ATO benchmarks for greengrocers
Greengrocers sell fresh fruit, vegetables and often some grocery lines, buying early from produce markets and growers, while produce, staff, rent and refrigeration are their main costs.
General information
Total expenses as a share of turnover
Low and high end of each published range
| Turnover range | Financial year | Low end | High end |
|---|---|---|---|
| $65,000 to $450,000 | 2023-24 | 78% | 88% |
| $65,000 to $450,000 | 2022-23 | 79% | 88% |
| $450,001 to $1,100,000 | 2023-24 | 87% | 92% |
| $450,001 to $1,100,000 | 2022-23 | 87% | 92% |
| More than $1,100,000 | 2023-24 | 92% | 96% |
| More than $1,100,000 | 2022-23 | 92% | 96% |
Australian Taxation Office, Small Business Benchmarks, key ratios for 2023-24 and 2022-23 (data.gov.au), licensed under CC BY 2.5 AU. Checked 15 Oct 2026.
Cost of sales as a share of turnover
Low and high end of each published range
| Turnover range | Financial year | Low end | High end |
|---|---|---|---|
| $65,000 to $450,000 | 2023-24 | 58% | 71% |
| $65,000 to $450,000 | 2022-23 | 59% | 70% |
| $450,001 to $1,100,000 | 2023-24 | 65% | 73% |
| $450,001 to $1,100,000 | 2022-23 | 66% | 74% |
| More than $1,100,000 | 2023-24 | 69% | 76% |
| More than $1,100,000 | 2022-23 | 70% | 77% |
Australian Taxation Office, Small Business Benchmarks, key ratios for 2023-24 and 2022-23 (data.gov.au), licensed under CC BY 2.5 AU. Checked 15 Oct 2026.
What sits behind these figures in the books
- Cost of sales covers the fruit, vegetables and grocery lines bought to sell, adjusted for the produce still in the cool room and on display at the end of the period.
- Market purchases paid in cash are recorded from the market docket on the day, so every load bought is in the books even when no bill is emailed.
- Sales by weight through the scales and registers are reconciled with card settlements and cash banked, so turnover matches the produce actually sold.
Sources
- Small Business Benchmarks, 2023-24 Benchmarks (key ratios)
Australian Taxation Office. 2023-24 financial year, released 16 March 2026. Checked 15 October 2026.
Based on Australian Taxation Office data, Small Business Benchmarks, 2023-24 Benchmarks, licensed under CC BY 2.5 AU Licence: CC BY 2.5 AU.
- Small Business Benchmarks, 2022-23 Benchmarks (key ratios)
Australian Taxation Office. 2022-23 financial year, released 17 March 2025. Checked 15 October 2026.
Based on Australian Taxation Office data, Small Business Benchmarks, 2022-23 Benchmarks, licensed under CC BY 2.5 AU Licence: CC BY 2.5 AU.
Get your books in order
Cost of sales and total expenses are only as reliable as the books behind them. Tell us how your business runs and we will suggest a bookkeeping plan that fits.