Fresh State of Affairs - Bumper Issue #65

of affairs

Single Use Plastic Ban Interview with Brett Williams from Coolibah Herbs

05

– Letter from the CEO

Letter from Jason Cooper, Fresh State CEO

06 – Single use plastic ban

The Victorian Government has announced a ban of specific singleuse plastic items in Victoria, affective from the 1st of February 2023.

11 – Interview with Brett Williams from Coolibah Herbs

Brett is the manager of Coolibah Herbs and has worked at the market for 35 years.

14 – First box of Victorian Cherries

20 – Wordsearch

22 – A Better Choice

09

– New face at Fresh State

Welcome to Jack Jerabek our new Gas Station Attendant.

Sold by Robert Apted from the Melbourne Pear Company

Summer marks a busy period for A better choice! on both a national and local level, with activities including an exciting new campaign featuring celebrity chef Julie Goodwin, a promotion to celebrate Victorian Strawberry season, and free fruit at a fun run!

24 – Christmas around the Market

26 – Choc Cherry

Brownie Slice

27

– Calendar of events

President’s Message

We’ve once again had another year of uncertainty, with world conflicts and tensions with our regional neighbours dominating the headlines. While it’s been pleasing not to be talking about the pandemic on a daily basis over the last few months, it’s an ongoing threat that isn’t showing signs of going away anytime soon, but at least there are indications that life is returning to normal. It appears that we have seen the end of lockdowns, we are able to travel again, both domestically and internationally, and of course most importantly, we can again this year celebrate the festive season with family and friends.

On a pleasing note, and definitely a sign of our industry moving forward again, Fresh State have announced the date for the next Fresh State Gala Ball. With a break from tradition, the event will take place in April 2023. I am looking forward to once again sharing a night with you to celebrate our industry, have a few laughs, and of course enjoy a few drinks together.

This issue of the Fresh State of Affairs is a Christmas bumper issue and is filled with Christmas greetings from the market community. There are also some interesting articles that I think you will enjoy.

We hope you enjoy the last Fresh State of Affairs Magazine for the year, and we look forward to bringing in the New Year with even more exciting articles and topics for you to read.

Wishing you and your families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Shane Schnitzler President Fresh State Ltd.

Letter from the CEO

I wanted to take the opportunity to reflect on what was yet another challenging year for us all. As this year comes to a close with our thoughts filled with global conflicts, interest rate increases, the ongoing increases in the cost of living, and even the recent weather that continues to impact supply chains, it’s important to remember that we’ve been here before, and there are better times on the horizon.

As we continue towards a return to ‘normal’ life, or at least the ‘living with covid’ life, it’s great to see industry events starting to ramp up again. We’ve already announced the return of the Fresh State Gala Ball for April 2023, and we’ve already seen the industry come together again at Hort Connections in Brisbane in June 2022, with planning already begun on the next event in Adelaide for 2023.

By the time that you read this, the results of the Victorian election will be known. Whatever the outcome, I have no doubt that we’re in for another interesting year.

The last year has again reminded us to be grateful for the small things and to appreciate our time spent with family and loved ones.

We have a lot to look forward to in the New Year, and no doubt it will be filled with good company, new experiences, and time to enjoy with our families.

I wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and safe and Happy New Year.

Jason Cooper CEO Fresh State Ltd.

I hope everyone is keeping healthy and safe.

Single-use Plastic Ban

The Victorian Government has announced a ban of specific single-use plastic items in Victoria, affective from the 1stf February 2023. This will effect Retail and Hospitality, Suppliers and Organisation and non for profit businesses

For us here in the Market it will predominantly have an impact on our cafes who use plastics, in their businesses such as Plastic Drinking Straws, Cutlery, Plates, Drink Stirrers, Coffee Cups, Coffee Lids and Food Containers. These businesses will already be considering other alternatives such as environmentally friendly bamboo, paper and wood products, however it’s a timely reminder to review if you also use any of these products in your business.

This ban is in place to address many problems that come from single-use plastics, by reducing plastic pollution and the impact on our environment at the Melbourne Market. All types of plastics are detrimental to the environment and can end up in our waterways when littered, therefore degradable and compostable raw materials are inclusive of bioplastic items which are also proposed to be banned at a later stage.

These single-use plastics makeup one third of Victoria’s litter, that is harming our health and wildlife. Clean up costs of plastics are significant which will be reduced when this ban is in place. A lot of items are impracticable to recycle, as they often taint our recycling processes. The Victorian Government are suggesting avoiding all single-use plastics and consider choosing reusable alternatives instead. If this is not possible, it is suggested to choose from materials such as Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper, wood, or bamboo.

The adjustment to these changes in the market may be challenging but as always, we will remain resilient as we move forward to adapt to this ban.

New face at Fresh State

Welcome to Jack Jerabek our new Gas Station Attendant.

We welcome Jack to the Fresh State team as the new Gas Station Attendant. Jack is an enthusiastic Hawthorn supporter, who has a background in road asphalting and landscaping. Make sure to say hello and introduce yourself the next time you fill up at the Fresh State gas station.

INTERVIEW WITH

Brett Williams from Coolibah Herbs

What is your current role?

“I am the manager at Coolibah Herbs.” How long have you been in the market?

“I have been in the market for 35 years.”

What brought you into the market?

“I was in Bali, and I met a couple of people from Victoria that worked at Dykes, and we became mates. In 1987 when I was travelling Australia. Starting from my home town in Western Australia I came to visit them, and they needed help for one night and I am still here.”

What is your favourite thing about the market?

“All the people make it worth it. I like the ability to be honest and be able to speak your mind.”

What is the biggest challenge you face in the market?

“There are a few bad payers but cannot fault too much. Weather is always challenging but that cannot be helped. Shortages is another challenge.”

Do you have anything in stock that is in season?

“Summertime is the best time for growing all our products as wintertime we can’t grow half our herbs, so all our salads and herbs are available through summer.”

What is your favourite fruit or vegetable?

“I like my mashed potatoes and bananas” In your opinion what could be done better in the market for the future of your business?

“I would have to say the undercover forklift areas, its like going over 100 speed bumps, jars your back, throws everything off the pallet and needs to be looked at. Not necessarily for my business but overall, they could change the undercover freeway for forklifts and keep the rent lower.”

Pre-employment

is a vital tool for assessing job candidates.

Wishing our customers, suppliers and the market community a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year.

A Better Choice

Summer marks a busy period for A better choice! on both a national and local level, with activities including an exciting new campaign featuring celebrity chef Julie Goodwin, a promotion to celebrate Victorian Strawberry season, and free fruit at a fun run!

SPRING CAMPAIGN 2022

A Better Choice! National Spring campaign features MasterChef royalty Julie Goodwin as the new official ambassador. Using the latest in video technology, we are able to supply retail members with their own personalised video message endorsing their store. Giving the store owners the ability to focus on customers in their suburbs and postcodes and share their own videos in their networks and on social media.

Not only do they have Julie for their online advertisements, but they are also able to have her displayed in their stores. Both customers and retailers are enjoying seeing Julie’s smiling face.

View the full length A better choice! ad featuring Julie Goodwin here: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=unKr_h_6ldA

2XU Wellness Run

The 2XU Beyond Blue Wellness Run is held in St Kilda on 4th December. A Better Choice! will be providing free bananas for all participants. They will also be giving runners the chance to win 1 of 5 x $100 vouchers at their local fruit and veg shop.

Beyond Blue has been providing support and services to people in Australia for 20 years.

Contact their 24/7 Hotline on: 1300 224 636

Victorian Strawberries Promotion

To celebrate Victorian Strawberries, the local A better choice! team will be rolling out a Victorian only promotion throughout December-January. This will include in-store sampling and giving customers a chance to win an amazing experience for two.

Remember to keep an eye out on your local A Better Choice! retailer or independent supermarket for this fantastic promotion.

Choc Cherry Brownie Slice

1 hour 20 mins

Serves: 12

Ingredients

¡ 250g unsalted butter, chopped

¡ 450g dark chocolate, chopped

¡ 6 eggs, lightly beaten

¡

½ cup coconut sugar

¡ 1 ½ cups coconut flour

¡ ½ cup cocoa powder

¡ 2 cups cherries, pitted, halved, plus extra cherries to serve

¡ 2 cups desiccated coconut

¡

200ml pure cream

If you need a last-minute gift to give a friend or loved one, box some of this up and get gifting!

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 170°C. Grease and line a 20cm x 30cm slice pan with baking paper.

2. Place the butter and 250g of dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Place the bowl over a pan of simmering water, stirring until the mixture is melted and smooth.

3. Remove the bowl from the heat, then quickly add in the eggs, sugar, flour, cocoa, cherries and 1 cup of desiccated coconut. Stir until combined.

4. Pour the batter into the lined slice pan. Bake brownie in the oven for 25-30 mins or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out with only a few crumbs. If you like a chewier brownie, you can pull it out of the oven earlier.

5. Allow brownie to cool in the pan for 10-15 mins, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

6. While the brownie is baking, heat the cream in a small saucepan over a medium heat, bringing to just below boiling point.

7. Place the remaining 200g of dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl, then pour over the hot cream, stirring until mixture is melted and smooth. Set mixture aside to cool for 20-40 mins until the ganache is at room temperature.

8. To serve, spread the ganache over the brownie, top with extra cherries and sprinkle over some more desiccated coconut.

Calendar of Events

Christmas Eve

Saturday, 24th December

Market closed Boxing day Monday, 26th December

Market closed New Years Eve Saturday, 31st December

Market closed New Years Day in lieu Monday, 2nd January Market closed

Christmas Day

Sunday, 25th December

Market closed Christmas Day in lieu Tuesday, 27th December

Market closed New Years Day Sunday, 1st January Market closed Australia Day Thursday, 26th January Market closed

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 comms@freshstate.com.au.

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.

© Fresh State Ltd 2022

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