Go Troppo goes bananas for Isuzu's N Series

From first dates with unforgettable entrees to family celebrations at the local restaurant; a lot of good memories are made over a shared meal. ​ 

Fuelling these memorable moments is food provided by Australia's fresh produce industry and the businesses that facilitate the movements of such gourmet delights from farms to the kitchen cool rooms. 

One such outfit that is getting the goods from farm to table is Go Troppo Fruit Market, a wholesale supplier of top-quality fresh fruit and vegetables to Canberra and its surrounding areas, with their warehouse located in Beard, Canberra. ​ 

The locally owned and operated business has been on the go for over three decades, supplying pubs, clubs, cafes, restaurants, and Independent Grocers of Australia (IGA).

Brothers Joel Commisso and Marcus Commisso are the friendly faces behind Go Troppo Fruit Market

The second generation of the Commisso family, brothers Marcus and Joel Commisso, declare they provide some of the freshest produce in the state. 

“You name it, we've got it,” said Marcus, confidently. 

“We have over 1,000 lines of produce and there's nothing that the Go Troppo team can’t get in for our loyal customers.” 

Passionate about produce 

The company has a reputation for delivering friendly service along with its wares, aiming to bring the ‘business is family’ vibe. 

Greeting customers by name, recommending seasonal produce to boost consumption, down to discussing how fruit and veg get turned into beautiful meals—it’s all part of the appeal of doing business with Go Troppo.

“Our parents, Frank and Christine Commisso, started Go Troppo Fruit Market in a little garden shed at the back of their house around 33 years ago,” Marcus recalled. 

“Since then, Go Troppo has evolved into the business that it is today with over 40 staff members, 14 delivery trucks and a big warehouse facility, servicing roughly 300 restaurants, clubs, and IGAs per day.” 

The team extends their considerable charm and character to the company’s social media presence using Joel’s knowledge of produce and Marcus’ keen sense of humour. ​ 

“We've got a bigger range of products than our competitors and we strive to provide unbeatable service,” noted Marcus. 

“If one of our customers rings us up at the last minute with something they need, we'll get it there for them, providing same-day turnaround.”

Fleet on fleek 

Once deliveries arrive from local and interstate suppliers at Go Troppo’s storage facility in Canberra, a 14-strong Isuzu N Series fleet (branded under ‘Frank Commisso Transport’) takes care of moving the daily customer orders. 

Go Troppo currently runs 10 NNR 45-150 AMTs with refrigerated bodies and four NQR 87-190 AMT curtainsiders to handle the large volume of comings and goings. 

Forming a pleasing picture in uniformity, their Isuzu fleet has recently welcomed a new addition, an NNR 45-150, which nestles easily into the ranks.

Underpinned by an efficient Isuzu 4JJ1-TCS engine that offers 110 kW of power @ 2,800 rpm and 375 Nm of torque @ 1,600 – 2,800 rpm, the NNR 45-150 offers plenty of grunt for getting around town. 

This light-duty Isuzu model sits at the 4,500 kg GVM mark, allowing for up to three pallets of fresh produce to be loaded within the custom-built fridge body while also offering driver flexibility as it can be operated on a standard car licence.

Isuzu’s two-pedal Automated Manual Transmission—which gives drivers the option of switching to manual gears on hills or rougher terrain—is an important feature for Go Troppo drivers who want a user-friendly transmission for their 10-hour-day behind the wheel. ​ 

This, and Isuzu’s Advanced Driver Assistance System also make the NNR 45-150 ideally suited to navigating the urban streets and laneways of Canberra. ​ ​ ​ 

A clean interior cab design in Isuzu N series truck models is also a drawcard for Marcus, who appreciates a straightforward workplace. 

“The NNRs are great to drive, nothing is ever a problem. When our drivers get in them in the mornings, they know they are not going to have any issues. ​ 

“Most importantly, they're comfortable; the drivers can get in and out of the cab with ease which is vital on busy days where they could be doing up to 100 deliveries.”

Oh, snap 

With the attitude that looking a million bucks is good for business, Go Troppo has gone all-out on chrome finishes for their trucks and plenty of lighting for visibility on foggy Canberra mornings. ​ 

As Marcus says, the presentation of the fleet is as important as the presentation of Go Troppo produce.

“With all the added chrome and bling my drivers feel like royalty on the road,” said Marcus. 

“I brand absolutely everything I can for the business and love it.” 

“I have fruit characters in our business logo, so we thought why not liven the trucks up? 

“When kids see the trucks they say, "Oh, look at this pineapple smiling at me, look at this apple winking…’ so we’re not just memorable to the adults, we’re getting the kids thinking about fruit and veg when they see them out and about.”

Service stars 

Regular servicing with Canberra Isuzu, plus Isuzu’s six-year standard warranty and six years of roadside assistance on new 4x2 N Series cab chassis models keeps the busy fleet well-supported. 

“We service our trucks every 20,000 km at Canberra Isuzu and have been doing so for three decades,” said Marcus. 

“Their reliability, practicality, and servicing… you just can't beat it. It's all part of the Isuzu Trucks package. 

“In my opinion, there's no other truck maker out there in the same league for a local delivery vehicle.

“As we keep growing and keep those happy smiles out there on our customer's faces, we know Isuzu will be a part of that.”