success stories / mr tony yu

Tony Yu

Mr Tony Yu - Formosa Asian Markets

Since moving to Australia in 1991 the Yu family has focused on turning their dream into a reality by following their passion to operate their own Asian grocery business in Australia.

From one Asian Market in Middle Park which was opened in 1992 a year after settling in Brisbane, the family has owned and operated Formosa Asian Supermarkets in Sunnybank Plaza, Mary Street (City), Aspley and on the Gold Coast.

Today, Alen and Amy are supported in Formosa Asian Supermarkets by their sons Tony and David and daughter Lily as well as Tony's wife Jessica.

Many of their business decisions have been made in consultation with CKG Partners which has been a valued business partner for the past seven years.

The Yu family has forged a strong relationship with CKG, gaining valuable information about cultural differences when Tony's parents Alen and Amy first came to the country, and advice on how to grow the family business.

"It is good to work with people who are similar to ourselves, who have made the transition from Asia to Australia and understand our culture," Tony said.

"CKG understands the way we do business and what we need to know to optimize our potential in Australia.

"The business regulations are so complex in Australia, it is good to have someone like CKG there making sure we are in line with business requirements."

Over the years, there have been modifications in the way the Yu family has operated its enterprises, staying on top of trends, market variations and aesthetic expectations in line with the ever-changing ways Australians shop.

"The type of clientele we are attracting is changing over time. We used to deal with mainly Asian clients, but as Australians and other nationalities become more familiar with Asian foods our clientele is increasingly changing," Tony said.

"The way we deal with our clientele needs to meet the needs of a wide group of nationalities."

"I was only 15 when I first arrived in Australia and initially it was difficult to fit in among other children my age, but as time went on I became more familiar with the Australian way of life," Tony said.

"For me personally, the thing I find I love most about Australia is the space and my garden; I love being able to get outside and do my gardening. Very few people have a garden or back yard in Taiwan."