“Charlie”Chung-LamwithChanFromOpaljade FareShare and Fresh State Partnership
Let-tuce discuss the shortages. had one of the wettest winters yet, with that brings some issues for the growers of Australian produce.
Issue SEPTEMBER642022 of affairs Heart Kids Hero Day Interview
We’ve
16 – A Better Choice!
2 ISSUE 64 SEPTEMBER 2022 Contents
“Charlie” from Opaljade Meet wholesaler Chung-Lam Chan “Charlie”, with 30 years experience working at the Market.
The Fresh State coffee cart will be out on the market floor, and we have an opportunity for wholesalers and other market businesses to sponsor the coffee cart and have your logo featured for everyone to see!
14 – Fare Share and Fresh State Partnership FareShare reduces the amount of food going to landfill and provides immediate relief to people in need.
1004 16
09 – Get Caffeinated with Fresh State
‘A better choice!’ is the first national initiative designed to educate consumers about the quality, service, and freshness of produce at their local
10 – Interview with Chung-Lam Chan
06 – Fresh Test Save time and money with Fresh Test – a quick, easy, and convenient way to test your produce.
If you want to stay fully informed about prices in the market, then Data Fresh is something you should look into.
CEO: Jason jason@freshstate.com.auCooper
Published By:
04 – Let-tuce discuss the shortages. We’ve had one of the wettest winters yet, with that brings some issues for the growers of Australian produce.
7 – A new face at Fresh State 08 – Heart Kids Hero Day Over 45 kids attended the Heart Kids Hero Day at the Melbourne Market, along with numerous special guests.
Editor/Advertising: Taylah Brown taylah@freshstate.com.au Photography: Taylah Brown Design & Distribution:Print: Fresh State of Affairs is produced by Fresh State Ltd. and is a free publication. W: freshstate.com.au P: (03) 9408 6627
11 – Wordsearch 12 – Do you know about Data Fresh?
President’s Message
As the seasons change, we come into the busiest part of the year. Spring brings many events to look forward to. During the last couple of months, we have experienced shortages and increased prices of produce. It’s been tough in the market for everyone, but we remain resilient and wait patiently for better weather. We also had a chat with Charlie from Opaljade and we welcome a new face into the Fresh State team, so be sure to keep a look out in the market and say hello. We also announced the winner of A Better Choice’s ‘Retailer of the Year People’s Choice’ Award, this is the second year of the award. We discuss the produce shortages in Australia and the implications they have caused the wholesalers and growers. We encourage everyone to learn more about Fresh State’s Coffee Cart sponsorship opportunities. Enjoying reading our latest issue and stay tuned for upcoming magazines. Shane Schnitzler
FreshPresidentState Ltd. fruit and vegetable shop.
19 – Crossword 20 – Meet the MMCS Team 22 – Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit Banana Bread 23 – Calendar of events22
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We’ve had one of the wettest winters yet and with that brings some issues for the growers and wholesalers of Australian produce.
Inflation has impacted the prices of so many kitchen staples, however not all fresh produce is being caused by the same factors. Inflation pressures are impacted by supply-side issues, this could be high fuel prices or the cost of fertiliser and freight. There has been a 4.3% increase from March 2021 to March 2022. The prices have fallen for some but increasing for others. When there is a good supply of the produce, the availability goes up therefore allowing a better price for consumers, some winter favourites such as potato, sweet potato and pumpkin remain at steady prices. Everyone remains resilient while we wait for better weather in the next couple of months for the sake of the growers, wholesalers, buyers, and consumers.
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Let-tuce discuss the shortages.
Growers often get the most out of their fruit and vegetables during winter, however, there has been a pushback with planting and harvesting crops due to the cooler temperatures and input costs, causing these recent produce shortages. One of the most affected vegetables is lettuce and the prices of lettuce surged due to the shortage. In parts of the country, lettuce rose to $12 a piece. The prices are looking like they will be reducing in the coming months but still higher than we’d like.
Lettuce isn’t the only one affected, produce such as zucchinis, capsicum, green beans, spinach, tomatoes’, asian leafy greens, berries, and spring onions are expecting shortages and prices on the rise. The shortage of produce unfortunately can’t be helped, in some circumstances this is due to floods and bad weather.
· Drug
The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA) is Australasia’s leader in workplace drug and alcohol testing with over 300 staff, 90 mobile clinics, and 65 locations. specialise in: testing and alcohol policy design and education Mobile testing · Saliva, urine and hair testing the risk of drugs and alcohol before it enters your business. Come chat with us at Office G02, MMA Building. Visit tdda.com or call on 0410 158 474 to learn more. help businesses create drug-free environments.
5
Pre-employment
· Training
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Pre-employment testing is a vital tool for assessing job candidates.
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Manage
6 ISSUE 64 SEPTEMBER 2022 Fresh Test
Save time and money with Fresh Test – a quick, easy, and convenient way to test your produce. Since its introduction in December 2001, Fresh Test has grown to become one of the largest and most comprehensive horticultural residue testing programs undertaken in Australia. Fresh Test offers an extensive range of tests, from Heavy metals, MRL (chemical residue) to Microbial testing. All results are confidential and are used for verification for food safety and Quality Assurance systems. We are one phone call away for all your Fresh Test needs. Working out of the Fresh State office, please complete the form which is available on our website www.freshstate.com.au/services/fresh-test/, you can drop your produce into our office, located at Store 36 in the Melbourne Market or contact our friendly staff and we can organise collection from your That’sstore.it,we will then do all the hard work and with our quick turnaround and our easy-to-read results emailed directly to you. Contact the Fresh Test team today on 03 9408 6627 or our email freshtest@freshstate.com.au and have your produce tested quickly, easily, and conveniently.
New face at Fresh State
Welcome to Rosemary O’Hare our new Accounts Payroll officer.
7 SEPTEMBER 2022
We welcome Rose to the Fresh State Team, Rose joined us on the 20th of June as our Accounts Payroll officer and she is excited for her future here at Fresh State. Rose resides with her husband Stephen in Romsey since 2019. Rose has a beautiful family of 7 with 2 children and 3 grandchildren that she loves dearly. Rose has a background working in the construction industry. If you have any accounts enquiries, feel free to contact Rosemary at Fresh State on (03) 9408 6627 E: accounts@freshstate.com.au
Heart Kids Hero Day was held on the 29th June 2022 in the Melbourne Market. There were special guests, including AFL star Jack Riewoldt and the guys from Goggle Box, Symon Lovett, and Adam Densten. Symon and Adam hosted the day with crowd interaction and the bidding part of the day. Over 45 kids came to the event, they were involved in handball competitions and interacting with hero mascots. The Market community raised over 60K and were very pleased with the day. We would like to acknowledge one of our members, VFS for helping coordinate the day and being a major contributor. We would like to thank everyone for their efforts and the Heart Kids foundation for choosing our market to hold the event.
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Heart Kids Hero Day
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Instagram: @freshstateltd Facebook: Comms at Fresh State Contact taylah@freshstate.com.au for more information on this opportunity.
Just in case you missed it, the Fresh State coffee cart was again out in the market this month. This month we were located out the front of store 107. For 1.5 hours, we happily provided the morning “pick me up” to the market community on the buyers walk. We have an opportunity for wholesalers and other market businesses to sponsor the coffee cart and have your logo on display! Your logo will be placed around the Fresh State logo on either one or both sides of the coffee cart for everyone to see!
We would like to thank all the current members that sponsor the coffee cart, Toyota Material Handling, Origin, Prestige Produce, Flavorite, Market & Grower Supplies, Granieri’s Fresh Produce, VFS Produce and Perfection.
The coffee cart will be available for Fresh State members to use at market events, including fundraisers, BBQs, and other celebrations. Fresh State will provide all the supplies needed to use the cart. The dates of the coffee cart will be sent out via email and promoted on social media accounts. Keep your eye out, you don’t want to miss this.
Get caffeinated with Fresh State!
What is the biggest challenge you face in the market? “To make sure I am healthy and clear minded as I can, to come into the market day in and day out. Make sure we are doing the right thing by our customers and suppliers. Another thing is the market hours, it cuts into our social lives having to come to work at 1am. We’ve given up a little bit of family and social lives to be here. We must make the sacrifice to get the reward. You’ll only get the reward when you do a good job.”
What is your current role & how long have you been in the market for?
Do you have anything in stock that is in season? “Asian herbs such as, betel leaf and lime leaf are in season, but they are very short in supply because of the weather changes up north. It’s hard to guess and we haven’t seen the prices go up that much. We have to look after the grower and work with them to make sure they have a good living.”
“I believe that it is a good business to be in, no matter how good they are, how rich they are, they still must eat and that is the bottom line. It’s a business that always will be around but depends how you do it.”
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“I run the business and I am a mentor for the future of Opaljade, teaching them the ways of running the business, to have a successful future. I’ve been in the market for 30 years.” What brought you into the market?
“Dealing with a lot of different people, they are very understanding and very good to us. Being in the market 30 years, we have met a lot of people, young and old. Getting compliments from the customers saying how good we are, is rewarding.”
What is your favourite fruit or vegetable?
“Anything delicious! I eat anything as long as it’s not spicy.” In your opinion, what could be done better in the market for the future of your business?
Interview with Chung-Lam Chan “Charlie” from Opaljade INTERVIEW WITH
What is your favourite thing about the market?
“The Melbourne Market Authority must treat everyone equal, if they set a rule, everyone must have the same rule. There is no benefit to us if they come in just for money and leave. If they don’t do the right thing, the younger generation won’t want to come to work here. The new generation are prepared to work hard for their own future. You must do the right thing to have a good business.”
11 ISSUE 64 SEPTEMBER 2022 WordSearch WCUFBUSINESSLTE MURDRBDKZCNPAAD FVDECOPERATIONS RZVYDZXSBFELBXC UMFEMIPBJQAVUGR IAIOGVTAURMVYRO TRGEREESLTTAEOP PKANXKTTELIJRWS YEHAZILAPREDZEV KTGZXSHIBPVTJRT UEDZAOESFLIIWBR UAPGFTKLXTEBCMU GWHOLESALERVPEC SCOMZHRMKEEHTXK CreditLTOYOTAJHLRZWBH ServiceWholesalerOperationsFruit VegetableForkliftPallet ToyotaGrowerSeller MarketBusinessTruck BuyerCrops Wordsearch Credit MarketToyotaVegetableService GrowerForkliftWholesalerBuyer PalletOperationsCropsBusiness FruitTruckSeller
If you want to stay fully informed about prices in the market, then Data Fresh is something you should look into. Fresh State runs the Data Fresh service to provide wholesalers, retailers, growers, government bodies, and industry associations with information about the price of fruit and vegetables in the market. We understand that businesses are different and may require alternate levels of price reporting, which is why our system is flexible. We can sign you up for reports on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, or even to the type of produce you require information on. We can also supply historical reports. If you would like to find out more, contact Carolyn Dyson at carolyn@freshstate.com.au who can give you an application form and a full run down on all your Data Fresh options.
ISSUE 64
Do you know about Data Fresh?
13 ISSUE 64 SEPTEMBER 2022 W H E R E T H E M O N E Y Y O WU H E R E T H E M O N E Y Y O U S P E N D C O M E S B A C SK P E N D C O M E S B A C K T O B E N E F I T Y O TU O B E N E F I T Y O U Competitive Prices Industry Service Easily Accessible Friendly Operators Open 24/7 Cash, Card or Account accepted *Cash service open from 2:00am to 10:00am Monday to Friday
The organisation runs Australia’s largest charity kitchens where they cook more than three million meals a year for vulnerable Australians, by transforming surplus food into delicious, ready-to-eat meals, FareShare reduces the amount of food going to landfill and provides immediate relief to people in need.
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We are very proud of our partnership with FareShare, who strive for a community where no food is wasted, and no one goes hungry. The partnership between Fresh State and FareShare was announced in December 2021, this will allow for a consistent flow of fresh produce to FareShare, and this will ensure continual distribution of meals. At the Melbourne Market, we have a dedicated pick-up point at the back of store 6. FareShare has found it challenging over the last couple of months with the sky-high prices of produce. The rise in prices has reduced the amount of food being donated. Wholesalers are telling us that the higher prices have resulted in much less wasted produce, with even ‘seconds’ selling well, as supply is shorter than normal. When the produce sees a drop in prices, FareShare should expect to see more donations.
Combining efforts to feed Australians doing it tough.
By donating surplus or imperfect food the generous wholesalers at the Melbourne Market are directly helping feed those doing it tough, as well as making an environmental impact through waste reduction.
FareShare and Fresh State Partnership
Fresh State would like to thank the generous wholesalers that are already donating produce to FareShare during these tough times, as well as encourage others to donate their end-of-life produce to help support the work of this great organisation at a time when Australians need it most. How can you help you ask? Get in contact with Fresh State or FareShare directly to make a positive impact today. Labels for donating can be found at the Fresh State office.
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The ‘A better choice!’ held an Autumn campaign from May to July 2022 was titled, “Win A Holiday”. Every week for 10 weeks, they gave a local shopper from every state a $500 travel voucher. In conjunction with the consumer prize the ‘A Better Choice!’ ‘Retailer of the Year, People’s Choice’ award was awarded. This award was selected by over 16,000 shoppers who nominated 428 individual stores as their favourite local fruit and veg shop. The store with the most nominations by their customers in each state was crowned the states “Retailer of the Year, People’s Choice Award” winner, and one lucky customer also walked with a $2,500 travel voucher! With many challenges that the industry has faced this year, the produce industry still maintained the supply and provided great quality produce. On the 3rd of August Callum Hann, celebrity chef and Masterchef winner, hosted the day and announced all state and national winners. In Victoria, Arnolds Fruit and Veg Market in Wodonga received the most nominations and the 3rd highest in the country.
We spoke to Victoria’s winner, Louise Arnold, and this is what Louise had to say. “It feels amazing to win this award, we’re fifth generation fruit market here in Wodonga, it’s so exciting. We come to work every day thinking about what we can do next and how we can engage and be relevant and this prize has said we’re doing everything right.” Arnold’s Fruit and Veg Market were very humbled by this award and look forward to continuing their relationship with ‘A better choice!’ in the future. The announcement of the award was casted both nationally and locally and featured on the Today Show as well as 7 News. This allowed further exposure of not only ‘A better choice!’ but for all winners of the ‘Retailer of the Year, People’s Choice’ award. Watch the full story of Arnold’s Fruit Market
‘A better choice!’ is the first national initiative designed to educate consumers about the quality, service, and freshness of produce at their local fruit and vegetable shop. They present an opportunity for consumers to come together to help create a positive future for business owners, produce wholesalers and local growers who supply them.
A Better Choice!
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18 Call now on 03 9533 0028 or Email: hello@fcbs.com.au In partnership with: Don't put your business at risk. HR Assistance provided by FSL,
DOWN 1. Played 432 games 3. Author of ‘The boy from boomerang cresent’ 6. Can be done on you own or in a group 8. Oldest club in the VFL/AFL 10. Collingwood - father and sons name 13. Moved from hawthorn to Geelong in 2021 15. The holy grail of AFL 17. Mascot of the last team to join AFL 18. 2021 Brownlow medalist ACROSS 2. Which team won the 1975 Premiership? 4. 4 brothers played at this club 5. Common injury 7. Which team was known as the bloods? 9. Who were the 2017 premiers? 11. Inducted into hall of fame 2022 12. Too many of these cause CTE 14. Men in green 16. A stadium 18. Done before a game on the ground 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 1615 17 18
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Down: Across: 1.Played 432 games 2.Which team won the 1975 Premiership? 3.Author of 'The boy from boomerang cresent'4.4 brothers played at this club 5.Common injury6.Can be done on you own or in a group 7.Which team was known as the bloods?8.Oldest club in the VFL/AFL 9.Who were the 2017 premiers?10.Collingwood - father and sons name 11.Inducted into hall of fame 2022 12.Too many of these cause CTE 13.Moved from hawthorn to Geelong in 2021 14.Men in green 15.The holy grail of AFL 16.A stadium 17.Mascot of the last team to join AFL 18.Done before a game on the ground 18.2021 Brownlow medalist
Crossword Crossword 1Puzzle
20 ISSUE 64 SEPTEMBER 2022 Meet our Melbourne Market Credit Service Team, Sarah, Jenny, and Lisha. If you have any questions or queries, come and see us at store 36 or give us a call on (03) 9408 6627. Meet the MMCS Team
21 ISSUE 64 SEPTEMBER 2022 BUYING & SELLING MADE EASY And More! Visit melbmcs.com.au now. Weekly Single PaymentOnline Account StatementSimplified Buying: Select, Load and Go! Become a Member Today! Contact carolyn@freshstate.com.au Store 36, Melbourne Market, 35 Produce Drive, Epping, VIC 3076 | T: 03 9408 6627 | F: 03 8405 3746 Security Convenience EfficiencyBecome a MMCS user for
22 Ingredients ¡ 2 Zespri™ SunGold™ Kiwifruit ¡ 2 medium very ripe bananas ¡ 110g butter, softened ¡ 170g caster sugar ¡ 2 large eggs ¡ 225g self-raising flour ¡ Chocolate, roughly chopped (optional) ¡ 1 tablespoon demerara sugar
Method 1. Pre-heat the oven to 180°C.
3. Peel one of the SunGold Kiwifruit and mash in a bowl along with the two bananas and set aside.
7. Spoon the mixture into the loaf tin and sprinkle over the demerara sugar.
5. One by one, carefully mix in each egg, stirring well to make sure it is well incorporated.
Zespri™ SunGold™ Kiwifruit for a spin on a classic that everyone will love!
4. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Recipe provided by Zespri™ SunGold™ Kiwifruit and www.zespri.com.au
9. Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes until cooked through and golden.
Zespri BananaKiwifruitSunGoldBread
6. Mix in the flour until stirred through. If using, here is where you would add your chunks of chocolate.
8. Slice the remaining SunGold Kiwifruit and arrange across the top of the cake.
Mix up your usual Banana Bread by adding
2. Grease and line a loaf tin.
Calendar of Events
closed
September Melbourne Cup Day
This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior permission from Fresh State Ltd. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to: The Editor Fresh State of Affairs Magazine Store 36, Melbourne Market 35 Produce Drive, Epping, VIC 3076
New events and times will be communicated in the near future. Thank you to all who have supported our events over the past couple of years. We hope you are staying healthy and safe, if you have any questions about events, please email taylah@freshstate.com.au. AFL Grand Final Friday, 23rd 2nd 24th Tuesday, 1st Market
Disclaimer Fresh State Ltd makes this magazine available on the understanding the users exercise their own skill and care with respect to its use. Before relying on, or altering any business practices, users should carefully evaluate the accuracy, completeness and relevance of the information for their purpose and should obtain appropriate professional advice relevant to their particular circumstances. This magazine contains views and recommendations that do not necessarily reflect the views of Fresh State Ltd. Fresh State does not in any circumstances accept responsibility for the accuracy or suitability or otherwise of any information published in Fresh State of Affairs. Fresh State Ltd specifically disclaims all and any liability for loss or damage of any nature whatsoever and however arising, whether due to accuracy, error or omission or any other cause.
In addition, by using the information in this magazine, each user waives and releases Fresh State, its staff and agents from any and all claims relating to the use of this document. In no event shall Fresh State Ltd be liable for any consequential damages resulting from using the information in Fresh State of Affairs.
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October AFL Grand Final Saturday,
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© Fresh State Ltd 2022
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24 ISSUE 64 SEPTEMBER 2022 Toyota Material Handling is the forklift leader in Australia’s fresh fruit and vegetable markets. 1800 425 438 www.toyotamaterialhandling.com.au Toyota Material Handling offer • New Sales • Pre-owned • Rentals • Finance • Service and Parts To make the smart choice and discover how Toyota Material Handling can make a difference to your operations, contact your local branch 1. Proven performers in the fruit and vegetable markets environment 2. New and used forklift purchase, rental or lease options 3. Superior service and parts back-up and support 4. Massive range with Toyota Material Handling’s world leading products 5. Flexible finance deals through Toyota Finance 6. Stability of dealing with the world’s largest forklift company HandTrucksPallet PowerTrucksPallet PickersOrder StackersWalkie ForkliftsReach CounterbalanceBattery CounterbalanceEngine WorkElevatedPlatforms &SweepersScrubbers
