DAY, DATE MONTH 2025

ARTICLE BY MO WHOLEFOOD CAFE X ALBERT FONTANET MARIMON

MEET MARKET ORGANICS IPSWICH CHEF ALBERT FONTANET MARIMON

FROM BARCELONA TO BRISBANE

Step inside the MO Wholefood Café at Market Organics Ipswich, and you’ll find the aromas of fresh herbs, seasonal vegetables, and vibrant spices wafting from the kitchen - a hint of the warmth and passion that Chef Albert Fontanet Marimon brings to his cooking each day.

Originally from Barcelona, Catalonia, Albert joined Market Organics in February 2024, bringing with him a love of food that was shaped by his Mediterranean roots and a life spent exploring global cuisines.

“I’ve always been surrounded by food,” he shares. “From a young age, family gatherings meant cooking together in the kitchen. My grandmother - my ‘yaya’ - passed down her special seasonings and kitchen tricks to us. That’s where my passion began.”

Over the past decade, Albert has travelled extensively, immersing himself in food cultures across the world. “I remember the scent of toasted spices in Cairo, colourful curries in Southeast Asia, and the fiery chillies in Mexican marketplaces. Those experiences have shaped my approach to cooking - it’s all about flavour, balance and connection.”

Albert arrived in Australia five years ago, starting his journey on local farms before working his way through the hospitality industry - from dishwasher, to kitchen hand, to cook, then sous chef, and eventually leading kitchens in Italian restaurants. “That path gave me an understanding of the food journey - from farm to table. I really came to appreciate how important each step is in the process.”

At the Ipswich Wholefood Café, Albert enjoys the creative freedom to work with seasonal and organic ingredients sourced directly from Market Organics stores. “We have such a rich pantry to work with - fresh produce, bulk wholefoods, local and organic items. I love checking what’s in stock and building a dish from there. It’s much more dynamic than working with a fixed menu.”

While he hasn’t created the entire MO menu, Albert’s influence can be seen in the thoughtful, nourishing dishes that regularly rotate through the Ipswich Café - from wholesome soups and hearty sandwiches to vibrant salads and chia pods. “The ever-changing nature of what we offer keeps me inspired. It allows me to experiment with flavours, colours, and textures in a way that feels natural and connected to the season.”

For Albert, organic food isn’t just a workplace perk - it’s a lifestyle. “My dad always said, ‘We are what we eat.’ And I believe that. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of convenience. But eating organic and wholefoods is one of the best ways to care for our health and stay grounded.”

Beyond the kitchen, Albert is grateful to be part of the Market Organics team. “There’s a real sense of community here,” he says. “And I want to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land we work on - honouring their connection to Country and paying respects to Elders past and present. That respect for the land and its nourishment is something I carry into every dish I prepare.”

From Mediterranean family kitchens to modern organic cafés in Queensland, Albert’s food journey is one of heart, heritage, and mindful cooking - a delicious reminder that food is more than fuel; it’s a way of life.

COME HUNGRY & LEAVE NOURISHED:
OUR NEW MENU HAS LANDED AT OUR IPSWICH & ROCKLEA WHOLEFOOD CAFÉS

We’re serving up wholesome, feel-good meals that are packed with flavour, gut-loving ingredients, and vibrant wholefoods, our new dishes are made to warm your soul while keeping your health in focus. Whether you're after a nourishing breakfast, a satisfying brunch, or a slow, soul-hugging lunch we’ve got your cravings covered.

Open 7 days a week, swing by and level up your mealtime with food that feels good, and tastes even better.