Customers go nuts for Marcus’s produce
Marcus Hanley never anticipated that exchanging pleasantries at work would alter the course of his future. But it was a colleague’s response to the question “What did you do on the weekend?” that planted the seeds of an idea in his mind, an idea that would transform his life professionally and personally.
When his mate told him about his lucrative side business selling nuts at weekend markets, Marcus’s interest was piqued. Working full-time in an IT firm was not what Marcus, in his 20s, pictured as his long-term career. He craved a more flexible lifestyle – ultimately, perhaps his own small business. Could this be an opportunity to pursue a different path?
The notion played in the back of his mind until, on a weekend visit to his parents at the Yarragon dairy farm where he was raised, Marcus discovered a flyer in the village advertising a new market seeking stallholders. Tied up with footy every Saturday, Marcus knew a Sunday market was ideal.
In 2004, at 29, Marcus began trading at the market in the small Gippsland town. Nuts, dried fruits and seeds were a good fit for his interest in healthy living, and the market crowd loved his produce and his passion. Affectionately known as The Nut Man, the name shortly evolved into The Nut Bloke.
Becoming a regular at markets in Longwarry and Yarragon, Marcus was assisted by his partner Jackie, now his wife. It was Jackie who helped him decide to purchase the small business of Humpercrunch Muesli in 2014. With a young child in tow, the couple moved to Warragul near the already established Humpercrunch kitchen in Moe. Alongside the regular product range, demand for the fresh muesli, made from quality ingredients, saw business boom. Marcus’s father, who had recently been diagnosed with cancer, volunteered his support at the markets, enjoying time spent with his son.
Moving to Mount Martha in 2016, Marcus and Jackie welcomed their second son the following year. The family was growing and so was the business, averaging five markets a month. The couple decided to build a commercial kitchen for preparation and packaging of products and the brand was relaunched as Peninsula Nut Co. recognising its new location.
The commercial kitchen and name change proved a prudent move. When COVID hit, four of the regular markets were cancelled. The couple shifted their focus to wholesale and online sales to keep the business afloat. It was a stroke of luck when people were urged to ‘support local’ during lockdown; being branded as Peninsula Nut Co. worked to their advantage.
Peninsula Nut Co. is going strong, with regular repeat customers thanks to its exceptional customer service and product quality. Mini bar items can be found in hotels and day spas everywhere, and are also supplied to hamper businesses. Humpercrunch mueslis are available at IGAs and produce stores across the Peninsula.
From its small beginnings in Yarragon, Peninsula Nut Co. now also delivers Australia-wide. What a long way Marcus’s dream has come.
DANIELLE DAVEY