, and I actually know people who used to drive into Mt Eden from out West just to get their groceries from KC Loo — it is that well known for having quality produce!
Also very reasonably priced, you can find everything from fresh big broccoli heads to juicy watermelons, mangoes and papaya at KC Loos.
Tip: Over summer KC Loos often stock mixed packs of fruits like watermelon, pineapple, mango, and rockmelon which are really cheap and are perfect for picnics and potluck dinners!

KC Loo’s is a family owned business that has existed in the Mount Eden Village Shops for as long as I can remember. It’s very convenient, the produce is fresh and the best part about it is the staff. I used to see Mr Loo as a kid, working out the back of the store, unloading stock. He’s still doing it now and that is 20 years later. All I can think of is how old he is and how hard he works. Gosh I love that guy. I’ve never spoken to him but it’s just so nice to know that you’re supporting hardworking, nice people when you shop there.
On a separate but semi-​related note, I was in there getting lettuce the other day and one of the girls who works there stopped me and told me she loves my blog, so that was pretty much the best fruit shopping experiences ever because I am one of those people who is obviously an attention seeker. (Only kind of a joke.)

This is a great little fruit and vegetable shop located right in the middle of Mt Eden village with fresh produce and fairly decent prices. They sell three different sizes of pineapples and often some less ordinary vegetables and fruits such as the purple beans and small finger bananas I saw there last week. They also sell prepacked raw nuts and dried fruits and when they are in season, red bananas. The people who own the place are really friendly too. Super convenient and lots of street parking is available so if you don’t feel like fighting your way through a supermarket this little fruit shop is a great alternative.