The origins of Costa Group, of which CostaExchange is a division, date back to the late 19th century. In 1888 Mrs Bourke, a resident of Geelong, opened the Geelong Covent Garden food store and fruit shop. A few years later, Francesco Costa, a wine producer from Salina, Italy, came to Australia to raise funds for his vineyard. He worked in Melbourne, Colac and Geelong before returning to Italy in 1895.

In 1903, Francesco sent his two eldest sons away because the vineyard could not support them. One of them, Joe, settled in Australia. In 1926 another brother, Tony, arrived in Australia to work for Joe. A few years later Tony set up his own business – a small fruit shop in Warrnambool.

1937 was a significant year for the Costa business in Australia. Tony married Mary Piccone and also entered a partnership at Geelong Covent Garden with Joe. In 1938 Tony and Mary took over as sole owners of the fruit shop. The business thrived and some twenty years later, Tony and Mary’s eldest sons (Frank and Adrian) bought the fruit shop from their parents and expanded into wholesale providoring.

Throughout the 1960s and 70s the business continued to grow and change. New partners Anthony, Kevin and Robert joined and the business began supplying fresh fruit and vegetables to supermarket chains. Costa wholesale and distribution relocated to Gordon Avenue, Geelong.

By the 1980s Costa Company was trading directly from Melbourne Wholesale Markets in Footscray, with distribution centres in Werribee South, Shepparton and Monbulk. The operation included pre-packing, shipping and interstate trade. The company was now one of Australia’s largest wholesale distributors and exporters of fresh fruit and vegetables.