Fresh State Issue 49

4 — Raising funds for a cause close to the heart

The 3rd Annual Asparagus Auction has come around once again, raising funds for a great cause!

6 — Hi-Vis off, dancing shoes on!

The 2019 Fresh State Gala Ball was a night to remember.

8 — And the winners are…

The 2019 Gala Ball Award Winners.

10 — Fresh State Gala Ball 2019

Take a look at all the photos from 2019 Gala Ball night!

16 — A Lifetime of Love for

Veggies

This Is Your Life Award winner tells his story about a lifetime in the industry.

19 — Meet your Fresh Test Representative

Meet Alysha and hear about what she does as your Fresh Test Representative.

Published By:

W: freshstate.com.au

P: (03) 9408 6627

CEO: Jason Cooper jason@freshstate.com.au

Editor/Advertising: Dee Sherry dee@freshstate.com.au

Photography: Dee Sherry

Design & Print:

Distribution: Fresh State of Affairs is produced by Fresh State Ltd. and is a free publication.

20 — Safety to be Top Priority

It’s always good to remind everyone about safety. Keeping our market safe should be a top priority.

23 — Calendar of Events

President’s Message

As we move from winter into spring, we are looking towards the end of the year and starting to think about the busy Christmas period.

On the 31st of August we held our Fresh State Annual Gala Ball. I would like to again congratulate all of the individuals and businesses that received Fresh State Awards. Although the week before the event was one Fresh State staff would like to forget, the night was a roaring success and we are proud to have hosted such a successful industry event that everyone could enjoy. Thank you to all Fresh State Staff who played a part in organizing the event, without you we may not of had a night to remember. We are already beginning to plan next year’s event so make sure to keep an eye out for further announcements.

Thank you to the Fresh State members who attended the Fresh State Annual General Meeting on Tuesday the 8th of October.

In this issue you’ll read a range of heartwarming stories, event updates and serious issues, including the 2019 Gala Ball, the White Asparagus Auction Day and other issues market users are facing within the market.

Shane Schnitzler President Fresh State Ltd.

18 — Greek Spanakopita Recipe

Raising funds for a cause close to the heart

Once again Fresh Growers held their annual White Asparagus Auction Day on the 29th of August. The event was a great success raising a total of $171,955, in support to raise money for the Epilepsy Foundation.

Above: Michael Motta, Rocio Aguilar (Altar Produce), Graham Shears (CEO Ep Found), Chris Ramirez (President Altar Produce), Charlie Motta.

Above: Michael Motta.

Above: Chris Ramirez with his purchase and 2 fundraisers.

As we’re all no stranger to early starts, the event began at 3.30 am with a continual flow of hot food and hot coffee for all who attended.

With family members directly affected by epilepsy, the annual White Asparagus Auction Day has taken a cause that is close to Michael Motta’s heart. For the last 40 years, the Motta family has built their business and this event is a great opportunity to combine the white asparagus season opening and the ability to support a great cause.

The white asparagus is significant in the way it’s grown. Fresh Growers has always grown the vegetable in Koo Wee Rup under the area’s ideal conditions, where roughly 90% of all Australian grown asparagus comes from. Unlike your regular asparagus, the white asparagus used in the Fresh Grower’s auction was grown in igloos to deprive them of light, a process called etiolation, which creates the fascinating white colouring of the vegetable.

The auction kicked off at 5 am with a raffle for two AFL Grand Final tickets and an AFL Grand Final breakfast which was won by the lucky Anthony Holman. As each bid was put in for different prizes, nothing stopped the market community from bidding higher and higher. The grand finale was the White Asparagus Auction where bidding opened at $5,000 and quickly rose to a bid of $25,000 from Frank Capobianco from Lemdell in the Sydney market. Once again, the charity event brought in people from all over the world with the final winning bid going to Chris Ramirez, the president of Altar Produce, who had just flown in from the US. The winning box went for a whopping $30,000 US dollars ($44,700 AUD) and as always, Fresh Grower’s matched the winning bid dollar for dollar!

The money raised will go towards the Epilepsy Smart Schools program, helping more schools fast track themselves onto the program. Again, the event was attended by the CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation Graeme Shears and notable head of the Collingwood cheer squad and Epilepsy Foundation ambassador Joffa Corfe.

This year Fresh Growers sold $20 beanies throughout the morning as an additional way to raise money for the cause. Highlighting the importance of creating awareness around this disease, the beanies had the Epilepsy Foundation logo on it and the hashtag #fightforacure. A great outcome of over 800 beanies in total were sold on the day.

There were many individual donations even before the auction began. Market businesses including Fruit Talk, Toscano’s, Scicluna’s, The Merchant, Fresh State, and Joe Martinovich donated $5,000 each. From outside the market, businesses like Vincent Tana from Sumich Carrot Growers, in WA, donated a significant $10,000 to the cause. In total $171,955 was raised with 100% of all money raised going to the Epilepsy Foundation. That’s over $450,000 over the last 3 years!

Thank You

Fresh Growers and the Epilepsy Foundation would like to thank all who attended the charity auction for their hospitality and generosity with this event. The funds from this year’s auction will help speed up the Epilepsy Foundation’s expansion of the Smart Schools program through a national rollout. Every child with epilepsy deserves the opportunity to reach their full academic potential and the Smart Schools Program and your generosity will allow them to do this. You can learn more about the Smart Schools program by visiting:

epilepsysmartschools.org.au

Hi-Vis off, dancing shoes on!

The Fresh State Annual Gala Ball will always be a night to remember, and this year was no different. On Saturday the 31st of August, another spectacular evening was played out despite the last-minute change of venue.

Only 2 days before the event, the usual Docklands venue was shut down unexpectedly due to safety concerns. Consequently, the Fresh State team knew they had a stressful few days ahead of them if the event was to go ahead.

“Within 48 hours after hearing the news about the closure, we had found an alternative venue, relocated every piece of equipment, the band, flowers, and most importantly, communicated the change to our guests. The safety of our guests was always the priority, even if that meant cancelling the event. It was a massive achievement by the Fresh State and Atlantic Group teams to achieve what they achieved in such a short timeframe” said Jason Cooper, Fresh State CEO.

As a result of all the hard work, Fresh State Members and the Market community enjoyed a night of celebration and comradery at the new venue at Melbourne Showgrounds.

To highlight a year of great success and work, guests were greeted with a sense of joviality as a tropical theme was displayed throughout the building. With drinks upon entry, canapes, and an amazing display

from our sponsors, guests instantly began to feel the excitement within the room.

The event was officially opened by Fresh State CEO, Jason Cooper, as MC and caught the audience’s attention with the new 2019 Market Video. Later, Fresh State President, Shane Schnitzler, presented the much-anticipated awards for the night. They included, Wholesale Personality of the Year Award, Young Marketeer of the Year Award, Buyer of the Year Award, Wholesale Company of the Year Award, and the This Is Your Life Award. The first three awards were voted by the Fresh State members to recognise each individual’s hard work over this past year. For the first time, this year retailers and providores had the opportunity to vote for the Wholesale Company of the Year Award. This was done to allow the opinions of retailers and providores to be represented and highlight their experiences in the Melbourne Market as part of our community.

After much celebration and cheer, guests took to the dance floor and enjoyed some live entertainment from The Platinum Band. The evening ended with a show of joy and companionship.

Within 48 hours after hearing the news about the closure, we had found an alternative venue, relocated...

And the winners are…

Congratulations to all 2019 Award nominations and winners. Presented at the Annual Gala Ball, just like every year the display of cheers and celebration was outstanding.

Voted by the Fresh State Members and the Marketing community the awards included:

Wholesale Personality of the Year

A member of the market community whose notable traits have inspired others over the past year.

Nominations:

Ross Ferrinda – Ferrinda Fresh

Phil Basile - VB Sculli

Paul Angelucci – VFS Produce

Frank Bugge – Big Valley Produce

Joe Nardella – LA Produce

Winner:

Paul Angelucci – VFS Produce

Young Marketeer of the Year

A young person (between the ages of 18 and 35) who is a part of the market community and contributes their time and talents for the good of the industry, and is also willing to encourage others to participate.

Nominations:

Thanh Truong – Aus Asia

Haydn Judge – Barkers Fresh Produce

Rylie Ogelsby – Produce Time

Andrew Conidi – The Apple Arcade

Daniel Roginson – Perfection Fresh

Winner:

Daniel Roginson – Perfection Fresh

Above: VFS Produce.

“Shocked to have received this award, thanks to the market community for this recognition. The early morning starts are hard enough, having a bit of fun and banter amongst each other makes the morning more enjoyable. Just call me GOAT!”

— Paul Angelucci (VFS Produce)

Above: Daniel Roginson.

“It may be an individual award but without the support from my family, work colleagues and the greater market community, I would not be where I am today. Thank you”

— Daniel Roginson (Perfection Fresh)

Buyer of the Year

A Buyer who is a timely communicator, active marketer, is professional in their business practices, and is a positive influence within the Melbourne Market community.

Nominations:

Scicluna’s Real Food Merchants

Hill St Grocer

Morco Fresh

Toscano’s

Biviano Direct

Winner:

Scicluna’s Real Food Merchants

“On behalf of Chris Scicluna and the Scicluna’s team, we would like to thank Fresh State, Wholesale Agents and Growers for the honour of receiving the ‘Buyer of the year award’ this year. We know everyone works hard to provide the market community with the high quality, friendly cohesive family atmosphere that we all love.”

—

Glen

Stribbles (Scicluna’s real food merchants)

Voted by the retailors and providores the award was:

Wholesale Company of the Year

A business that is viewed by its customers as a role model within the Market community. As a company they are professional, and deliver on their promises with integrity, and honesty.

Nominations:

Louis Melbourne

Prestige Produce

Perfection Fresh

Fresh Growers

G A Tresco Wholesale

Winner:

Perfection Fresh

This Is Your Life Award

As always Fresh State presented the ‘This is Your Life Award’ which was received by Luis Gazzola.

“ Surprise, shock and at the same time a great honour to be the recipient of ‘This is your Life’. Thank you to all that were involved in any way with this presentation at the 2019 Fresh State Annual Ball.”

“We would like to thank Fresh State and the Buyers who voted for Perfection Fresh as Wholesaler of the Year for 2019. Our customers are key to our success and we value their commitment to the Melbourne Market. Overall our team here at Perfection are honoured, thankful and privileged to have won this award”

— Brett Collins (Perfection Fresh)

Above: Scicluna’s real food merchants.

Above: Perfection Fresh.

Above: Luis Gazzola.

Gala Ball 2019

Meet your Fresh Test Representative

You may have seen Alysha around the Market in the early hours of the morning, she is your Fresh Test representative.

Back in 2001 Fresh Test was started so that the companies working out of Australia’s Central Markets had an avenue for affordable and reliable MRL (chemical residue) and microbial testing for their produce. It’s the way for the market community to band together and support each other, and Fresh Test was formed for that exact reason. Fresh Test is available to wholesalers and growers to provide them with proof to show their buyers that their produce is food safe and quality assured.

The Benefits of FreshTest™

The program is much more streamlined than trying to organise tests as an individual and Fresh Markets Australia has negotiated significant price reductions with a number of laboratories around the country, saving up to 50 per cent of the regular testing price. The dedicated database also eliminates duplication of testing and Fresh State manages all the requests and results.

Here at the Melbourne Markets our Fresh Test representative, Alysha Snell, has been out on the buyer’s floor every morning to make sure that you know where to get the best price and service for your produce testing.

If you haven’t used Fresh Test, we recommend you give us a try – we are committed to proving that we are the best choice.

For more information or to book a test with us today call Alysha Snell at 0438 429 238 or send a message to freshtest@freshstate.com.au.

A Lifetime of Love for Veggies

Each year, Fresh State chooses an individual to recognise and honour as a long-serving and integral member of the Melbourne Market community. In 2019, the Fresh State Board have chosen to honour an individual who is recognised as a person of integrity and character, and who has a long association with the market, Luis Gazzola. Luis has written a short story about his life to share with everyone.

It is hard to look back and realise just how much work over the years goes into any business, especially vegetable growing. A tremendous amount of work goes into planning a vegetable farm from scratch, providing all the infrastructure that is required, finding capable and dedicated workers to do all the hands-on work, then the effort required to produce a high-quality product and finally to make sure that there will be a market to sell the produce.

My involvement in the fresh vegetable growing industry

My dad and uncle started to grow vegetables at Narre Warren South in 1932, growing carrots, cabbages, and beetroot for the government. At that time Australia was in the grip of the Great Depression, I was born on the 8th of August, 1939 – a mere three weeks before war was declared in Europe.

I completed my secondary education at Dandenong High School in 1954 reaching Form 4 (Year 10). I then commenced full-time work on the farm with my Dad, Uncle, brother Aldo and our cousins on the Narre Warren South property. I was only 17 years old when I started going to the market selling our vegetables. I did not have a driver’s licence, but I had my older brother’s driving licence safely in my pocket - just in case.

In 1960 we sent our parents on an eight-week trip to U.S.A and then Italy to visit relatives. On their return my uncle and Dad went into retirement and the business was taken over by the two Favero boys and the two Gazzola boys, this partnership lasted for another 25 years.

I did the market for Favero and Gazzola until 1985 when the partnership was dissolved. I then took on the grazing and cattle business for a while. At the same time my two older sons, Paul, Colin, and myself started our wholesale business at Footscray Wholesale Market. This successful business lasted for 3 years. Towards the end of this time, I purchased 2 sugar cane properties in Bundaberg. Paul and Colin and their wives moved up to Bundaberg in 1988, with Paul managing one farm and Colin managing the other. I later purchased an avocado plantation and Colin and his family ran that until I sold up all properties in Bundaberg and we concentrated on establishing the vegetable growing properties at Somerville and Boneo on the Mornington Peninsula.

While Paul and Colin were in Bundaberg, I purchased grazing land at Somerville with the intention for the family to start growing vegetables. It took us 2 years to get everything done from scratch. We had to establish dams, stormwater and drainage systems, irrigation systems, erect a packing house with cool rooms, purchase machinery, tractors, and other implements and install power and town water.

In 1992 we started growing Celery and Broccoli for interstate markets and overseas exports. We did this for 2 years, then we were allocated Grower Stands back at the Footscray Wholesale Market. This was when we started selling our produce at our local markets and also to interstate markets. We now grow two to three crops per year in a rotation of each variety on approximately 700 acres of developed vegetable growing land at Somerville and Boneo.

When we moved to the Epping market, we employed a Manager, John, Assistant Manager, Michael and a Secretary, Maren. We also employ another seven workers to make up orders and deliver them to retailers. A special thanks to John, Michael, and Maren for their dedication and support to our business - Gazzola Farms Pty. Ltd. Our primary business is still growing and now we are also proud and successful wholesalers. Many thanks to our great staff at Somerville and Boneo for their dedication and work effort. Without them, it would be impossible to undertake a successful business.

We are constantly striving to produce a consistently high-quality product for our buyers – twelve months of the year, because our retailers, our interstate markets and the super-markets are our bread and butter. I would like to say how proud and thrilled my wife and I are to see our three sons, Paul, Colin and Andrew carrying on the business and doing a fantastic job. Gloria and I are also thrilled that two of our grandsons have joined the business and whilst we do not know what the future holds, it is our prayer that the Gazzola brand on vegetables endures for many more years to come.

Now at 80 years old, between 2004 to 2010 Luis was meant to be beginning his “retirement”. However, he was still extremely committed to contributing to the business and heavily involved with representing the interests of Victorian farmers and the Victorian Vegetable Growers as a Director of AUSVEG. In 2010 Luis was recognised for his contribution with the AUSVEG Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in the farming industry, and in the same year, Gazzola Farms also received the 2010 AUSVEG Industry Impact Award.

Today Gazzola Farms is widely recognised as a leading supplier of celery, broccoli, Asian vegetables, and lettuce varieties throughout Australia and even the export market. Luis has farmed for around 65 years, with his family’s business now into its 4th generation of farmers. He has been married to Gloria for almost 56 years, and they now have 11 grandchildren aged between 9 and 27. Together, Luis and Gloria have travelled much of the world and there are sure to be plenty more adventures ahead of them.

Above: Narre Warren South farm (Favero & Gazzola)

Above: Narre Warren South farm (Favero & Gazzola) Luis, Matteo, Aldo Gazzola

Above: Luis Gazzola

Greek Spanakopita Recipe

Spanakopita is an authentic Greek recipe is a pie stuffed with creamy spinach, cheese and onions. A great side dish or snack.

Ingredients

¡ 1 onion, finely chopped

¡ 2 cloves of garlic, crushed

¡ 250 gr of fresh spinach

¡ 2 eggs

¡ 2 tbsp of oregano

¡ 100 gr of feta cheese, crumbled

¡ 1 package of puff pastry

Method

1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet, add onion and garlic and cook for 3 minutes.

3. Then add spinach, and cook until wilted, for about 5 minutes.

4. Transfer to a bowl, let it cool for about 10 minutes and then stir in egg, herbs, feta, bring to taste with pepper and salt.

5. Create two equal sized sheets of puff pastry, for example a square or a round form.

6. Lay a sheet of puff pastry on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Divide the spinach mixture equally over the puff pastry, leaving a little space to fold the sides.

7. Top with the other sheet of puff pastry and fold sides.

8. Bake until dark golden, for about 30 minutes.

Fresh State of Affairs is a bi-monthly magazine that supports the users of the Melbourne Markets, from growers to wholesalers to retailers. Whether you are involved with fresh fruit, vegetables, or flowers, we are here to let you know all the important things that are happening at the market.

Advertising in Fresh State of Affairs is a great way to promote your business to a wide distribution base and make sure your products or services are known by the many wholesalers, retailers, growers, and associated industry groups that utilise the Melbourne Markets.

�019 ADVERTISING PRICES

Single Advertisement:

Back Cover: $1485

Full Page: $1287

1/2 Page: $841.50

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4-lssue Pack:

Back Cover: $990*

Full Page: $858*

1/2 Page: $561*

1/4 Page: $330*

*price per issue

We also work with companies to create a dvertorials about their

businesses that promote their services, celebrate their successes, and advertise their l atest innovations w ith a m ore indepth and e ngageable approach.

If you would like to create an advertorial to go in the magazine, or would just like more information on advertising, contact D ee on (03) 9408 6627 or email dee@freshstate.com.au

Safety To Be Top Priority

The safety of all market users, and in particular, road safety within the market will always be at the forefront of Fresh State’s thinking. While we may have seen a number of road accidents over the past months, we must not forget how safe the market environment actually is. With thousands of people accessing and using the market, in all types of vehicles from the size of buggies to forklifts and B-Double trucks, any traffic incident involving vehicles has the potential to be catastrophic, however, we need to keep it in perspective.

Over the last five years, there have been around 32 road accidents that have occurred within close proximity of the market and a very small amount of road accidents within the market. We must thank the market community for keeping road safety as a top priority. However, due to the events in the last few months, it’s a timely reminder to be aware of the road rules and why we need to abide by them.

Tragically, one of the few accidents resulted in a fatality. On the 20th of August 2019, Chris Elston, who worked for Peter Cheesewright here at the Melbourne Market, was involved in a traffic accident at the market and unfortunately passed away later in hospital. The incident involved a truck and a motorcycle on Produce Drive. Not long after, another Market employee was involved in a car accident at the Market. The incident came as a result of speeding and not following road rules. Luckily, he only sustained minor injuries, but it could have been a lot worse.

Communications have gone out over the past few weeks to highlight that the market community should follow road rules and drive at the signed speed limits. We may not agree on every issue, but the Melbourne Market Authority and Fresh State both advise the market community to look over the road rules to ensure safety on our roads.

Chris’s 6-year-old daughter, Skye, tragically lost her loving father so Fresh State has set up a fund to ensure that Skye’s financial needs are taken care of in the future.

To assist with this, a Go Fund Me page has been made to raise money to go into an education trust fund for Skye. The money donated will be used for her future tuition fees and costs of education. Please search the link below or contact dee@freshstate.com to donate and show your support.

gofundme.com/f/skye-elston

Communications have gone out over the past few weeks to highlight that the market community should follow road rules and drive at the signed speed limits.

Calendar of Events

Thursday, 12 th of December

— Fresh State of Affairs

Magazine Edition #50

Thursday, 26th of December

— Boxing Day, public holiday

Tuesday, 5th of November

— Melbourne Cup, public holiday

Wednesday, 25th of December

— Christmas Day, public holiday

Disclaimer

Fresh State Ltd makes this magazine available on the understanding the users exercise their own skill and care with respect to its use. Before relying on, or altering any business practices, users should carefully evaluate the accuracy, completeness and relevance of the information for their purpose and should obtain appropriate professional advice relevant to their particular circumstances. This magazine contains views and recommendations that do not necessarily reflect the views of Fresh State Ltd.

Fresh State does not in any circumstances accept responsibility for the accuracy or suitability or otherwise of any information published in Fresh State of Affairs. Fresh State Ltd specifically disclaims all and any liability for loss or damage of any nature whatsoever and however arising, whether due to accuracy, error or omission or any other cause.

In addition, by using the information in this magazine, each user waives and releases Fresh State, its staff and agents from any and all claims relating to the use of this document. In no event shall Fresh State Ltd be liable for any consequential damages resulting from using the information in Fresh State of Affairs.

© Fresh State Ltd 2019

This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior permission from Fresh State Ltd. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to:

The Editor

Fresh State of Affairs Magazine

Store 36, Melbourne Market 35 Produce Drive, Epping, VIC 3076