MD comment

While some weather events impacted supplies of various lines of fresh produce at the beginning of 2023, the exit of La Niña conditions after three years of turmoil has ensured a more stable start than previous years.

Economic challenges abound at the moment, and it will be interesting to see the impact these have on the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables.

As pointed out by our wholesalers in this edition’s Fresh Perspectives (see page 18), the central markets play a valuable, albeit oft-overlooked, link in Australia’s fresh produce supply chain.

The work undertaken by wholesalers shows just how essential this service is to Australian growers, buyers and consumers.

At Brisbane Markets alone, over 700 million kilograms of fresh produce worth over $2 billion coming through the gates annually, and over 7,500 people work or do business at the 150 businesses that operate on site. These businesses then go on to service thousands of businesses across Queensland, Northern Territory and northern NSW.

With Brisbane being Australia’s third largest central market, it is clear that central markets play an important part in our economy. You can read more about the central market system and from some Brisbane Markets wholesalers on pages 11 to 19.

Even with the impact of flood restoration and resiliencebuilding projects (see page 9 for more), Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) has achieve a solid return for investors as can be seen in the release of our half-year results on page 8.

Despite challenges from weather events, subcontractor shortages and supply chain issues, BML has continued to push ahead with the new Building H1 in the South Gate West (SGW) Precinct, which reached practical completion in March and is now in the hands of tenant, Green Endeavour (see page 6 for more information).

The development is another jewel in the Brisbane Markets crown, showcasing the innovation that can be achieved when the market landlord and tenants come together to create infrastructure that is purpose-built for Brisbane Markets based businesses.

While Building H1 embraces the sustainability and educational goals of Green Endeavour, the 5,541 m² Building C1, completed in 2019, met the ripening and packaging needs of the tenant, while the 6,362 m² and Building E1, delivered in 2021, focused on providing dedicated domestic and export product, warehousing and distribution facilities.

Both Buildings E1 and H1 are located in SGW and with expanded premises comes more demand for parking. To facilitate the expansion of SGW, BML is proceeding with the development of a 320-space parking facility, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2023 (see page 7 for more information).

BML’s focus on tenant needs is no more evident than in the unprecedented levels of tenant applications for alterations and additions to existing premises at the Brisbane Markets.

This is seeing tenants investing in upgrading projects such as new office fit outs, new cold room builds, modifications for the more efficient use of existing warehouse space as well as upgrading of existing cold room plant and equipment.

The sheer volume of requests to modify space to cope with growing business needs reflects a strong industry, and one that BML continues to invest in to fulfill our mission to provide infrastructure and services to facilitate the marketing and distribution of fresh produce, flowers and other ancillary products.

Andrew Young, Managing Director and CEO - BML Chief Executive Officer - Brismark