Mark Lines relocates his family to the Limestone Coast from the city, driven by the search for affordable land and secure rainfall. This move lays the groundwork for the future establishment of Holla-Fresh, aimed at providing a country lifestyle for his family and pursuing self-employment opportunities.
Willing to take a risk, hard work, and determination are the hallmarks of Holla-Fresh since it’s inception in the early 1990’s.
A move from the city in the early 1980’s to the Limestone Coast with it’s affordable land and secure rainfall was then the unknown foundation for the eventual establishment of Holla-Fresh. In search of a country life style for his young family and the opportunity to become self-employed Mark Lines relocated to Tantanoola.
1990
1991
1994
Holla-Fresh hires its first truck driver, Desmond Laslett, marking the beginning of their dedicated transport operations. Over the years, they expand their logistics capabilities to support the growing distribution needs of the business, ensuring timely delivery of fresh produce to markets.
1995
Ian Lines takes a bold step and leaves his secure full-time employment to join Holla-Fresh full-time. Additionally, Mark and Ian's mother, Maxine Burns, invests a lump sum into the business, enabling the construction of another greenhouse. Maxine also works part-time at Holla-Fresh, supporting various roles including administration.
1997
Initially packing herbs in makeshift spaces, Holla-Fresh develops specialised pack sheds to meet growing demand and quality standards. Holla-Fresh's first packshed built 1997/1998 with the second packshed built 2004. The company continuously improves its packaging methods and facilities, reflecting their commitment to quality and efficiency.
2000
Holla-Fresh expands its product range to include pre-packaged herbs, alongside the original sleeved herbs. This move diversifies their offerings and caters to increasing market demands, helping to solidify their presence in the fresh produce industry.
Holla-Fresh constructs several greenhouses, each improving on the last with lessons learned. The construction evolves from timber-framed to iron-framed structures with saw-tooth roofs. (They also develop and patent the Mobile Gully System, enhancing their growing methods and increasing efficiency-2006)
Holla-Fresh continues to innovate in greenhouse design, shifting from timber-framed to iron-framed structures with saw-tooth roofs. They also develop and patent the Mobile Gully System, enhancing their growing methods and increasing efficiency. This period sees the establishment of a dedicated engineering workshop in Mount Gambier.
2002
2004
Holla-Fresh hosts a visit from the South Australia Governor Marjorie Jackson-Nelson, showcasing their unique position as the only commercial protected cropping enterprise in the Limestone Coast. By this time, Holla-Fresh has grown significantly, employing over 40 people and continuing to expand its operations. Subsequent SA Governor visits: Hieu Van Le 2017 Frances Adamson AC 2024
2009
2015
2016
Mark’s share of Holla-Fresh is purchased by Ian and Sue Lines as part of a significant business restructure. This includes the sale of Mobile Gully Systems to Mark. This restructure allows Holla-Fresh to streamline operations and focus on its core business of hydroponic farming and fresh herb production.
2019
Ian Lines is awarded the Protected Cropping Australia Grower of the Year. Additionally, Holla-Fresh receives an honorable mention in the SA Regional Showcase Business Category and participates in key governmental inquiries, further establishing their influence and commitment to industry advancement.
2020
Holla-Fresh navigates the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic by implementing measures to ensure continued operation. Despite the pandemic's impact on many industries, Holla-Fresh, classified as an essential industry, continues almost as usual with precautions like restricted access, reduced contact, and staggered breaks.
2021
Ian Lines is a finalist in the SA Premier Food and Beverage Industry Awards, in the Leader Award category. This recognition reflects Ian’s leadership and the company’s ongoing contributions to the food and beverage industry in South Australia.