FS39

Print post approved pp 424022/00429

ISSUE: THIRTY-NINE MARCH/2012

03-12

#

s urce MAGAZINE OF BRISBANE MARKETS LIMITED

Hearts racing for a healthy Pit Stop Check

07

FLOOD SPECIAL 12 12 months on...

Free pricing reports for website visitors

09

YOUR SOURCE OF FRESH INFORMATION FOR THE FRUIT AND VEGETABLE INDUSTRY

PROUDLY SUPPORTS THE BRISBANE MARKETS

FREE pick up and delivery to and from the markets on the service of your car!

SPECIAL FLEET SAVINGS APPLY TO ABN HOLDERS!

1060 Ipswich Road MOOROOKA Call 1300 495 726

2012 SV6 Ute Manual

FROM

$35,990 DRIVE AWAY

• Driver, Passenger & Side Impact Airbags • ABS • ESP • Holden IQ Touchscreen System which is Bluetooth & Audio Streaming Compatible • 5 Star ANCAP Safety Rating • 1,600 kg Towing Capacity, Payload of 600 kgs • Steering Wheel Mounted Radio, Cruise Control & Phone

2011 Model

$34,990 Limited Stock Available

1032 Ipswich Road MOOROOKA Call 1300 762 029

Hiace Long Wheel Base • 2.7L Petrol 5 Speed

2011 L’Cruiser Sahara Turbo Diesel

• Manual

$32,890 DRIVE AWAY

DRIVE AWAY

When you buy a new Toyota, you don’t have to worry about unexpected and astronomical service costs. Every Toyota across the range comes with a low capped price service cost for a set number of years/kilometres. You’ll pay the same low price from one logbook service to the next. It’s just one example of the advantages of Toyota ownership that we are proud to offer.

TOYOTA T OYOTA SERVICE S E RV I C E ADVANTAGE

TOYOTA T OYOTA FINANCE EASY FINANCE OPTIONS

$110,990

DEMO

CAPPED PRICE SERVICING

1130 Ipswich Road MOOROOKA Call 1300 762 608

2011 Triton GL Cab Chassis • 4x2 • Alloy Tray • Capped Price Servicing

FROM

$19,990

ABN HOLDERS SPECIAL

2011 Triton GLX Turbo Diesel

4X4

• Capped Price Servicing • 5/10 Year Warranty

FROM

DRIVE AWAY

$34,990 DRIVE AWAY 1178 Ipswich Road MOOROOKA Call 1300 117 844

3 Year Servicing Included FREE Service Loan Car*

NEW Sportage, Grand Carnival, Sorento, Cerato *Subject to availability

CEO

3

comment

Flood Enquiry Raises Interest

When the Government owned the

Code Rumblings

It is over a year now since the January

Brisbane Markets site, it undertook

Most people would not be aware

2011 floods, and Brisbane Markets

significant further development after

that there is yet another review of

Limited (BML) is still in the process of

the 1974 floods. There was no doubt

the Horticulture Code of Conduct

finishing off the required reinstatement

during this period there was a general

underway.

works and other associated

expectation that with the Wivenhoe

infrastructure upgrading resulting from

It appears that those who are strong

Dam, such a flood would never happen

supporters of having a highly

again. There was massive expansion

regulated industry have learnt very

BML’s total insurance claim will be

of the Markets throughout the 1980’s

little since the Code was introduced

in the order of $16 million, however

and 1990’s ahead of the privatisation of

in 2007, and are happy to continue

the company was out of pocket by

the site in 2002. BML has also invested

to argue for something that is

the damage which occurred.

approximately $7 million throughout 2011 as the insurance claim progressed while additional flood

heavily in new infrastructure across the site since 2002.

unworkable and costly to implement.

Surely it is time for the mainstream industry representative organisations

related expenses in the order of

A reduced flood peak would have

$2 million also eventuated.

meant less damage. This will, no

Total losses by all Market tenants

doubt, be a significant item of

position which is workable, allows

have been estimated at around

debate for some time to come.

commercial flexibility and also

$100 million.

The wholesaler representative

promotes good commercial practice.

The Market Community is obviously

leadership and support a compromise

organisation, Brismark, has positioned

very interested in the ongoing

itself to coordinate a class action

deliberations of the Flood Commission

on behalf of Market tenants, should

and the discussion around whether

this course of action be considered

the releases from the Wivenhoe

appropriate, given the outcome of

Dam in the lead up to the flood were

the enquiry.

appropriately managed.

BRISBANE MARKETS LIMITED ABN 39 064 983 017 PO Box 80, Brisbane Markets, Rocklea, Queensland 4106 e: admin@brisbanemarkets.com.au w: www.brisbanemarkets.com.au ADVERTISING AND EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES The Editor Brisbane Markets Limited p: 07 3915 4200 or 1800 631 002 e: admin@brisbanemarkets.com.au

to now stand up, show some

Andrew Young, Chief Executive Officer

Fresh Source is the magazine of Brisbane Markets Limited. New editions of the magazine are printed bi-monthly.

Advertising and editorial inquiries are welcome and media outlets are invited to use material with or without acknowledgement.

DESIGN Effigy p: 07 3040 4343 | PRINT Buckner Printing p: 07 3865 9677 | PAPER Dalton Paper p: 07 3326 6800

Fresh Source is printed on Australian made recycled stock.

Contents FRESH UPDATES

p4

FRESH WHOLESALING Meet your wholesalers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p6 Hearts racing for a healthy Pit Stop check . . . . . . . p7

FRESH FROM THE MARKETS Brisbane Markets gets a ‘fresh update’. . . . . . . . . . . p8 Free pricing reports for website visitors . . . . . . . . . p9 Five stars for Markets demonstration kitchen. . . p10 Historic reels uncover 1950s film. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p11

updates Comedian Anh Doh for gala dinner Comedian, author and TV personality Anh Doh has plenty in

FEATURE: FLOOD 12 MONTHS ON

common with Brisbane Markets wholesalers. He’s a character,

Flood anniversary met with disbelief. . . . . . . . . . . p12 Raising the stakes to keep dry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p13 New evidence on Wivenhoe Dam releases. . . . . p13

he’s self made and after starting his first business when he was 14, he knows how to sell.

FRESH INDUSTRY

2012 Brisbane Produce Market Gala Dinner on Friday, 16

Ahn has one more thing in common. He’s appearing at the

Queensland’s food industry could double. . . . . . p14 Citrus industry consults on industry overhaul ��� p14 Supermarkets the new battle ground . . . . . . . . . . p15 Brisbane Markets caught in the war. . . . . . . . . . . . p15 Start to the season on track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p16 Farmer watching Foodbank in action. . . . . . . . . . . p17 Bundy Pride starting to grow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p18 The challenge of influencing consumption. . . . . p19 Horticulture never high on political agenda . . . . p20 Brisbane Markets part of Hort 2020 alliance. . . . . p20 The formula for performance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p21 Ready for Market – Job training project. . . . . . . . . p22 Unhappy with prime farming protection laws. . . p23 Largest tomato grower calls in administrator. . . . p24 Freight strategy crucial to manage growth. . . . . . p24

March – the Black and White Gala Dinner.

FRESH ENVIRONMENT

Yvonne Klette on 07 3915 4200 or email

Clean energy future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p25

The star performer will be special guest at the annual event, to be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, and heads a lineup of entertainment that will have the Markets community toe tapping, laughing and enjoying some memory flashbacks.

Tickets are still available at $1406 for a table of 10 or $148 per person.

It’s also the evening to hear who has won the coveted Retailer of the Year from 20 top South East Queensland greengrocers who are vying for the title (see page 29 for more details).

For tickets or further information, contact yklette@brisbanemarkets.com.au.

FRESH RETAILING Australia’s best mango greengrocer named. . . . . p27 Robina greengrocer awarded. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p28 Expansion doesn’t slow down ‘sensational’ service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p28 Buzz leading up to retailer of the year announcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p29 Previous award recipients. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p29

EVENTS CALENDAR Public holiday closures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p30 March-June Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p30

Year of the Farmer 2012 is the Australian Year of the Farmer - an opportunity to celebrate the hard work of everyone involved in producing, processing, handling and selling products from 136,000 farms across the country.

Australian farms and the industries that support them generate more than $405 billion each year.

For more information, visit www.yearofthefarmer.com.au.

5

From peaches to edible gems Brisbane Markets is helping a leading summer fruit grower turn into a bean counter.

Montague Fresh will be among the first in Australia to work with Victorian growers Michael and Jina Tripodi to sell edible gems – the new name for borlotti beans.

It’s a far cry from nectarines and peaches. There is less labour, with their state-ofthe-art harvester podding in the field before washing, sorting and packing without human hands needing to touch the produce.

Watch out in the months ahead for cooking shows and recipe hints from Jina, who has been described as a cross between UK chef Nigella Lawson and Italian actress Sophia Loren.

Flood and cyclone assistance extended More than 12 months on since the 2011 floods that devastated Queensland, which was closely followed by Cyclone Yasi, there is still financial assistance available.

Healthy food message for Stanthorpe kids Hundreds of Stanthorpe children have heard the fresh food message

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Regional Economies

with Brisbane Markets conducting its

Tim Mulherin extended the deadline for flood and cyclone

Queensland Kids Fresh Net schools

assistance for primary producers, small businesses and not-for-

program during the Stanthorpe

profit organisations until 30 June 2012.

Apple and Grape Festival.

In January, more than 1,200 applications from landholders,

Students from across the region

businesses and community organisations were received, indicating

travelled to Stanthorpe State School

a need to extend the assistance past the 31 January deadline.

to learn where their fruit and

Check out pages 12-13 for an update on the Brisbane Markets flood

vegetables come from and to receive

recovery and revelations of the State’s flood inquiry.

the two fruit and five vegetables a day eating message.

Federal ministerial reshuffle

Brisbane Markets was a sponsor

The Federal Government underwent a reshuffle at the end of 2011,

80,000 people to the three day event

with a small change to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry portfolio.

and educates the party goers along

Minister Senator Joe Ludwig remains in his position but former

of the biannual festival that draws

the way.

portfolio Parliamentary Secretary Mike Kelly has been replaced by

A full report from the event will

Tasmanian MP, Sid Sidebottom.

appear in June’s Fresh Source

Mr Sidebottom’s electorate of Braddon covers the potato growing regions of north-west Tasmania.

magazine.

wholesaling Meet your wholesalers Keeping in touch with your wholesalers is as easy as picking up the phone: COMPANY NAME

PRINCIPAL/CONTACT

PHONE

FAX

Alfred E Chave Pty Ltd

Anthony Joseph

07 3379 1071

07 3274 0050

Armstrong Bros

Drew Armstrong

07 3379 5344

07 3379 5125

BG Brisbane

Anthony Gribben

07 3278 2877

07 3278 2774

Central Park Produce

Jon Goody

07 3379 3774

07 3379 6260

Consolidated Fruit

Gary O’Shea

07 3278 2558

07 3379 3219

Costa Farms

Ryan O’Keeffe

07 3379 0300

07 3274 0141

Cumming Produce Centre

Alex Marendy

07 3379 3409

07 3379 8056

Don Alroe & Sons

Paul Alroe

07 3379 3554

07 3379 3974

Favco (Qld) Pty Ltd

Mark Clarke

07 3717 1500

07 3717 1599

Franklin Bros

Mark Alston

07 3379 5944

07 3379 4354

Fresh Produce Group

Stuart Dickinson

07 3716 9400

07 3278 2207

Fruitlink Pty Ltd

Adam Dilworth

07 3278 1724

07 3278 1725

Garden Verde

Bassam Abou Chahla

07 3379 9590

07 3379 9185

Gibb Bros

Tony Gibb

07 3379 9999

07 3379 7600

GNL Produce

Neale Cullen

07 3278 1275

07 3379 8049

Gollagher Bros Pty Ltd

Stephen Gollagher

07 3278 3711

07 3278 3722

H E Heather & Co

Ted Beaton

07 3278 2666

07 3278 2777

Holman Fresh

Neville Munro

07 3379 8805

07 3379 8851

Ireland 53

Gary Vedelago

07 3379 1131

07 3379 1110

J Allen Pty Ltd

Wayne Lower

07 3379 8644

07 3379 3836

J E Tipper Pty Ltd

David Wood

07 3379 1041

07 3379 4817

J H Leavy & Co

Peter Tighe

07 3379 4659

07 3379 4813

Jet Marketing

Thierry Blondeau

0419 040 262

07 3379 6533

John Potter Pty Ltd

Mark Murphy

07 3379 9288

07 3379 9244

Keith Lind Pty Ltd

Simon Bond

07 3379 6100

07 3379 6980

KingPak Australia

Shane Parfitt

07 3717 1435

07 3274 0063

LaManna Bananas Pty Ltd

Brendan Schiewe

07 3278 2844

07 3278 2866

Lavender & Sons

Gary Lavender

07 3278 5082

07 3379 6081

Lind & Sons Pty Ltd

Fraser Lind

07 3379 7999

07 3379 5999

M & D Vegetable Specialists Pty Ltd

Mark Moore

07 3379 5500

07 3379 3957

Marendy & Sons Produce

Harry Manwaring

07 3379 5633

07 3379 8016

Marland Mushrooms

Troy Marland

Montague Fresh (Qld) Pty Ltd

07 3278 1112

07 3278 1173

Hamish Montague

07 3379 3041

07 3278 0893

Moraitis Wholesale (Qld) Pty Ltd

Gregory Dawson

07 3278 6222

07 3278 6266

Murray Bros

Stephen Edwards

07 3875 8100

07 3875 8140

O’Toole Produce

Tim O’Toole

07 3278 1700

07 3278 1711

Perfection Fresh Brisbane

Graham Rowles

07 3310 3900

07 3310 3999

Pershouse Produce Pty Ltd

Peter Kedwell

07 3379 3034

07 3278 2115

Premier Fruits Brisbane

Todd Moraitis

07 3848 2999

07 3848 2955

Quality Fruits

David Keates

07 3379 2700

07 3379 2727

R W Pascoe Pty Ltd

Noel Greenhalgh

07 3379 2686

07 3379 4251

Romeo’s Marketing (QLD)

Francesca Laspina

07 3278 5455

07 3278 5633

Ross & Co Fruit & Vegetables Pty Ltd

John Misuraca

07 3379 3043

07 3379 4134

Shamrock Marketing

Bob Koning

07 3915 5010

07 3278 1172

So Crisp

Craig Chard

07 3278 2133

07 3278 2560

Sun Produce Pty Ltd

Chris Panos

07 3379 4929

07 3379 1799

Top Class Fruit Supply Pty Ltd

John Mastroianni

07 3278 6188

07 3278 6288

United Lettuce

Mark Murphy

07 3379 9288

07 3379 9244

United Organics

Jim Davis

07 3278 5997

07 3278 5998

Viva Produce

Peter Lahey

07 3379 7309

07 3379 4172

W S Williams & Son

Martin Sayle

07 3379 5677

07 3379 9624

7

Hearts racing for a healthy Pit Stop check Brisbane Markets wholesalers

It’s the second year this event will

pressure (blood pressure); exhaust

and buyers will find out what gets

be held with last year’s checks acting

(smoking); and duco (skin cancer).

their hearts racing when they are

as a warning to some and a relief to

encouraged to take a pit stop on the

others who have needed to speak to

selling floor at a special health clinic,

someone about their health issues.

driven by the Royal Flying Doctor

Participants will be vying for a

Service (RFDS).

Chamber of Fruit and Vegetables

physical road worthy certificate of

Industries.

On Tuesday, 1 May, the Brisbane

health following checks on their oil

Produce Market selling floor will be turned into a pit lane, complete with racing car and checkered flags.

The 3,500 mostly male workers who do daily business on the Rocklea site are going to learn firsthand the importance of keeping themselves in good working order with up to 50 medicos on site ready to check their health and discuss their lifestyles.

AUTHORISED DISTRIBUTOR OF HELI FORKLIFTS

Fruitologists’ Con Leonitsinis (left) receives his heath check results from a Royal Flying Doctor Service medico during last year’s Pit Stop event.

The RFDS Pit Stop initiative is supported by Brismark, GlaxoSmithKline and the Australian

markets Brisbane Markets website gets a ‘fresh update’ Brisbane Markets has produced a new on-line face with the launch of its refreshed www.brisbanemarkets.com.au website which is much easier to navigate.

The vibrancy of Queensland’s fresh fruit and vegetable hub is captured with its images. However, the new layout is simpler to understand, from the front page quick link options through to the drop down bars that take you easily to the information you need, and back again.

It will help growers find details more conveniently with the ‘Find a wholesaler’ button. Consumers are not forgotten with information on how to find a retailer, recipes for cooking up that great produce and in the days ahead, a newsletter to keep them updated on fresh produce cooking tips and hints.

‘Working with Growers’ under the ‘Programs’ tab opens up an area for producers to source a range of information from ordering a growers kit to matching crops with Brisbane Markets wholesalers, regulation links, tips for dealing with the Markets and organising a visit.

Make www.brisbanemarkets.com.au a favourite and accessing a wealth of information will be at your fingertips.

9

Free pricing reports for website visitors Growers are able to track the wholesale

These free reports go some way

can stay informed and know what

selling prices of their fruit and vegetable

toward that in showing what

pricing information is available to

commodities with two free produce

information is possible so growers

them when they need it.”

pricing reports for those who register on the Brisbane Markets website.

Fruit and vegetable wholesale Market prices are a valuable tool for all sectors of the industry, particularly for growers who need guidance in what to plant and what returns can be expected for their work.

Fresh produce surveyors Market Information Services (MIS) and Brisbane Markets Limited are working together to offer the reports, which carry information on the prices paid by greengrocers, secondary wholesalers, supermarket chains and providores who buy in the Brisbane Markets.

It’s simple to register.

Visit www.brisbanemarkets.com.au and

you will also have a free Fresh Source magazine and a growers kit forwarded to you at your request.

The free reports will be distributed on a Monday and Thursday for two weeks.

Fruit & Vegetable Marketing Consultants

MIS principal Jon Brewer said the reports

Totally Independent and Impartial

can be either emailed or faxed and will

• Brisbane Daily Fruit and Vegetable Market Reports

be supplied the following week.

“These reports are specific to growers and contain only the information

important role in price setting and need to become more involved in the process.

|

|

BA

N E MA

R T

“We recognise that growers have an

• Waste Verification and Digital Photography

UC

D

industry receive,” Mr Brewer said.

• Quality Inspections and Loss Assessments

• Established Interstate Network For All Services

PR O

than the full report that all sectors of the

• Outturn and Pre-Export Inspections and Assessments

• Independent Produce Assessments and Downgrading KE

applicable to their crop needs rather

• Historic Market Data and Market Intelligence Reports

• Temperature Monitoring and Logger Recovery

RS

Simply fill out the online application and

Fresh market information

YO

for the ‘Free Pricing Report & Advice’ tab.

S

‘Working with Growers’ option and look

B RI

look under the ‘Programs’ tab. Find the

E S U RV

E

Ph (07) 3379 4576 Fax (07) 3379 4103 Infocall 1902 262 580 E-mail adminmis@ausmarket.net.au Web www.ausmarket.net.au

|

markets Five stars for Markets demonstration kitchen Brisbane Markets recently opened

four LCD screens in the seating area and

demonstration kitchen has been given

speakers throughout. A microphone and

the top five star rating by Brisbane City

wireless headset is also available.

Council’s Eat Safe program.

program, as part of its Queensland Kids

closed off so that one or two meeting room

Fresh Net program which educates

spaces are created, depending on the

students on the importance of eating two

seating configuration required.

fruit and five vegetables a day.

The new facility has opened on the

When the kitchen in not in use, it can be

ground floor of the Fresh Centre building

closed off so that one or two meeting room

and is already attracting business with

spaces are created, depending on the

industry organisations launching products,

seating configuration required.

conducting training sessions and using the kitchen for catering and celebrations.

Other uses include hiring out the facilities for commercial cookery, cooking

The facility is fitted with the latest Zanussi

demonstrations, using it as a test kitchen,

appliances, has three cold rooms and

food photography, catering, private

a spectacular five metre stainless steel

cooking classes and small-scale food

cooking bench. However, one of its most

manufacturing.

popular features is its state of the art audio visual system.

DID YOU KNOW?

BML is already working on a Kids Cooking

When the kitchen in not in use, it can be

Anyone interest in using the facility can contact the Market Kitchen Booking

The equipment allows anyone cooking to

Coordinator on 07 3915 4200 or email

be able to demonstrate to an audience,

admin@brisbanemarkets.com.au.

using two mounted cameras trained on the food preparation and cooking areas,

The Market Kitchen is in the newly completed Fresh Centre in the heart of the Brisbane Markets, where once banana ripening rooms and warehousing stood.

Hiring the Market Kitchen will include unique access to the trading floor to view the latest in seasonal produce as it comes in from Australian growers.

Cooking demonstr ator Carmel Carmichael uses the Markets Kitchen fac ility.

The five star Markets Kitchen bane recently opened in the Bris . ding buil tre Cen sh Fre kets Mar

11

Historic reels uncover 1950s film A dusty, old beta cassette tape hidden away in a Brismark storage box has

Brisbane Markets History Task Force team member Vanessa Kennedy with the uncovered rolls of film and beta tape.

revealed some priceless but grainy film footage of a congested Brisbane Markets in the city in the 1950s.

The Brisbane Markets History Task Force team members could barely believe their eyes seeing a replay of life in the Brisbane Market precinct, with

Brisbane Markets History Task

people have other treasures hidden

hundreds of vehicles, a horse and cart

Force Chairman Arch Martin said

away in boxes or photo albums

and fruiters among the fray.

recovering the films was a boost

that would greatly enhance the

The tape, now converted to DVD, will

to the team which was in its final

be just one of the special film finds

stages of choosing items to display

the team will display in the Brisbane Markets History Collection room when

growing collection.

in the history room in time for its

Anyone with photographs, historic

midyear opening.

information, film and memorabilia is urged to contact History Task

it opens on Level 2 of the Fresh Centre

The task force has been collecting

later this year.

photographs, oral histories and

Force team member Vanessa

memorabilia for the past two years

Kennedy on 07 3915 4258 or email

in preparation. Mr Martin is sure

vkennedy@brisbanemarkets.com.au.

Three 16mm film reels, more commonly used on film projectors, have revealed even more film footage with copies of an ABC Rural documentary focusing on a day in the life of the Markets, possibly from the late 1970s or early 1980s.

Young men line up to see if their labour is needed to unload the trucks as they pull into the main gates. Long haired, shirtless and shorts-and-thong wearing fork lift drivers maneuver produce throughout the Brisbane Produce selling floor. Only a small section of the trading area is covered, and the old Brismark office, in Block D, is still to be built.

Two more pieces of film were recovered from VHS cassettes, not as old as the other film pieces but just as historic.

One is a 1999 promotional film on the Markets, with a foreword from then Queensland Premier Peter Beattie.

The other is a series of fresh food advertisements produced by the Committee of Direction, the grower’s organisation that once operated a Market wholesaling business.

markets FloodFeature

12 months on...

Flood anniversary met with disbelief It was business as usual on the

volumes and efficiencies continued to

Brisbane Markets trading floor in

improve as power was reinstated and

January, 12 months after a flood

warehouses were given the Brisbane

devastated the 77ha Rocklea site leaving

City Council Health Department

its scars on the 3,500 people who do

approval to recommence operations.

business at the site daily.

Wholesalers and many of the 90

TV media crews, and even politicians,

support businesses are still counting

called in leading up to and throughout

the financial and emotional cost of the

the flood anniversary period. Most were

flood but they have again proven their

looking for a story or a commemoration

resilience to meet the challenges that

ceremony but received the cheeky

met them in January 2011.

smiles of salespeople who could barely believe the flood was just a year ago.

The mood was different in other parts of the city. Across Brisbane, teary business people and residents told their tales in newspapers and on TV, many still struggling, rebuilding or trying to recover their lives.

By comparison, Brisbane Markets’ recovery story is a remarkable one after the site was enveloped with up to 3m of water, debris and mud. Businesses suffered up to a $100 million in damage.

Yet 60 hours after the flood waters receded, the Central Trading Area was operational in a limited capacity.

In the first week, it was at 30% capacity and a week later 50%. Over the ensuing days, and weeks, fresh produce receival

Federal Leader of the Opposition Tony Abbott is interviewed outside the Fresh Centre in the lead up to the flood anniversary.

Mt Abbott told the media that all levels of government are conscious of the trauma suffered by the people of Queensland.

Raising the stakes to keep dry Bulk earthworks continue on stage one of the Brisbane Markets South Gate West project, raising the land to a height which will put any new developments above the flood levels 13 of 2011.

The earthworks, adjacent to the weekend retail markets site, are part of a strategy to implement flood mitigation works as development on the 77ha Rocklea site continues.

Stage two of the site will include road works and services infrastructure at a time, yet to be confirmed.

New evidence on Wivenhoe Dam releases The Queensland Floods Inquiry has

that the dam’s operator, SEQwater,

councils and individuals who, like

been recalled to hear extraordinary

breached its manual by failing to

Brisbane Markets tenants, suffered

new evidence that suggests the

move fast enough to a higher water

huge losses in the floods.

wrong strategy was used to manage

release strategy designed to protect

Wivenhoe Dam days before Brisbane

urban areas from inundation.

was inundated.

Brisbane Markets was bought from the State Government in September

Key SEQwater witnesses, including

2002 after a protracted tender

If Wivenhoe Dam's managers are

the flood engineers and senior

bidding process. Sale documents

proven negligent, Brismark has

executives, have fronted the inquiry

covered off on the importance of

signalled it would consider a class

during the public hearings after

Wivenhoe Dam providing protection

action against SEQwater/and or

revelations it may have been misled.

for the Rocklea site so that flood

the State Government for having suffered damage and losses as a result of the January floods 2011.

If found negligent, the Queensland Government could be hit with

waters, as damaging as those seen in 1974, would not affect the site.

tens of millions of dollars in

It is expected the inquiry will

The inquiry was extended after

compensation claims from

release its finished report by a new

the Australian newspaper claimed

numerous organisations, businesses,

mid-March deadline.

industry Queensland's food industry could double The Queensland Government has

"The plan released today aims to more

released a landmark plan which it hopes

than double the value of the food

will more than double the value of

industry to $40 billion within the next

Queensland's food sector by 2020.

10 years."

Minister for Agriculture, Food and

Mr Mulherin said to create this

Regional Economies Tim Mulherin

growth and meet these opportunities,

launched Food for a Growing Economy, the first food industry plan in Australia.

A key driver of the comprehensive plan is a $2 million grants scheme for food

productivity must increase.

The release of the document follows an extensive consultation process with industry stakeholders.

businesses to promote innovation,

Food for a Growing Economy:

growth and productivity.

An Economic Development Framework for the Queensland Food Industry

"The food industry is one of

can be downloaded from

Queensland's economic strengths,"

www.food.industry.qld.gov.au.

said Mr Mulherin.

More information about the Food

"Our food value chain is currently worth

Innovation and Productivity Incentives

$18.7 billion to the state economy and

is available through DEEDI's website

employs around 267,000 people.

www.deedi.qld.gov.au.

Citrus industry consults on industry overhaul Citrus Australia, the industry peak body

Throughout February, Citrus Australia

of the citrus sector, has visited growing

directors visited every major citrus

regions throughout Australia, including

growing area in Australia, and held more

Gayndah and Mundubbera, to speak

than a dozen grower meetings.

with growers about a proposed national restructuring.

This was in addition to developing and seeking input from growers on the

“The Australian citrus industry is at a

National Citrus R&D Plan throughout

crossroads,” said Tania Chapman,

2011 and early 2012.

Chair of Citrus Australia.

The citrus industry in Australia is worth

“We need to make dramatic changes

$540 million and represents the interests

to the structure of our industry, cutting

of around 2000 citrus growers. It is the

red tape, reducing duplication and cost,

largest fresh fruit exporter, with annual

and making better decisions on how and export earnings of around $190 million. where to invest our levies to provide the best returns.”

15

Brisbane Markets caught in the war Brisbane Markets wholesalers have been caught up in the

Supermarkets the new battle ground

supermarket fresh produce wars

A fruit and vegetable pricing war between rival supermarkets has prompted

harder for reduced prices.

another call for the large retail chains to be included under the industry’s

Brisbane Markets CEO Andrew

mandatory Horticulture Code of Conduct.

Young said fruit and vegetable

Coles and Woolworths have chosen fresh produce as their battleground

pricing was based on supply

with a price war sparked by Coles when the retailer reduced the cost of

and demand.

selected fruit and vegetables by 50%. This follows on from Woolworth’s

He said cheaper prices would

announcement in late 2011 to cap the price of selected fresh produce items.

certainly help to clear out the

While consumers might like the discounted products, the industry fears

backlog of oversupplied produce.

it would ultimately force higher prices and have dire consequences on

However, he warned that heavily

suppliers and independent greengrocers.

discounted prices were not in the

Former Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Warren

with the chain stores pushing

best interests of the industry.

Truss, said he believed there was a "huge risk" farmers would become the

“If the chain stores use fruit

collateral damage from the price war.

and vegetables as a loss leader,

He said to help prevent this from happening, the Horticulture Code of Conduct needed to be strengthened, protecting small producers and Australia's food supply in the future.

it undermines the value of the product,” Mr Young said.

“After the glut, suppliers may still need to discount in order

He said artificial price settings also needed to be addressed, though only

to sell fruit and vegetables to a

state governments had the power to do that.

consumer who has a new price

Industry groups reacted to the price war news with a unified voice.

The peak body representing vegetable and potato growers, AUSVEG, said while an oversupply of produce this season meant some growers would benefit in the short term, it was unclear the effect the price reduction would have on the industry over time.

Bowen Gumlu Growers Association Chairman Carl Walker said he was all for the move if it shifted fruit and vegetables that were in over supply, but only if it was at the retailer’s expense and not at the cost of the growers who were supplying the fresh produce.

Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Executive Officer Peter Hockings hoped that Coles kept its promise to continue to pay growers the same. However, the ripple effect would be a continued price war with growers the ones who would be discounting the price.

expectation.”

industry Start to the season on track

BY DENISE KREYMBORG, BOWEN GUMLU GROWERS ASSOCIATION This year’s start to the season is nothing

working on the following key priorities

like last year’s cyclone season with only

to support a more sustainable future

the odd shower here and there. It’s just

for horticulture:

enough to make the grass grow although this time of year is usually a wet month for the industry in this region.

With or without the big deluges of rain, the season looks good for another year of great quality produce from the Bowen and Gumlu region.

We are now known as the Bowen

• a systems approach protocol for market access due to the loss of Dimethoate and potential loss of Fenthion, • workforce development and skills programs and initiatives, • Horticulture in High Schools programs,

Gumlu Growers Association and as of

• value adding fresh produce and the

the beginning of this season, we have

development of a cottage industry,

a new logo. The new logo represents

• creating brand identity state-wide

three points: inclusion, unification and

and nationally with ‘Grown in the

collectively we grow. It is a fresh new

Whitsundays’,

look for the Bowen Gumlu Growers Association.

Bowen Gumlu Growers Association has now set the date for the Annual Gala Dinner in Bowen. The date is Friday, 1 June 2012, so lock in in for a great evening of networking with growers and industry.

Moving forward, Bowen Gumlu

• delivering a series of workshops, seminars and forums for industry, • encouraging growers to participate in the Reef Rescue Initiative and becoming Reef Guardians, • the delivery of a new website based on food production, • healthy eating programs and the

Growers Association and the Industry

incorporation of an Industry Connect

Development program will be

program, • market development and export opportunities and more.

It is certainly a full year ahead in the area of industry development working with growers, industry and government to support a more sustainable future.

I look forward to working with you all in some form this year.

17

Farmer watching Foodbank in action Bown Gumlu Growers Association Chairman Carl Walker watched people scoop up the slightly marked and odd sized capsicums and corn from the bins where the Foodbank truck had just stacked them.

His teenage sons Kurt and Troy watched on as church volunteers, foster parents, youth group leaders and community workers selected bundles of the fruit and vegetables onto their trolleys and rolled off to other l Walker, charity worker From left, Bowen grower Car lker and Foodbank CEO Wa Troy and Rick Plumb, Kurt warehouse. nk Ken McMillan at the Foodba

corners of the warehouse to find fresh supplies for the needy.

Mr Walker had made the journey from his capsicum farm in Bowen to find out just where the fresh produce he, and his colleagues, ended up once sent to Foodbank.

“This is amazing,” Mr Walker said. “This food was on someone’s farm a few days ago and it may not be looking so perfect, but it’s here, helping feed up to 60,000 people in Brisbane alone. That’s a lot of food that would have gone to the cows if farmers had not sent it in.”

Foodbank is a non-denominational community service that collects surplus food and items to distribute to charitable agencies to cook meals or prepare food parcels to feed over 80,000 Queenslanders each week.

Each business day, the Foodbank truck visits Brisbane Markets and takes

Pawlar May from Brisbane Commun ity Aid selects capsicums to help feed Brisbane’s underprivileged.

back tonnes of left over, marked but still palatable fresh produce that was destined to feed animals or landfill.

Mr Walker is one of a number of farmers who can choose to send to Foodbank through the Brisbane Markets or direct to the Colmslie site, aided by free transport and a tax deduction for their efforts.

Mr Walker watched volunteers work solidly beside him, up and down the warehouse aisles serving the customers. Many of them are disadvantaged young people from BoysTown who are learning new skills as they work.

“Just to have those young people from BoysTown building a new future for themselves makes this all worthwhile, let alone the mouths that are being fed through the donations,” Mr Walker said. “It was all surplus product and now it’s not going to waste.”

a Sisters Olivia (left) and Triumphin t selec ity, Char of ions Miss from the Foodbank corn to feed the hungry.

Growers can discuss the tax advantages and make a food donation by contacting Foodbank Queensland on (07) 3395 8422 or email admin@ foodbankqld.org.au

industry Bundy Pride starting to grow Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers

I believe the entire industry supply

(BFVG) Executive Officer Peter Hockings

chain will benefit from the inevitable

believes the new Bundy Pride initiative

flow-on effects.”

will soon have local businesses reaping the fruits of their labour.

Mr Hockings said it was important to remember Bundy Pride was initially and

The joint initiative of BFVG and

primarily developed with Australian

Bundaberg and District Chamber of

consumers in mind.

Commerce was officially unveiled late last year in a dual launch with presentations at Central Queensland University, Bundaberg and a Bundy Pride presence at the Fine Food India Trade Show (New Delhi, India).

“The Bundy Pride branding campaign unites the local business community under the Bundy Pride banner a silhouette of Australia emblazoned with a shining star over Bundaberg in a collective effort to increase

Mr Hockings said the campaign’s website

exposure of the region’s capacity and

www.bundypride.com.au had already

premium goods and services from all

attracted considerable interest from

business sectors in the region,” he said.

around the world including China, India, Russia and the USA.

"We think there is a big future in Bundaberg – with the potential to be

"BFVG has seen more enquiries and

a key region in the Queensland and

export opportunities for fresh produce

Australian economy, and a significant

and value-added products in the past

player on the world stage.”

few months than ever before,” Mr Hockings said.

“We’re now hoping that through the Bundy Pride initiative, these opportunities will continue to grow and that individual businesses will grab hold of them.

“As producers and value-adders increase their international market exposure,

Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers executive officer Peter Hockings.

19

The challenge of influencing consumption

BY LISA CORK, FRESH MARKETS COMMENTATOR AND MARKETER Do you think the recent retailer

Think back to what you had today

of dollars at an oversupply situation

initiatives to either fix prices on

for breakfast. What part of your eggs,

and not actually drive real demand

specific lines of produce or cut

bacon or cereal are you willing to

much at all, where real demand

prices on targeted lines of produce

displace with more fruit and veg?

equals more fruit or veg being put

influence consumption?

Now think about lunch… and dinner.

into someone’s shopping trolley.

Do these initiatives drive total sales

Do you see the challenge?

Sure, you might get a short term lift

or do they just influence foot traffic

If consumer stomachs are full, then

for a week or two, but unless people

at store level?

consumers aren’t going to eat any

change their core dietary habits, a

more total food. If you want to grow

short term lift is all it will be.

Recently, it seems like more and more industries are facing over supply situations. As a marketer, I am often called in to help companies or industries with their marketing when they face an oversupply.

I am actually getting quite cynical about how effective marketing can be to lift medium to long term consumption of a fruit or vegetable in over supply. Here’s why.

The Australian stomach is full. When I spoke recently at the PMA Fresh Connections conference, I used the example that in order to reach the target of six serves of fruit/veg per day, Australians need to eat an additional 123kg of fruits and vegetables per year.

Currently, Australian consumers eat about three servings of fruits/veg per day.

consumption, consumers need to

product in oversupply - and not just something small. 15% is a significant

habits, I am not sure price changes

singled out industries and talked

produce consumption behaviour.

about how unprepared they seemed for the oversupply situation

Lisa Cork is a produce marketing

they faced.

specialist. She helps growers, wholesalers and retailers get more

People are commenting, “More

sales from their marketing,

needs to be done at point of sale

branding and packaging

or on promotion in order to drive demand for product X because it is

I think these comments miss the point. It is unrealistic to believe the consumer has sole responsibility for

Growers and industries need to be thinking of solutions other than consumption increases… because increasing consumption is

of fruits and veg (on top of the

increasingly difficult.

needs to be displaced.

communication spend.

in oversupply.”

In order to absorb another 123kgs

consumed), 15% of the current diet

genuine consumption increases.

unless people change their dietary

Lately, industry media and have

of an oversupply situation.

approximate 123kg already being

they work and growers benefit from

The marketer in me is not so sure –

amount of dietary displacement!

‘consuming’ an industry out

800kg of total food per year.

interest. The optimist in me hopes

more fruits and vegetables – or a

it’s no big deal until you consider consumers, on average, eat only

the current retail strategies with

diet in order to replace it with

You may look at 123kg and think the following statistic: Western

So I am looking forward to watching

substitute something out of their

In my pragmatic/practical way of thinking, you could throw millions Photo courtesy of Paul Heymans, Paul Computers.

industry Horticulture never high on political agenda Queenslanders will go to the polls on 24 March but state based industry bodies have worked hard for some months to place growers’ issues on the political agenda.

2012 may be the Year of the Farmer but horticulture – Queensland’s leading agricultural industry – has had little media coverage leading up to the election.

Grower groups want greater support at a time when local production is creaking under the challenges of supermarket price wars and rising imports.

There are calls for improved funding for biosecurity, initiatives to improve growers’ access to seasonal and permanent workers and support through the myriad of climate change responses required from an already heavily regulated community.

Other issues include food security, including the development of a comprehensive food policy for Queensland; promoting health initiatives to increase the consumption of fresh produce; business and value chain development and building a stronger partnership with the state government.

The current Bligh government set a target for the agricultural sector to be worth $40 billion by 2020, and the Liberal National Party has a target of doubling food production by 2040.

Brisbane Markets part of Hort 2020 alliance

Queensland growers produce one third of

DID YOU KNOW?

the fruit and vegetables

Brisbane Markets is playing a role in the Department of

consumed in Australia.

Employment, Economic Development and Innovation’s (DEEDI)

Our growers contribute more

vision with involvement in Queensland’s Horticulture 2020 plan.

than $2 billion per year to the

Brisbane Markets CEO Andrew Young has joined an industry

Queensland economy.

steering committee to oversee the plan that aims to more than

More than 25,000 people are

double the value of Queensland's horticulture industries within

directly employed on fruit and

a decade.

vegetable farms, and many more

The committee’s members include representatives from state

are seasonal workers.

grower associations, Science Queensland, large growers and packing houses, a nursery and DEEDI. The plan is an alliance between industry and the Queensland government which was developed to boost the value of the industry from $4.1 billion to $10 billion within the next 10 years.

Horticulture 2020’s goal is to ensure Queensland's ongoing competitiveness by reducing costs, increasing efficiency and delivering on customer expectations.

The plan can be found at http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/26_20485.htm.

Brisbane Markets will hosting a meeting of the Horticulture 2020 Select Committee in the weeks ahead.

21

The formula for performance

BY SAL TRUJILLO, BRISBANE MARKETS LIMITED HUMAN RESOURCES ADVISOR. There is a tool, called the

Attitudes are not included in this

e.g. unclear instructions or unfair

performance equation, which can

element because people with

levels of expected performance.

be utilised by managers and business

negative attitudes can still possess

leaders to understand the factors

the ability to perform, even though

that impact staff performance

they may not be willing.

and efficiency.

The performance equation reduces

Applying the performance equation To develop and maintain effective productivity levels, managers and

Attitude

business leaders should implement

Attitudes reflect the willingness of

policies and procedures to acquire

people to use their knowledge and

and develop the abilities of

skills to overcome aspects of an

employees, increase employees

organisation that inhibit the use of

willingness to use their abilities

P = Ability x Attitude x Opportunity

ability (roadblocks).

and remove roadblocks so that

All three factors must be present for

When people are willing to use

high performance to be achieved.

existing skills, learn new ones,

performance to three basic elements that are common to all human performance.

and overcome environmental

employees can perform. This can be achieved through the following: • Review and implement effective

The ability to perform

roadblocks, they are maximising

recruitment and selection

To achieve high performance,

their performance.

practices

individuals must have the ability

Negative attitudes often create

to perform. Ability is based on two

unwillingness to performance.

factors; the acquisition of knowledge

Negative attitudes can be a result of:

• Create interesting work

• Lack of understanding of what

• Have constant feedback and

and the development of skills.

The acquisition relates to the appointment of new employees who possess the right knowledge and skills to perform. The development of skills relates to providing training

needs to be achieved (goal clarity) • Constant reprimand from manager / lack of praise • Perceived unfair treatment at work

and development to employees so

• Personal issues (i.e. family,

that required skills are developed.

economic, health issues) The opportunity to perform

• Provide regular on the job training (task specific)

communication • Reward behaviours which are in line with organisational goals and objectives. This can be as simple as a “Thank you” • Solve general issues quickly and effectively • Create a culture where

To achieve high performance, people

employees understand how

must have the opportunity to use

their contributions impact on

their ability to perform.

Environmental roadblocks

organisational goals Managers and leaders need to

are those aspects of

remember that when employees

an organisation's

believe that they cannot succeed,

infrastructure and culture

they feel that their control values are

that dramatically reduce

violated, stress occurs, and they look

the opportunity for individuals to use their existing abilities and/ or develop new ones,

for ways to withdraw from the task.

industry Ready for Market – Job training project

BY LISA DWYER, BRISMARK INDUSTRY RELATIONS MANAGER Brismark has been working with Major

This training or work experience is

Training and Mission Australia on their

completed over a period of nine days

‘Ready for Market’ project.

within the five week program. The pilot

The ‘Ready for Market’ project is a

program began on 6 February 2012.

government funded training program

On completion of the program, the

that is aimed at providing training that

participants will have achieved elements

will lead to improving an individual’s

of an accredited training program, on

employability and skill level.

the job experience and a forklift license.

Brismark has been providing ongoing

We are confident this combination of

support, advice and expertise to the

training and experience will provide

key stakeholders to enable them to

participants with a greater advantage

directly target skill requirements of

and make them more attractive as

businesses, within the Brisbane Markets.

potential employees.

The successful participants have been chosen via a rigorous selection and interview process.

The training component of this project is completed over a period of five weeks combining both on and off the job training.

In order to provide the on the job training component, businesses within the Markets will be encouraged to provide an opportunity for skills training within the market environment.

They may end up with a career within the Brisbane Markets or associated businesses.

If you are interested in finding out more information or would like to be involved, please contact Lisa Dwyer on 07 3915 4222 or email esm@brismark.com.au.

NO OAL

TO C M SEA GAS

KEEP OUT!

23

LOCK THE GATE

Unhappy with prime farming protection laws Queensland Parliament passed laws in

Coal seam gas services like

One of its 24 recommendations was

December 2011 protecting prime farming

their treatment ponds, their

for gas production to be excluded

land from some mining developments.

compression stations are covered

from highly productive agriculture

under this legislation. However, the

land but the government believes

well heads, the pipelines and the

coal seam gas projects can co-exist

roads that are spreading are not

with farming.

The Strategic Cropping Land Act 2011 bans mining that makes the designated land unusable for farming. The laws came into force on 30 January of this year.

The strategic cropping land legislation aimed to strike a balance between the interests of mining and agriculture but the government admitted consensus was impossible.

covered under this legislation.

The Federal Government is due to

In November 2011, a senate committee handed down a report calling for a moratorium on coal seam gas projects until studies into

respond to the senate committee's recommendations on coal seam gas production in February.

the impact on groundwater has

The committee will release its final

been completed.

report in June.

The Bligh government admitted neither farmers nor miners were happy with the outcome. The Opposition said it had reluctantly supported what it called a “seriously flawed” bill “because stakeholders are crying out for some form of security”.

The laws cover about four per cent of the state's land, including the region in south-east Queensland that is regarded as one of Australia's most productive food bowls.

Queensland's minerals and energy peak body, the Queensland Resources Council,

graphic design web solutions branding packaging Apply our creative juices to your problem areas* *It’s not as gross as it sounds.

said the laws fail in their intent because they are underpinned by flawed science.

logotype

symbol

Farmers say the legislation doesn't go far enough.

SURVE DISCOVER

The laws prevent open cut mining but they won't stop underground mining, exploration work or coal seam gas production - and that's where farmers concerns begin.

slogan

CALL TODAY on 07 3040 4343 or find us on the web at effigy.com.au PROUD SPONSOR OF BRISBANE MARKETS

always thinki

industry Largest tomato grower calls in administrator Queensland’s largest tomato grower,

seasonal glut and high fixed price guarantees

SP Exports, of Childers, was placed into

by Woolworths that killed demand for his

voluntary administration in February, almost

truss tomatoes last year.

$30 million in debt.

The appointment of administrators Korda Mentha to the company which grew 30% of all fresh tomatoes eaten in Australia has only deepened the horticulture industry’s

The company suffered $5 million of flood crop damage in 2010, lost $1m of cherry tomatoes to chemical spray drift last March and another $7m of tomato seedlings at Bowen when a nursery irrigation system was

concern for its future.

Large tomato and capsicum producer Barbera Farms, from Bundaberg, went into

laced with deadly herbicide. The slashing of vegetable prices by Coles was the “last straw”.

receivership last April.

AUSVEG chairman John Brent warned that

SP Exports managing director Andrew Philip

if such a smart and innovative grower as SP

said much of the firm’s misfortune was due

Exports could not survive, it would not be long

to continued low prices for tomatoes after a

before other vegetable farmers went bust.

Freight strategy crucial to manage growth Queensland’s crucial freight system has

foundation for industry and government

taken a historic step forward with the

to develop and implement strategies for

release of the first Integrated Freight

the future.

Strategy, mapping the future of the industry which is critical to the state economy.

Queensland's population is growing rapidly, with 100,000 new residents calling

The Integrated Freight Strategy

Queensland home every year and the

provides clear direction for improving

current population forecast to grow by

Queensland's freight system, as well

over two million people by 2031.

as analysing how we can maximise the output from the existing transport system.

In 2009, the estimated freight volume in Queensland was 865 million tonnes a year;

Mark Johnston, director and deputy

by 2031 the expected growth in freight

chair Queensland Trucking and Logistics

tonnage is estimated to be between

Council, said the document set the

1.8 billion and 2.2 billion tonnes a year.

This strategy is about getting on the front foot with this growing freight movement and putting actions in place to deal with it.

The Integrated Freight Strategy for

Queensland is available at the Transport and Main Roads website at www.tmr.qld.gov.au.

environment

25

Clean energy future and the fruit and vegetable supply chain

BY ROD GLASS – SUSTAINABLE CORPORATE SOLUTIONS The clean energy future legislation

As most businesses will not benefit

looking at vehicle-based initiatives,

will come into effect on 1 July this

from an increased competitiveness,

fuel based initiatives, transport

year and will have a substantial

reducing energy consumption will

demand initiatives and distribution

effect on the use of energy and the

provide the major backbone of

production of greenhouse gasses

the policy, with a reduction in load

centre initiatives.

within Australia.

demand also proving important in

By breaking distribution into its core

cost reductions for organisations

components, we can look for savings

and businesses. For example, a client

within our own businesses, a must

recently benefited from savings of

for fruit and vegetable businesses.

The biggest effect will be on the energy sector with the largest energy companies paying between $400 million to $500 million in taxes and offsets, which is expected to put

$60,000 in power pricing through the rescheduling of operational startups.

significant pressure on the price

By understanding how power pricing

of electricity.

works, business can make significant

The price increase power companies are expected to pass on to

savings. Therefore, by understanding how your business uses power,

Operational changes include the installation of speed limiters, driver training, tyre pressure checks and hybrid vehicle introduction.

Simply put, it is the efficient

substantial savings can be achieved.

utilisation of vehicles.

However, I do expect to be a full flow

In looking at our primary produce,

Changes such as these assist our

through with the entirety burdened

our fruit and vegetable businesses

business to reduce cost and

on consumers.

are dependent upon efficient supply

increase efficiency.

consumers is yet to be determined.

This is unlikely to change any time soon with the composition of the Senate expected to remain relatively stable in the foreseeable future.

The legislation is scoped towards two main outcomes. Firstly, to reduce

chains to ensure that their products reach the consumer in pristine condition.

We can use some of our biggest, well-known companies to gain some insight on how to achieve supply

The challenge then is how to drive efficiency through your supply chain and in doing so, increase profitability for your business as well as supply chain partners.

chain efficiency. Toll Logistics is one

For small business, the road is

such example.

more difficult but programs such as

by pricing renewable energy at

Toll has three main strategies to

EcoBiz can provide a path for your

competitive rates with coal and gas

reduce emissions and therefore

businesses to save and remain in

fired power stations.

reducing costs. These include

the black.

electricity consumption through reduced demand, and secondly,

Got a red hot issue?

HOTLINE: 1800 631 002

When you have a red hot issue you need a red hot response.

That’s why the Brisbane Produce Market introduced its Market Hotline.

By calling the free Hotline, growers have access to a confidential and responsive service to answer queries and to listen to concerns.

Freecall 24 hours a day – callers between 7.30am-3.30pm will be answered personally, while after hours callers can leave a message which will be promptly returned the next business day.

Book a guided tour of the Markets for your industry group.

Learn more by visiting www.brisbanemarkets.com.au or phone the free Market Hotline on 1800 631 002. Talk to us about subscribing to our free industry magazine Fresh Source while you are there.

www.brisbanemarkets.com.au

retailing Australia’s best mango greengrocer named Brisbane Produce Market buyer Fancee

their display every week to increase their

Fruit & Deli is basking in the warm glow

chances of winning.

of success. The Carindale based store was named Australia’s Best Mango Retailer and received a cash prize of $10,000.

Trevor Dunmall, Industry Development Manager at the Australian Mango Industry Association (AMIA), said Fancee

They have fended off hot competition

Fruit and Deli undoubtedly deserved to

from other independent greengrocers

win the title.

across the country to take out the award.

“Recent consumer research revealed

As part of the 2011-12 season, the

that six in 10 consumers (60%) buy

Australian Mango Industry challenged

mangoes on impulse, so we wanted

independent greengrocers to create

retailers to support the industry and

the most impressive mango display

really deliver that wow factor for their

using point of sale materials supplied

customers,” Mr Dunmall said.

by the industry.

“We were impressed with the high quality

Fancee Fruit & Deli owner, David

of displays that were entered by all stores

Vedelago, said his team members were

but Fancee Fruit & Deli went above and

highly creative and had a passion for

beyond, creating their own signage to

visual merchandising, so they were

entice their customers to purchase the

thrilled to see their hard work rewarded.

popular summer fruit,” he said.

To enter the competition, retailers had

This merchandising competition is in

to upload an image of their most creative

its first year and attracted a significant

display onto the Aussie mangoes website

number of entries from independent

(http://mangoes.net.au) and could update

green grocers across the country.

From left, Erica and David Vedelago proudly accept the winning cheque from Australian Mango Industry Association Chairman, Gavin Scurr.

27

retailing Robina greengrocer awarded second year in a row Robina Fruit Market, located in the Robina Town Centre continues to shine as a leading Gold Coast greengrocer with another win as a Retailer of the Month in November 2011.

The award is determined by the Brisbane Produce Market’s mystery shopping program and the family owned Robina store competes with over 100 other South East Queensland independently owned greengrocers.

Family members and business partners George and Tsambica Manettas, along with Kelly and Voulla Pedersen work hard in both the Robina store and their second shop Earth Markets at the Pines.

The husband and wife duos all bring great skills and experience in the management of greengrocers, produce buying and providing the highest levels of customer service.

“We won the Retailer of the Month award in August 2010 and then to win again a year later just shows that the team provides a consistently good fresh produce service to our customers,” said Mrs Manettas.

“As with any successful retailer it is not just us. We have an amazing team of managers and staff in place who work as hard as any owner would. They are our extended family and we appreciate their commitment to our business and customer.”

Robina Fruit Market staff members helped take out the November 2011 Retailer of the Month award.

Capalaba’s Fresh Sensations’ owner John Nicolaou holds the December 2011 Retailer of the Month award

Expansion doesn’t slow down ‘sensational’ service Fresh Sensations at Capalaba Park Shopping Centre

our Fresh Sensations at Chermside and this year we

has been awarded the Retailer of the Month award for

are looking forward to increasing our customer base at

December 2011.

Carindale,” said owner Chris Nicolaou.

The store is gearing up for another big year with

“What has been the real win for us is that this award

their third store set to open in the first half of 2012 at

has been given to our flagship store at Capalaba,

Carindale Shopping Centre.

The Brisbane Produce Market announced the Capalaba store’s win, for the third year in a row, based on their 100% score on mystery shopping results.

“Last year saw the expansion into the north side with

even though the owners have all taken on extra responsibilities we continue to provide the best service.”

Fresh Sensations have developed a winning formula of quality produce, deli items and specialty sourced goods that have seen them become the largest chain of independently owned greengrocers in Brisbane.

29

Buzz leading up to retailer of the year announcement There is a buzz among wholesalers and retailers working out who will be chosen from the top 20 finalists in this year’s Brisbane Produce Market Retailer of the Year awards, to be announced later this month.

The coveted Retailer of the Year award is presented to a retailer who consistently achieves at the highest level in relation to service, store appearance, product quality, product information, branding and merchandising along with participating in Brisbane Markets events.

The 20 finalists, chosen from more than 120 South East Queensland Fresh Tastes Retailers, have been mystery shopped twice in 2011 and twice more in recent weeks. These results will be calculated with other points received for their participation in Brisbane Produce Market events and programs.

This year’s finalists at the Brisbane Produce Market gala dinner on Friday, 16 March are:

Ants Fruit Market, Boonah Ashgrove Fresh Belmondos, Noosa

Last year ’s Retailer of the Year Nick Pavlou, of Birkdale’s Paradise Fruits, during his acceptance speech in 2011 as Queensland Prem ier Anna Bligh (centre) and wife Vanessa Pavlou ch eer him on.

Betros Bros, Toowoomba Boonah Fruit Supply Buderim Fruit and Vege Market Buranda Fresh

Previous award recipients

Burleigh Village Greengrocer

Some of Brisbane Markets past retailers of

Clayfield Harvest

the year award recipients have made it to

Clayfield Markets Fresh Fancee Fruit & Deli, Carindale Fresh Sensations, Capalaba

the finals year after year. Just some of the names who have taken home the coveted trophy include:

Jeffers Market, Yandina

2011 – Paradise Fruits, Birkdale

Paradise Fruit, Birkdale

2010 – Clayfield Markets Fresh

Perry's Fruit Market, Wynnum

2009 – Karalee Fruit Plaza

Robina Fruit Market Samford Village Greens

2008 – Farmer Joe’s Country Market, Kedron

Simon's Gourmet Gallery, Chapel Hill

2007 – Fresh Extremes, Albany Creek

Westridge Fruit & Vegetables, Toowoomba

2006 – Clayfield Markets Fresh

Wrights Bribie Island Fruit

events Public holiday closures

MAY

1 May

Brisbane Produce Market will be closed on all

BRISBANE PRODUCE MARKET PIT STOP

public holidays during the Easter period, Anzac

Brisbane Markets selling floor, Qld

Day and the Labour Day holiday.

For more information contact

For further information on fresh produce

Vanessa Kennedy on 07 3915 4258, 0438 388 111 or email vkennedy@brisbanemarkets.com.au

deliveries and purchases, please contact your wholesaler or check trading hours on line at www.brisbanemarkets.com.au.

MARCH

Up to 50 Queensland Royal Flying Doctor Service medicos offer a free health check to Market users at a racing Pit Stop themed event.

7 May

16 March BRISBANE PRODUCE MARKET’S ANNUAL GALA DINNER Brisbane Convention and Entertainment Centre, Qld

LABOUR DAY HOLIDAY, QUEENSLAND

10-12 May

For more information contact

2012 AUSVEG NATIONAL CONVENTION, TRADE SHOW AND AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

Amy Kearns on 07 3915 4200 or email akearns@brisbanemarkets.com.au.

Wrest Point Hotel Casino, Tas

An annual dinner and awards night for the Brisbane Markets community with this year’s Black and White themed event full of dance and other entertainment surprises.

For more information contact Email convention@ausveg.com.au.

Annual event that attracts up to 1,000 delegates for its convention, trade show and excellence award night.

JUNE

APRIL

6-9 April

25 April

EASTER HOLIDAYS

ANZAC DAY HOLIDAY

1 June BOWEN GUMLU DISTRICT GROWERS ASSOCIATION GALA DINNER Merinda Hotel, Bowen, Qld For more information contact Denise Kreymborg on (07) 4785 2860 or email bdgainc@bigpond.com.

The annual gala dinner and networking function for Bowen growers and the horticulture industry.

26-28 June FRESH CONNECTIONS 2012 Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre For more information contact Conference Managers on 03 9320 8691, email info@pmafreshconnections.com.au or visit www.pmafreshconnections.com.au.

The annual Produce Marketing Association – AustraliaNew Zealand’s conference and trade show where all sectors of the fruit and vegetable supply chain discuss marketing and distribution.

TRUST ZUPPS

FOR TRUCKS

• Convenient Rocklea location - ideal for Brisbane • 24 hour after sales and parts support Markets operators • Vehicle servicing between 7am & 11pm every working day or Saturday morning.

• Nobody beats Zupps on price • Full range of FUSO trucks from the 2 tonne CANTER (only requires car license) to the heavy duty FIGHTER range

• In field service unit can come to you – saves you time and money

Zupps Trucks Centre Rocklea 143 Marshall Rd, Rocklea

zupps.com.au/trucks

Ph: 07 3320 7777 A/H: Graham 0407 377 706 Brendan 0400 705 224 Brendon 0407 646 529 Garry 0428 709 862

*Source: Logistik Journal 2009

Guess who’s the number one forklift choice in the Australian markets?

It really is no surprise that Toyota Material Handling sells more forklifts than any other company in the Australian Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Markets.

With Australia’s biggest range of forklifts and the commitment to customer service and after-sales

support you’d expect from the market leader*, we guarantee to deliver the best quality material handling solutions all year round, no matter what the season. So give us a call and get a fresh forklift deal today.

1800 425 438 www.toyotamaterialhandling.com.au

S O L U T I O N S

F O R

E V E R Y

P A L L E T®