Fresh State of Affairs #72

President’s Message

Welcome to the latest Fresh State of Affairs magazine, Issue #72.

In the month of March, we hosted the muchanticipated 2024 Fresh State Gala Ball. I would like to congratulate all the individuals and businesses that received Fresh State Awards. The celebration was a huge success and we are proud to have hosted such a special night that everyone could enjoy. I would personally like to thank all the Fresh State staff who played a part in organising this event.

I would also like to thank the Fresh State members who attended the Special General Meeting on the 27th of March. At the meeting we focused on the future and planned

for the continuing progression of our Market Community.

In this issue, you’ll read a variety of articles including, a recap of the gala ball, recent adventures of A better choice!, updates on industry news, interviews with members in the market and lots more!

Shane Schnitzler President Fresh State Ltd.

*Cash service open from 2:00am to 10:00am Monday to Friday

Contents

06 – A Better Choice! Update

The City of Whittlesea Community Festival and Melbourne Food & Wine Festival

08 – Celebrating Success: Fresh State Gala Ball 2024

On Saturday 2nd March 2024, the Fresh State Gala Ball was held at one of the city’s most historical treasures, the Melbourne Town Hall.

18– Interview with Jonathan Dykes From Dykes Bros

Jonathan Dykes been in the market for 15 years, he is a salesman and director at Dykes Brothers.

20 – Industry News: Report

Independent supermarkets might be under rapid fire as they face the parliamentary committee into price gouging and record profits amid the cost-of-living crisis.

20 – Golf Day

Since 2013, the Melbourne Market Golf Day has consistently taken every opportunity to raise funds for a vital cause, DEBRA Australia.

21 – Industry News: Potato Industry Spudding Up

Spud-tastic news as Australia’s potato industry surpasses $1 billion in production value for the first time.

22 – Queen of the Market: Her Mangosteen’s

Known as the “Queen of Fruits” the mangosteen is a round, purple smooth tropical fruit that is native to Southeast Asia.

23 – Hidden Gems In the Market

Sour cherry juice and what is coming in the colder months.

24 – Wordsearch

26 – Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

27 – Important dates

A better choice! Update

The City of Whittlesea Community Festival

It’s been a busy start to the year for the A better choice! team, who have been working hard to achieve their objectives of educating consumers about why local fruit and vegetable shops are the best option!

Recent endeavours of the A better choice! program have included appearances at events across Melbourne, the new release of their autumn magazine, partnerships such as shop & win and of course the Julie Goodwin campaigns.

A better choice! has been making an impact on communities in attending The City of Whittlesea Community Festival. Drawing around 8,000 attendees in a single day, predominantly families, created the perfect opportunity to have a conversation about why shopping at your local greengrocer is a better choice, where they can find their local greengrocer and the positive impact it has for their household and family budgets. The highlight of the stall was the fresh fruit sampling – young and old alike agreed that it was the best fruit they had tasted in a long time. A great sentiment to hear and further supported that quality is superior from your local greengrocer.

A better choice! Update

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival

A better choice! was also part of Australia’s biggest and best festival of food and drink, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival (MFWF). Held in Federation Square 23rd24th of March, the MFWF drew in crowds from all over Melbourne and interstate. A better choice! had a stall in the activations area where Ayse, Nikki, Lauren, Ellen and Hayley were handing out magazines and fruit sampling.

On Saturday, the roaming strawberry mascot quickly became a popular attraction which created an irresistible photo opportunity for people of all ages, whilst promoting the A better choice! stall. We also had special guest, Thanh Truong in his Fruit Nerd element, raising awareness about shopping local. The crowd was pleased to be able to take away some of Thanh’s best insights and advice to keep their produce healthy and fresh whilst also benefitting their local community. With all the buzz around the A better choice stall! over 800 people signed up to enter the shop & win competition in the draw to win a $250 voucher to spend at their local greengrocer.

We have very much enjoyed the recent adventures of A better choice! and continue to look forward to educating communities and spreading awareness to shop local.

Advertising opportunities are always welcome, to support the A better choice! magazine which provides national exposure to brands and growers. Contact Zac for more information zegan@freshmarkets.com.au.

A better choice! is the national independent retailer marketing program developed to encourage consumers to shop at their local fruit and vegetable shop and independent supermarkets.

The Melbourne Market Authority and Fresh State are proud to co-fund and support the program in Victoria.

Fresh state Celebrating Success: 2024

Gala Ball

On Saturday 2nd March 2024, the Fresh State Gala Ball was held at one of the city’s most historical treasures, the Melbourne Town Hall.

Located on the corner of Swanston and Collins Street, guests ascended a red-carpet staircase where they were greeted with drinks and canapes before entering the grand ballroom. The Gala ball offers the opportunity for members of the market to be recongised and celebrated for their hard work and dedication to the industry. The evening was celebrated by 450 guests that were treated to an evening of delicious food, entertainment and dancing.

Jason Cooper, the Fresh State CEO, officially got the event started with his welcoming speech, this was followed by Fresh State President, Shane Schnitzler, to the stage who

announced the much-anticipated awards and winners. The awards presented were for Wholesale Personality, Buyer, Wholesale Company and Young Marketeer of the Year Award, as well as the notable This is Your Life Award.

Matt Hetherington and his energetic party band had guests up and out of seats to dance the rest of the night away. The evening concluded on a high note and plans for the next annual Gala Ball have commenced.

Thank you to all who attended.

A sincere and warm congratulations to the 2024 Award nominations and winners.

All Fresh State Members were invited to nominate who they think are the best candidates for each Fresh State accolade. As voted by the Fresh State Members and the Market community, the awards are as follows..

THIS IS YOUR LIFE

The 2024 “This is Your Life Award” was presented to Ross Barker from Barkers Fresh Produce Ross is a long-standing member of the Melbourne Market community and has built a successful business despite tribulations faced over the years.

WHOLESALE PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

A member of the market community whose notable traits have inspired others over the past year. This member is viewed by their peers as being professional, pro-active and loyal.

Winner: Frank Buggee – Big Valley Produce

BUYER OF THE YEAR

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

Winner: Just Fresh Wholesalers

WHOLESALE COMPANY OF THE YEAR

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

Winner: Produce Time

FRESH STATE SUPPORTER OF THE YEAR

A business that has been supportive and contributes to the welfare of Fresh State.

Winner: Perfection Fresh Australia

YOUNG MARKETEER OF THE YEAR

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

Winner: Thanh Truong – Aus Asia Produce

Just Fresh Wholesalers

Flavorite Marketing Pty. Ltd.

Flowerdale Sprout Farm

Melba Fresh Pty. Ltd.

Perfection Fresh Pty. Ltd.

Coolibah Herbs

Jonathan Dykes INTERVIEW WITh

What is your current role and how long have you been in the market for?

I have been in the market for 15 years, I’m a salesman and director at Dykes Brothers.

FROM Dykes Bros

What brought you into the market?

I first started back in 2009 straight after finishing high school. Originally, I was only going to work part-time while studying at university. I really started to enjoy working in the family business, so it wasn’t long before I took up a full-time role.

I love the market community. I work in a family business but see the market as a family just as much. It makes a massive difference when you really enjoy those who you work with and around.

What do you enjoy most about working in the market?

I love the market community. I work in a family business but see the market as a family just as much. It makes a massive difference when you really enjoy those who you work with and around.

Do you have anything in stock that is in season?

Queensland lemons are in full production. We’ve just finished with our Tasmanian blueberries but will shortly start up with fruit from Queensland.

What are your hobbies outside of the market?

I have a 3.5-year-old daughter and 2-yearold twin boys who take up most of my time. But outside of that, and when I’m not being disappointed by my footy team (Bulldogs), I enjoy being able to sit down and read a book or jump on to the computer to play a game or two.

What is your favourite vegetable/fruit?

It’s hard for me to look past a KP Mango.

What is your biggest challenge in the market?

When it comes to challenges in the market, personally I think it would be great to circulate more marketing and media to get younger people involved in the industry. It is not a heavily promoted industry because it is mostly family orientated. The roles in the market can be very diverse and as the industry continues to grow I think it would be great to promote careers and get more people involved.

What is your best piece of advice to future generations in the market?

Build up strong relationships with not only customers and growers, but with everyone in the market. I’ve always seen the market as a family and have always loved how well everyone gets along despite being in competition with each other. Building those relationships doesn’t just bode well for a successful business, but lifelong friendships as well.

Build up strong relationships with not only customers and growers, but with everyone in the market. I’ve always seen the market as a family and have always loved how well everyone gets along despite being in competition with each other.

Industry News Report

Independent supermarkets might be under rapid fire as they face the parliamentary committee into price gouging and record profits amid the cost-of-living crisis.

Queensland Premier, Steven Miles, recently used a watermelon to demonstrate the disparity between what consumers pay at the supermarket and what growers receive for their produce. He pointed out in a social media post that while consumers may pay nearly $20 for a watermelon, supermarkets are buying them from farmers for as little as $4.

This comes at a time of increasing concern over potential supermarket price

gouging and exploitation of both farmers and consumers.

With reports of increased profits, the government may be taking the right steps to examine the industry.

The Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers CEO Rachel Chambers said, “two potential issues that need to be addressed in any review: consumer exploitation and supplier exploitation”.

Farmers are saying they have had to cover soaring input costs, which have risen from 30 to 65 per cent. Input costs can include anything from water, fertiliser and pesticides during production to picking costs, labour costs, packaging of goods, transport and the cost

of machinery maintenance and upkeep.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese put the supermarket giants on notice, warning government intervention would be considered if they do not pass lower prices onto consumers.

The investigation is still ongoing and further updates are to come.

Golf Day

Since 2013, the Melbourne Market Golf Day has consistently taken every opportunity to raise funds for a vital cause, DEBRA Australia. DEBRA is a not for profit, volunteer driven support organisation for individuals and families living with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB).

Held on the 13th of October 2023 at the Heidelberg Golf Club, the day commenced with the registrations at 7:30am with all

teams collecting their goodie bags and team polo shirts.

Last year’s successful Charity Golf Day involved over 100 golfers coming out and helping raise awareness and funds for DEBRA Australia.

With 27 teams braving the chilly Melbourne weather, last year’s golf day was a roaring success with a total of $90,470 raised.

It was an event well enjoyed by all who attended and the efforts to raise donations for Debra were extremely impactful for the cause.

Potato Industry Spudding Up

Spud-tastic news as Australia’s potato industry surpasses $1 billion in production value for the first time.

The most recent release of the Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook shows the industry continues to produce 1.4 million tonnes of spuds per year, however the production value has increased 24 per cent from the previous years. This remarkable achievement is a testament to innovation, automation and forward thinking within the agriculture industry.

At the heart of its success, Tasmania crowned as the nation’s biggest potatoproducing state produced 458,000 tonnes last financial year, closely followed by South Australia (433,000 tonnes), Victoria (263,000 tonnes), New South Wales (158,000 tonnes), Queensland (80,000 tonnes) and finally Western Australia (68,000 tonnes). With these enormous production rates,

the industry can continue to target growth opportunities in the export markets. Australia exported over 40,000 tonnes of potatoes last financial year, with the biggest customers being South Korea and the Philippines.

Emilio Lorenzetto, also known as Lori, from Emilio’s Finest has witnessed the potato industry evolve throughout his time in the markets. With over 55 years of industry experience, Lori began his journey into the wholesale produce industry with potatoes. Based working in Kooweerup, brushed potatoes were the main line with Lori recalling potatoes being a major part of a staple diet, included in the classic Sunday roast.

Lori said, “The humble potato has done very well to become a

diverse and staple crop. Starting with brushed potatoes, now we have different varieties such as washed, reds, kestrel, cashmere gold, kipfler, desiree and this is just a handful of many potatoes that come in all different shapes, colours and sizes”

Now that the potato industry has cracked the $1 billion benchmark for the first time, Lori said “it might be a great motivator for young growers to invest in growing potatoes”.

With this exciting industry growth, Australia is hosting the 12th World Potato Congress in Adelaide from June 23rd26th 2024. The opportunity to showcase the excellence of the Australian potato sector on a global scale aims to catapult potatoes into the spotlight.

Queen of the Market

Her Mangosteen’s

Known as the “Queen of Fruits” the mangosteen is a round, purple smooth tropical fruit that is native to Southeast Asia. With a firm skin that looks impenetrable, much like a jewellery box, this skin protects the white flesh nestled inside.

Under favourable conditions, the slowgrowing mangosteen tree can reach a height of 9.5 metres. It has thick, dark green, glossy leaves and large rose-pink flowers. The mangosteen fruit is highly valued for its juicy, delicate texture with a slightly sweet and sour flavour which can be eaten fresh, dried or canned. The inside white flesh is made up of 4-8 smaller pods and you can tell how many pieces are in the fruit by looking at the petals on the bottom of the fruit.

Why are mangosteens so expensive?

Two words: High Maintenance. These trees won’t just grow anywhere – they have very specific growing requirements and uneven yields. Although mangosteens are predominantly found in Southeast Asia where

When choosing the perfect mangosteen, look out for these three selecting tips:

• Mangosteen is the sweetest and ready to eat when the skin is dark purple.

• Choose fruit that has bright green and glossy stems. Stems that are brown and floppy indicate that the fruit is overripe.

• When selecting mangosteen, avoid squeezing the outside as it can cause bruising to the fruit. Instead, select the fruits that are heavier in weight. This is an indication of freshness.

it is wet, humid and hot – these tropical fruits also grow really well in far northern Queensland and Darwin.

They need high but consistent temperatures, high humidity and high—but not too high— rainfall to produce and ripen fruit. Saplings must be shaded and hate being transplanted. The trees also mature slowly, flowering only after six to eight years after being grown from seed (compared with the papaya, which can produce fruit within a year).

The mature trees are alternate bearing, producing a generous crop one year, and a very light crop the next (and possibly the next after that, too) while the tree builds up energy again. The fruit must be ripe at harvest as it does not continue to ripen after being picked. So, as you can see – the mangosteen very much lives up to the name with the high maintenance needs of being a Queen.

Mangosteens are crowned the name “Queen of Fruits” since the fruit spoiled so fast, Queen Victoria would grant knighthood to anyone who gave her a ripe mangosteen from their voyages abroad.

In the Market

Sour cherry juice spotted in the market at Melba Fresh and Priest Bros.

Sour cherry juice is cold pressed from 100% organic cherries. Compared to sweet cherries, which are usually enjoyed fresh, tart cherries are often consumed dried, frozen or juiced. Sour cherry juice contains a wide variety of vitamins and minerals that can help critical aspects of our health. Drinking high antioxidant content such as sour cherry juice can assist overall health and prevent infections. With the right amount of consumption, sour cherry juice can have these benefits:

BENEFITS:

• Improved sleep.

• Reduced inflammation.

• Lower blood pressure.

Reduce the risk of heart disease.

• Prevent or slow cancer growth.

• Improve brain function.

What is coming in the colder months

Niche vegetable varieties are making their way into the market for the colder season ahead. With limited availability and specific growing conditions, below are some of the winter lines we can expect to see soon.

Baby Wombok, also known as Chinese Cabbage, is a late summer/autumn crop packed with vitamins and minerals, perfect for your favourite cooking recipes. It is a selected variety of cabbage that is more convenient than a traditional larger cabbage, as it is harvested at a younger age giving a more tender leaf quality. With its fine sweetness and mild crunch, it is a perfect addition to any salad or a stir-fry dish.

Being a specialist vegetable that has a specific growing season in Australia, Kalettes are only available from May to September. This cruciferous vegetable tends to taste sweeter and slightly nuttier compared to regular Kale or Brussel sprouts. Perfect for a colourful, winter meal Kalettes are very versatile vegetables, they can be eaten raw, baked, stir-fried, grilled or steamed.

Globe artichokes are seasonally available from late autumn (May) to late spring (November) and are predominantly grown in Victoria in the Port Phillip Bay area. Two of the most popular varieties are green and purple globe artichokes. The flavour difference is subtle, but purple artichokes are slightly heartier and earthier in flavour. Unlike traditional green artichokes which are grown all year-round, purple artichokes are a seasonal variety and are only available for a limited time in spring.

Kalettes, the hybrid of Kale and Brussel sprouts.

Artichokes, coming soon…

Baby Wombok

Wordsearch

Y D N W O S T J F U B K S E P A R G C X

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Z W H U C Q M A G K R L U S G Y R E V B

V G R K B H U P Y N J Z Q M L E W F D H apples cucumber mango plum apricot grapes nectarine raspberry banana grapefruit orange strawberry blueberries kiwi peaches tangerine cherry lemon pear tomato citrus lime pineapple watermelon Copyright © 2021 Tree Valley Academy

V G R K B H U P Y N J

A X I F L S J E B R D A P R I C O T N R

apples cucumber mango plum

apples cucumber mango plum

apricot grapes nectarine raspberry

banana grapefruit orange strawberry

apricot grapes nectarine raspberry banana grapefruit orange strawberry

apples apricot banana blueberries cherry citrus cucumber grapes grapefruit kiwi lemon lime mango nectarine orange peaches pear pineapple plum raspberry strawberry tangerine tomato watermelon apples cucumber mango plum apricot grapes nectarine raspberry banana grapefruit orange strawberry blueberries kiwi peaches tangerine cherry lemon pear tomato citrus lime pineapple watermelon Copyright © 2021 Tree Valley Academy

apples cucumber mango plum

blueberries kiwi peaches tangerine cherry lemon pear tomato

blueberries kiwi peaches tangerine cherry lemon pear tomato

V G R

V G R K B H U P Y N J Z Q M L E W F D H apples cucumber apricot grapes banana grapefruit blueberries kiwi cherry lemon citrus C

apples cucumber

apricot grapes

banana grapefruit

blueberries kiwi

apricot grapes nectarine raspberry banana grapefruit orange strawberry

watermelon

citrus lime pineapple watermelon Copyright

blueberries kiwi peaches tangerine cherry lemon pear tomato citrus lime pineapple watermelon Copyright

cherry lemon citrus lime Copyright

MMCS Member Reviews

MMCS Member Review

How many years have you been using the credit service?

“We have used the credit service from the very beginning We hope to see more members using the credit service to make transactions easier between members in the market”

How does the credit service benefit your business?

“Using the credit service has been useful in many ways It minimises risk of bad payers, we know we have a safe and regular income and has simplified the accounts process for our office staff”

Would you recommend using the credit service?

“All the time - it’s the best thing for the whole market”

Have you thought about becoming a MMCS member?

This is how we can benefit your business:

Simplified buying, select produce, load and go

Online consolidated account statement

One single payment each week.

Partnering with you and mediating queries to resolutions

Online adjustment claiming any pricing or ordering discrepancies

Here’s what members are saying:

No hesitations with transactions, secure money and simplified processes.

- Adrian, Independent F.P

Joe from V.B Sculli

Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons butter.

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour.

• ½ teaspoon salt.

• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.

1 cup whipping cream, half-and-half, or light cream.

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese.

• 1 kg potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices.

• Snipped fresh chives (optional).

Prep Time: 30 mins

Bake Time: 1 hour 5 mins

Total Time: 1 hour 35 mins

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 200C/220C fan-forced. In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt and pepper. Add whipping cream all at once. Cook and stir over medium heat till thickened and bubbly. Stir in Parmesan cheese (mixture will be thick).

2. Arrange half the potatoes in overlapping slices along the bottom of a buttered shallow casserole or baking dish. Spread half the sauce over the potatoes. Repeat potato and sauce layers.

3. Cover in foil and bake in a 200C/220C fan-forced oven for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake for 25 to 35 minutes more, until edges are brown, and potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife. If desired, sprinkle with snipped chives before serving.

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