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®