Fresh State of Affairs - Issue #66

The impacts of over supply on industry

10 ways to enjoy Strawberries

Making Fruit and Vegetables fun for kids!

Lunar New Year celebrations at the Market

04 – Oversupply sees

Mango prices plummet, consumers urged to buy more!

Mango prices have plummeted to as little as $1.90 per piece due to an oversupply.

06 – 10 ways to enjoy Strawberries

Sweet and glossy, strawberries are not only delicious and nutritious, these bright, red berries are also extremely versatile.

08 – Global Fruit & Vegetable market growth

The global fruit & vegetable market is set to grow by $917.55 million in the 2023-2027 period.

10 – Grant Nichol to complete 1600km bike ride, in bid to raise $100,000 for charity!

Riding 100km per day, in a bid to raise much needed awareness and funds for The Pat Cronin Foundation.

12 – Making Fruit & Vegetables fun for kids! Creating a healthy diet is vital for your child’s health, growth and development, and fresh fruit & vegetables are a key component.

14 – Crossword

16 – The Lunar New Year Celebrations arrived at the Melbourne Market

The Chinese Youth Society of Melbourne came into the market and performed at the start of the Lunar New Year.

CEO: Jason Cooper jason@freshstate.com.au

Editor/Advertising: marketing@freshstate.com.au

Design

W:

20 – Victorian strawberries promotion

A better choice! team ran a Victorian Strawberries promotion to celebrate the Victorian Strawberry season.

22 – Sticky Miso and Chilli

Grilled Mango

23 – Calendar of events

President’s Message

As we reflect on 2022, we would like to welcome you all to what we feel will be a rewarding and enjoyable 2023. We hope you had a wonderful time celebrating the festive season with your families, and we are pleased to see you all back in the Melbourne Market.

This year we have much to look forward to with the Fresh State Gala Ball on 1st April, Hort Connections in Adelaide from 5th-7th June and the Fresh State Golf Day in October. As the year progresses and these events unfold, we look forward to greeting many new and familiar faces.

The first edition for 2023, Issue #66 of the Fresh State of Affairs Magazine, will explore the growth of the global Fruit & Vegetable Market, Grant Nichol’s bike ride from Alice Springs to Darwin in an effort to raise $100,000 for The Pat Cronin Foundation, and other areas such as: Making fruit & vegetables fun for kids and 10 ways to Enjoy Strawberries.

We hope you find it to be an enjoyable read and may 2023 be a prosperous year for all!

Shane Schnitzler President Fresh State Ltd.

Oversupply sees Mango prices plummet, consumers urged to buy more!

Mango prices have plummeted to as little as $1.90 per piece due to an oversupply of the popular, summer fruit, Chief Executive Officer at Australian Mangoes, Brett Kelly, claims.

The oversupply has been caused by an overlap in harvesting season, with growers in the Northern Territory regions running behind, corresponding with the Northern QLD starting earlier than expected after a hot, humid Spring. With three times the usual volume appearing at the Melbourne Market, Peter Tran of ‘Produce of Virginia’ explains that prices have plummeted!

Whilst consumers can celebrate, growers may struggle to make ends meet under these conditions Peter says, “You sort of feel for them,” especially as “fruit quality has been fantastic” this year.

“A lot of them won’t make it to next year, as a lot of farms are for sale and it’s unfortunate.”

Paul Burke, Chief Executive of Northern Territory (NT) Farmers says, “There’s a lot of fruit not even making it to market, it ends up in the juicing markets, which is a very last resort because of the return growers get,” and urges consumers to buy more mangoes this summer.

Compared with sale prices of $20-$30 per tray the same time last year, the oversupply has resulted in sale prices as low as $5-$10 per tray.

“I haven’t seen a season like this in 10-12 years. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen these prices,” Mr Kelly explains that there has been a “crossover of more mangoes hitting the markets at the one time,” and says that “puts a bit of pressure on price”.

“There will be a tremendous amount of volume over the next few months, so consumers will be able to get their mangoes and I know from past experience, they will support Australian farmers as they work hard to produce the best mangoes in the world,” he said.

“Our message would be to go and get yourself a mango daiquiri tonight and support the little blokes up here.”

Pia Piggott, a Horticulture Analyst at RaboResearch, claims that whilst an oversupply has occurred, production is only up 14% on the previous year.

“This isn’t going to be the biggest mango season we’ve ever seen, the 2018 season was a record season, with 83,000 tonnes of mangoes. Mango production has in-fact seen a decline since 2018.

“Since then, there’s been a decline in production due to weather conditions. Last year, in particular, we saw a large decrease in production volume”

“That’s what is making it seem like there’s so much of a supply – but this year won’t compare to the 2018 year.”

“Prices have been quite low, down 50% from last year,”

10 ways to enjoy Strawberries!

Also known as Genus Fragaria, the strawberry is a flowering plant from the Rose (Rosaceae) family and according to Berries Australia, Australia’s first commercial crop was produced in Victoria’s Yarra Valley during the 1950’s.

“Strawberry production started in this region as migrant families begun to settle on the outskirts of Melbourne, particularly in those areas with rich fertile soils,” Berries Australia said.

Sweet and glossy, strawberries are not only delicious and nutritious, these bright, red berries are also extremely versatile and can be used in many ways, from preserves to drinks and mouth-watering deserts, when it comes to strawberries the possibilities are endless. So why not buy a punnet or two and try some of these tasty delights:

SMOOTHIES

Few things are healthier or more delicious than a refreshing smoothy made from fresh, ripened strawberries. Simply combine 1 cup of strawberries, ½ cup of Natural Greek Style Yogurt and 1 cup of milk in a blender, and mix until smooth.

CAKE

Looking for a delectable dessert? There are a multitude of ways to incorporate strawberries with a cake that everyone can enjoy. Why not try a soft strawberry sponge cake, a crumbly strawberry tart or a smooth strawberry cheesecake? With lashings of whipped cream, sugar and sweet

strawberries, these cakes are sure to satisfy the senses.

JAM

Rather than letting those punnets go to waste, why not preserve your excess strawberries by making jam! A spreadable delight, jam can be used to add colour and life to toast, scones, sandwiches and even cake, as well as making the perfect gift for any occasion.

COCKTAILS

Adding strawberries to a refreshing drink, is the perfect way to cool down this summer! From a light and tangy strawberry Martini, with a hint of mint & vodka, to white rum, granulated sugar and lime in a sweet and flavoursome strawberry Daiquiri, there are numerous ways to tickle your tastebuds with strawberry-based cocktails!

JUICE

Craving something healthy and invigorating? Strawberry juice combines Vitamin C, plenty of antioxidants and a burst of flavour, for a rejuvenating start to the day or the perfect way to liven up any meal.

ICE-CREAM

Using fragrant strawberries to create a smooth, creamy ice-cream, is not only fun way to utilise your time, it also offers mouth-watering results! Made with cream, milk, sugar and vanilla extract, this tasty treat is sure to make a delightful accompaniment at mealtime.

SALAD

With plenty of natural flavour, nutrients and prolonged energy, strawberries are a sweet and innovative addition to any salad! A light and refreshing meal, perfect in the summertime heat, strawberry salad with Pecan nuts and Feta

cheese, is a unique yet appetising alternative and a great way to continue a healthy lifestyle.

MOUSSE

Offering a soft, light texture and sweet, creamy flavour, strawberry mousse is the perfect way to make use of those punnets and enjoy a tasty treat, without feeling too full. Bursting with cream, sugar and vanilla extract, this pink delight is the perfect finale for any meal.

COOKIES

A popular snack and easy to bake, strawberry cookies are a taste sensation with every bite. For a fresh twist, try a crumbly, almond flavoured dough and fill it with fresh, aromatic strawberries coated in a lemon and sugar syrup. Why not enjoy them with a hot cup of fresh, English-Breakfast tea or coffee, and make your afternoon tea extra special.

TRIFLE

Layers of sponge, cream, strawberries & custard, make strawberry trifle a striking fan favourite. This delicious dessert can be topped with sprinkles or chocolate shavings, and is perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Why not try making your own sponge & custard, for an enjoyable culinary experience.

THE PERFECT FRUIT…

Fresh, ripen strawberries are an edible delight, and a healthy and versatile snack. These delicious berries can be used in a multitude of ways, to create a variety of meals and drinks, from smoothies and cocktails to desserts, cookies, salad and jam, strawberries can be used to create the perfect treat or gift!

Purchase a punnet & enjoy getting creative in the kitchen today…

Global Fruit & Vegetable market growth

According to a new report by The Analyst, The global fruit & vegetable market is set to grow by $917.55 million in the 2023-2027 period, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.39% during the forecast timeframe.

The report, published in December 2022, “provides a holistic analysis, market size and forecast, trends, growth drivers, and challenges, as well as vendor analysis covering around 25 vendors,” says The Analyst.

“The report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current market scenario, the latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment.”

The fruit and vegetable market is segmented as per below:

BY PRODUCT TYPE

The report claims a rise in the demand for organic and exotic fruit and vegetable products as well as an increase in veganism, will lead to substantial growth in the market.

BY PRODUCT

¡

¡

BY GEOGRAPHICAL LANDSCAPE

¡ APAC (Asia Pacific)

¡ Europe

¡ North America

¡ South America

¡ Middle East and Africa

Covering market sizing, forecast and analysis, the report offers a detailed description of the market via “study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources by an analysis of key parameters such as profit, pricing, competition and promotions,” The Analyst says.

“It presents various market facets by identifying the key industry influencers. The data presented is comprehensive, reliable, and a result of extensive research – both primary and secondary. Technavio’s market research reports provide a complete competitive landscape and an in-depth vendor selection methodology and analysis using qualitative and quantitative research to forecast the accurate market growth.”

For more information, please see the following link: http://www.reportlinker.com/p05466929/ Global-Fruits-and-Vegetables-Coatings-Market. html?utm_source=GNW

Grant Nichol to complete 1600km bike ride, in bid to raise $100,000 for charity!

Grant Nichol, Chief Wholesale Trading Officer of Melbourne Market’s ‘Flavorite’ and Fresh State Board member, is hoping to raise $100,000 for charity, in a 1600km bike ride from Alice Springs to Darwin, setting off on 22nd April 2023. Riding 100km per day, with long time sky diving friend, Rick, Grant will saddle up for approximately 16 days, in a bid to raise much needed awareness and funds for The Pat Cronin Foundation.

The Pat Cronin Foundations aims to end the “senseless social violence’ that can lead to onepunch attacks, by working with schools, clubs, and community groups across Victoria, to raise awareness amongst school aged children and young adults of the dangers surrounding the ‘Coward Punch’. The Cronin Foundation’s ‘Be Wise’ program, is a valuable resource, providing young Australians with the skills and knowledge to identify and prevent violence.

The Pat Cronin Foundation was established following the passing of 19-year-old Pat Cronin, on 16th April 2016, after he succumbed to a one-punch attack. Founded by his parents, Matt and Robyn Cronin, the foundation is partnered by organisations such as Barry Plant and the Victoria Government.

Grant has chosen to cycle on behalf of the Pat Cronin Foundation as he has a personal connection to the Cronin family.

“My eldest son, Lachlan, girlfriend’s family, is very close with the Cronin family,” Grant said.

Following in the footsteps of his father, who spent his entire career in the Melbourne Market, Grant has been working in the market since the age of 16.

Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease himself in 2020, cycling was recommended to Grant

by Rick, with research suggesting cycling can improve symptoms.

“He thought the Pat Cronin Foundation was a good motivator to get me riding,”

His idea gave me an opportunity to reflect on my capacity to do something I can do now that may become challenging in years to come.

“It has given me the opportunity to reflect on my health.”

In preparation for the ride, Grant began vigorous training in August 2022, cycling 200km per week.

Rick is an experienced long-distance cyclist, having completed rides from Melbourne to Canberra, Melbourne to Sydney, Melbourne to Adelaide, Adelaide to Alice Springs and extensive rides through Europe and Asia.

Those who know Grant well enough, know that he has been an avid sky diver for 35 years, completing 6000 jumps and also competing in world championships and involved in world records, and he sees this bike ride as his biggest challenge yet.

During the ride, sponsors will spend a day matching every dollar donated with a further dollar, and those who donate will be able to follow coverage of the ride.

To support Grant and Rick in their ride and assist in raising much needed funds and awareness for the Pat Cronin Foundation, please scan the below QR Code.

www.ride2bewise.com.au

Making Fruit & Vegetables fun for kids!

Creating a healthy diet is vital for your child’s health, growth and development, and fresh fruit & vegetables are a key component. Bright, colourful and delicious, fruit and vegetables contain essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, all of which Better Health suggest can reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, type two diabetes and obesity, as well as lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol and promoting a healthy immune system.

Health Direct recommends the following daily intake of fruit & vegetables, for children:

¡ 2 to 3 years: 1 serve of fruit & 2½ serves of vegetables.

¡ 4 to 8 years: 1½ serves of fruit & 4½ serves of vegetables.

¡ 9 to 11 years: 2 serves of fruit & 5 serves of vegetables.

¡ 12 to 13 years: 2 serves of fruit & 5 to 5 ½ serves of vegetables.

However, raising healthy eaters with the right attitude to food, and getting them to consume the recommended daily intake of fruit & vegetables, can seem overwhelming, so here are some simple yet fun tips & tricks, to get your little ones enjoying fruit & vegetables:

MAKE SHAPES

Cutting or arranging a variety of fresh fruit & vegetables into fun & interesting shapes such as butterflies, hearts and caterpillars, makes fruit & vegetables more enticing for kids, and while it may seem daunting, it’s quick, easy and not only fun for the whole family, it’s also an opportunity for your children to be creative and exercise their artistic skills. Why not use shape cutters or simply your imagination, to cut or arrange your favourite fruit and vegetables into a delicious array of brightly coloured animals, shapes & objects.

GET IN THE KITCHEN

Getting your children involved cooking is a great way to get them interested in fruit & vegetables as well as in the multitude of ways a piece fruit or a vegetable can be prepared and enjoyed. Exposing children to different preparation methods and different dishes or flavours, may provide them with an opportunity to discover fruit or vegetable items they like (E.g., A child may not like a raw tomato but may discover they like it cooked), and the sense of pride they feel after completing the cooking process of a meal, can also encourage them to try it.

Cooking is also a great way to teach your children how to follow instructions, measure, count, problem solve and create!

PREPARE FRESH FRUIT FROZEN POPS

A homemade, fruit icy pole/icy pop is the perfect item to enjoy this summer! Nutritious, refreshing and sweet, an icy pop is a colourful, yet fun & delicious treat that kids can enjoy making and eating. Simply combine the fruit/s of your choice with juice in a blender, pour the mixture into an icy pop tray, add paddle-pop sticks and place in the freezer, to create a frozen pop the whole family will love!

ENJOY A SMOOTHIE WITH LEFTOVER FRUIT

There’s no better way to encourage your children to enjoy some fruit or even vegetables, than with an invigorating smoothie. This versatile drink can be made with any combination of fruit, vegetables, dairy or seeds, to suit any dietary requirements. A great way to use leftover fruit and vegetables, smoothies are an easy and delicious way to ensure your children are consuming fruit and vegetables, as well being fun for them to make.

BOTTOM LINE

Fruit and vegetables are an integral part of any child’s diet, with consumption of the daily recommended intake essential to a child’s health and well-being. A natural source of crucial nutrients, fruit and vegetables can assist a child’s blood pressure, cholesterol absorption, weight, heart health and immunity.

Ensuring your children are getting the recommended daily intake can be a fun, simple and stress-free process, with smoothies, frozen pops, shapes and time in the kitchen…so why not buy some fruit & vegetables, and get creative with your kids!!

Crossword

DOWN

1. Contains more vitamin C than an Orange

2. This fruit is the first sign summer has arrived in the Market

3. A close relative of the lychee

4. This fruit is the sole ingredient in Ribena

5. Grown on the ground out of a grass like a bush, you can also get them in pots in the market.

6. Sometimes this spiky fruit is referred to as the “King of Fruits”

7. This fruit has anywhere between 100 to 500 mini seeds in its middle.

8. This fruit can also be called guavasteen.

9. This fruit is a member of the roe family and related to almonds.

10. Classified as a fruit but can also be put in an everyday salad

ACROSS

6. This fruit grown on a cactus is likened to a kiwifruit

11. The scientific name is Musa Sapientum “fruit of the wise”

12. This fruit is spelled the same as a colour

13. This stone fruit comes in yellow and white with / smooth skin

14. The Sydney Markets hold an auction for the first box every year.

15. Classified as a large berry and ripe when the skin has attained a amber hue

17. The ancient Romans referred to this fruit as the “Persian Apple”

18. With its fuzzy outer shell it can be made into a lotion and ships.

19. The national fruit of Bangladesh, this fruit, when opened, smells like a mix of pineapple and banana.

20. This fruit is made into the worlds most popular pies.

21. In China this fruit is seen to be the fruit of good luck.

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The Lunar New Year Celebrations arrived at the Melbourne Market

On Tuesday 24th January, the Chinese Youth Society of Melbourne came into the market and performed blessings in the way of an ancient tradition called The Lion dance.

With drums pounding and symbols crashing, the dancers and their troupe made their way through the market. The performers jumped

and tumbled around collecting and showering the store holders with their offerings of lettuce and other fruit they displayed in the front of their stores.

The Lion dance is one of the most important traditions of the Lunar New Year celebrations. It is performed to bring good luck and prosperity for the year ahead.

Victorian Strawberries promotion

“It was great to have the Victorian Strawberries promotion in La Manna Fresh, supplied by A better choice! The promotional staff member was great with our customers, and most importantly helped us sell more strawberries!”

Anthony Patti, La Manna Fresh

Included in this promotion, was in-store sampling and the chance for one lucky customer to win a luxury escape in the Yarra Valley. The in-store sampling was a great success with both the retail stores and the customers, resulting in a vast increase in strawberry sales.

Rod’s Fruit and Veg South Melbourne Market.

Owned by fruiterer Scott Cohen

Sticky Miso and Chilli Grilled Mango

Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 10 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients

¡ 4 ripe mangoes

¡ 2 tbsp miso paste

¡ 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce

¡ 2 tbsp honey

¡ 1 red chilli, finely chopped

¡ 1 bunch spring onion, finely sliced

¡ Cashews, chopped

We’re taking full advantage of the season’s sweetest stone fruit with this recipe for Grilled Sticky Mango!

An Asian-inspired unique starter that boasts the perfect balance of sweet, spicy and umami-rich flavours, you’re going to want to grab a few of these for your plate.

Method

1. Preheat the grill on high.

2. Slice mango to separate the cheeks from the seed with the skin on. Slice a criss-cross pattern into the mango cheek flesh and place on a large baking tray.

3. Mix together the miso, soy sauce, honey and chilli in a small bowl. Brush mango cheeks with the mixture.

4. Spray mango cheeks with olive oil spray. Place under grill for 5 – 10 mins, pulling them out occasionally to baste with more miso mixture. Mango will be ready once sticky and golden.

5. To serve: place mango cheeks on a serving platter. Garnish with spring onion, extra chilli slices and cashews.

Calendar of Events

Labour Day

Monday, 13th March

Market closed

Good Friday

Friday, 7th April

Market closed

Easter Monday

Monday, 10th April

Market closed

Fresh State Special General Meeting

Wednesday, 15th March

Easter Sunday

Sunday, 9th April

Market closed

ANZAC Day

Tuesday, 25th April

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 marketing@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

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