Fresh State of Affairs - Issue #68

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President’s Message

Time has flown, and we have now entered the middle of the year 2023.

This year, Hort Connections was held at the Adelaide Convention Centre where some members of the market were able to attend the tradeshow area, and network with a vast amount of people. Knowing that the rest of the market couldn’t attend, we have gathered information from across the conference to put in this edition so that no one misses out on the great discussions that were had.

Alongside this, we also get to read about how Grant’s charity bike ride went, the success of A better choice! Shop & Win and much more.

Shane Schnitzler President Fresh State Ltd.

06 – Hort Connections

Australia and New Zealand’s largest horticulture conference and trade show returned to Adelaide this year.

08 – Shop & Win

As part of the A better choice! Shop & Win campaign, thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes were given away as an autumn promotion throughout Australia again this year.

10– Kanzi Apples

Naturally sweet and juicy, Kanzi apples have popped up at Market City Fruits again this year.

11 – Congratulations to Gail Woods winner of the Meritorious Service Award

Congratulations to Gail Woods, a highly respected figure in the fresh produce industry.

12 – Nutrikiwi

What’s brown and fuzzy on the outside, sweet and delicious on the inside, and has great health benefits? You guessed it, kiwifruit!

13 – Hort Connections Wordsearch

14 – Interview with Peter Tran from Produce of Virginia

The Managing Director for Produce of Virginia and I’ve been in the market since 2011

16 – MMCS

Fresh State established the Melbourne Market Credit Service (MMCS) in 1992 as a helpful way of assisting buyers and sellers in the Melbourne Market.

18 – A ride with a message

Grant Nichol and his riding companion Rick have finished their 1,500 kilometre charity bicycle ride.

21 – Boomaroo at the Gala Ball 2023

A world-class supplier of highquality green life created and put together our Gala Ball centrepieces.

22 – Kanzi Nut Butter Sandwiches Recipe

23 – Important dates

Hort

Connections 2023

Australia and New Zealand’s largest horticulture conference and trade show returned to Adelaide this year.

The three-day event took place on June 5th -7th at the Adelaide Convention Centre. It was a leading opportunity for supply chain members, growers and industry stakeholders in the fresh produce and floral industry to see the latest advances in technology and innovation.

At the event, Gazzola Farms, Just Onions, and Ten Farms all displayed their outstanding produce during the Trade Show. From salad mix and onions to cleverly displayed cavendish bananas.

At the event, Gazzola Farms, Just Onions, and Ten Farms all displayed their outstanding produce during the Trade Show. From salad mix and onions to cleverly displayed cavendish bananas.

With over 3000 delegates attending this yearly event made up of 900+ growers and 200+ exhibitors showcasing innovative solutions for the industry, not to mention the 50 expert speakers, this threeday event was the largest fresh produce trade show ever held in its seven-year history.

With a multitude of topics discussed, from nurturing

grower-retailer relationships to scaling sustainability, enhancing farming profitability, and strategizing for export development, rest assured all aspects of the fresh produce industry where covered.

Next year in 2024 Hort Connections will be held in Melbourne at the Convention & Exhibition Centre on 3rd –5th June.

Shop Win &

As part of the A better choice! Shop & Win campaign, thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes were given away as an autumn promotion throughout Australia again this year.

Customers from local fruit and vegetable shops had the chance to win their share of prizes, with a total prize pool of $19,000. Weekly prizes included a Breville Coffee Machine, Apple iPad, Kitchenaid mixer and Weber BBQ.

Zac Egan, the State Program Coordinator for A better choice! said the campaign was a way to give back to customers while also promoting the program.

“The Shop & Win campaign provides an important way for retailers to give something back to the loyal customers who support them. Additionally, all of the advertising that runs alongside the campaign promotes our key message for consumers to shop at their local fruit and veg shop,” he said.

The huge prize giveaway commenced on the 22 of March and ended on the 17 of May. 140 stores in Victoria, and over 400 stores nationwide received collateral

that included wobblers, posters and kids colouring competitions.

To advertise for the event, A better choice! used TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, radio ads and billboards, all of which had a strong message reminding shoppers to shop at their local fruit and veg shop to be in the running for all the great prizes.

Zac said the campaign was a massive success and allowed A better choice! to grow their audience.

“The campaign also gives A better choice! The opportunity to grow our digital audience, connecting people with our social media channels and website. We can then continue to remind shoppers of why shopping local is a better choice! From here, we look forward to the announcement of the esteemed ‘Retailer of the Year, People’s Choice Award’, which will hopefully provide national media exposure for the brand,” he said.

To date, this campaign was the most successful, with almost 30,000 customers entering nationally.

Every customer that entered the Shop & Win contributed towards the prestigious “A Better Choice! Retailer of the Year is a People’s Choice Award” where both Australia and Victoria’s favourite fruit and veg shop will be announced.

More information about this exciting award and the winners of Victoria will be published in the next edition of the Fresh State Magazine.

Zac said the campaign was a massive success and allowed A better choice! to grow their audience.

Kanzi apples

Dave James from Market City Fruits said they have been partners for years now. In fact, 2023 marks the seventh year that Market City Fruits will be partnering with Kanzi apples to promote their brand. The Kanzi apple – a cross between the Gala and Braeburn varieties – will be available from April to the end of October.

Kanzi apples are grown around Australia in 75 orchards including Battunga Orchards in Hoddles Creek, Yarra Valley, where the warm days and cool nights are ideal for nurturing the apples.

“There’s only certain orchards that have the right to grow Kanzi, so there’s about 7 or 8 authorised growers throughout Australia. Once they’re ready for picking they go to different packing houses where they will then be shipped out,” Dave said.

When asked about what made the Kanzi apple different from others, Dave said all apples have a different taste to them.

“They all have their own qualities. I suppose what makes them different from others is its unique taste. Kanzi apples are sweet and tangy with a

juicy crunch. They are also very dense, the core inside is pretty small so the customer can enjoy having more apple to eat.”

You can only expect top of the tree quality from Kanzi apples. Renowned for their premium, first-class apple, they have experienced growers that prune the trees to ensure each apple is given just the right amount of sunlight to develop the exceptional apple colour and flavour.

If you’re in the market for some apples, look no further than Market City Fresh who exclusively sell the Kanzi apples.

Naturally sweet and juicy, Kanzi apples have popped up at Market City Fruits again this year.

Gail woods

Established in 1974, the Meritorious Service Award acknowledges individuals who consistently promote and support the initiatives of FMA and their respective State Chamber.

Recipients of this prestigious award exhibit a genuine interest in the welfare of the Horticultural Industry, with a specific focus on the Wholesaling sector across all Central Markets. Their proven track record of business success, combined with strong personal and business ethics, sets them apart as deserving recipients of this honour.

Fresh Markets Australia (FMA), a leading organisation in the fresh produce industry, honoured two outstanding individuals at the Hort Connections Gala Dinner held recently. Gail Woods was presented with the highly esteemed FMA Meritorious Service Award.

Gail Woods, a highly respected figure in the fresh produce industry, has been actively

involved for many years. Her significant contributions to Brismark and FMA have had a lasting impact on the industry. As the former General Manager of Brismark from 2012 to 2020 and the current General Manager of FMA, Gail’s visionary leadership has played a pivotal role in shaping the organisations.

In addition to her role at FMA, Gail serves as the Deputy Chair of Freshcare, an organisation that provides internationally recognised assurance standards for the fresh produce and wine grape industries in Australia. She is also a staunch advocate for the five Central Markets across Australia, which represent fruit and vegetable wholesalers. Gail tirelessly champions the industry at both the state and national levels, working to support its growth and success.

Gail’s involvement in various marketing programs aimed at promoting the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables underscores her dedication to the industry. She has also been instrumental in advocating for fair practices and transparency through her work on the Horticulture Code of Conduct. Furthermore, Gail’s involvement with FreshTest has facilitated low-cost testing for wholesalers and growers, ensuring the quality and safety of fresh produce.

Gail’s exceptional commitment to the industry and the Central Markets earned her the Meritorious Service Award, a prestigious accolade that recognises her outstanding achievements and contributions.

Congratulations to winner of the Meritorious Service Award

Premier Fresh Australia has partnered with NutriKiwi again this year to offer buyers a flavourful and nutrient-rich fruit for everyone to enjoy.

Premier Fresh has been partnering with NutriKiwi since its conception back in 2014. General Manager of NutriKiwi, Michael Leach said they’ve been working together for a long time now.

“It’s been a long-term relationship with Joe Manariti [Executive General Manager of Premier Fresh] and his experienced team spanning back to 2014. NutriKiwi values this relationship which has been built on mutual respect and trust,” he said.

NutriKiwi is a New Zealand based company that transports kiwifruit, blueberries, and avocados to Australia. Since starting their company back in 2014, they’ve invested in promoting their brand through a mix of

different initiatives. The key theme across all their brand communication has been and continues to be the health benefits of kiwifruit, particularly

the immune boosting effect it can have on one’s health.

Michael said the brand works on being innovative and engaging with its customers.

“The brand strives to stand out above all others via innovative promotions, point of sale and the use of our mascot Mr NutriKiwi,” he said.

This year, NutriKiwi has decided to launch a campaign to win an exciting trip to New Zealand. There, the winner will have a chance to go to the NutriKiwi Orchards and experience a hands-on getaway.

The promotion period lasts from June to August 2023 and to win, one must “stack it high and watch it fly.” In other words, a display with the biggest and best showing of NutriKiwi fruit in Victoria and Tasmania gets a chance to win a trip to the NutriKiwi New Zealand orchards (there are 3 trips to be won).

You can find this delicious fruit at Premier’s Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth trading floors.

What’s brown and fuzzy on the outside, sweet and delicious on the inside, and has great health benefits? You guessed it, KIWIFRUIT!

stack it high & watch it fly!

Hort Connections Wordsearch

WORD LIST

CONVENTION CENTRE

HORTICULTURE

ADELAIDE

EXHIBITION

VEGETABLE

INDUSTRY

TRADE EVENT

BUSINESS

GROWER

CONNECT

FRUIT

Interview with from Produce of Virginia Peter Tran

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

I’m the Managing Director of Produce of Virginia and I have been in the market since 2011, so I’ve been working here for 12 years now.

What were you doing before you came to the market?

I was studying Business at La Trobe University and graduated with my degree in 2011.

What brought you into the market?

I was helping my dad during the holidays because he needed an extra hand, and I never left.

What is your favourite thing about working at the market?

The people. Everyone is genuine, nice and a bit rough around the edges which I like. No one’s too politically correct, so it’s been a great community to be a part of.

What is the biggest challenge you face in the market?

The biggest challenge I’ve faced has probably been finding young staff, not many young people are willing to work these types of hours.

Do you have anything in stock?

We currently have Custard apples that are available in the winter season.

What future do you see for the market and how do you think things could be done better?

In terms of the future and what it holds, unless we change the hours, we’re never going to attract the best talent to the industry.

How do you juggle your personal life with your work since you’ve recently had a newborn?

I don’t sleep. Something’s got to give and that’s my sleep. That’s the collateral.

What I usually do now is I’ll go home and take a short nap, wake up and do whatever until about 9-10pm, sleep about 3-4 hours and then go to work.

What is your favourite thing about working at the market?

The people. Everyone is genuine, nice and a bit rough around the edges which I like. No one’s too politically correct, so it’s been a great community to be a part of.

How did you feel when you won the the Wholesale Personality of the Year Award at Fresh State’s Gala Ball?

Surprised. I was very surprised. I was at the photobooth taking photos when they announced that I had won, someone with me told me I had won, and I was like wait what? I didn’t expect to win anything, I just came to have a good time but I’m happy to have been recognised.

MMCS

Melbourne Market Credit Service

Fresh State established the Melbourne Market Credit Service (MMCS) in 1992 as a helpful way of assisting buyers and sellers in the Melbourne Market. With over 30 years of experience providing outstanding service and support to all its members, MMCS modernises

the accounting processes and improves the cash flow of its members.

When asked about some of the benefits of being a member, Director of Independent Fresh Produce Adrian De Vincentis said he’s had great service.

“We have been using the Melbourne Market Credit Service for 5 years now and have had nothing but positive experiences with their service,” he said.

“As a business owner, using the MMCS gives us peace of mind knowing that we will receive prompt and regular payment from our customers each week which ensures cash flow. It allows buyers to upload invoice adjustments queries and concerns in the easy to use portal for sellers to approve within a timely manner. The fact that this is dealt with in one place is easy for both a buyer and seller to resolve any disputes in an efficient and orderly manner.”

“In addition, being a part of the Bad Debt Fund that the MMCS offers gives us as a

business a sense of security, knowing our debt will be recoverable.”

Overall, Adrian recommends becoming a member to everyone.

Another member of the MMCS, Director of Ferrinda Fresh, Ross Ferrinda said that being a member of the Credit Service has been beneficial for him as a seller.

“As a seller, the MMCS have helped to streamline our businesses invoicing process while working together with our accounts department. Making being a member of the MMCS a fast and efficient way to run our business,” he said.

MMCS have helped to streamline our businesses invoicing process...

Ross also shed some light on the retailer’s perspective of being a member.

“For our retailers, being a member of the credit service saves them time by simplifying the payment method and turning a multisupplier account into one invoice, one statement, and one payment process.”

Using the Melbourne Markets Credit Service has never been easier. As a retailer there are no fees to join, and you don’t have to carry cash, so you can have peace of mind knowing your entire week’s trade will be accounted for in one simple invoice.

A ride with a message

Chief Wholesale Trading Officer of Melbourne Market’s Flavorite, Grant Nichol and his riding companion Rick have finished their 1,500 kilometre charity bicycle ride on the 12th of May that has raised $125,000 for the Pat Cronin Foundation.

Starting out on the 24th of April in Alice Springs and cycling 18 days to Darwin, it was a journey with the purpose of raising funds to support the Pat Cronin Foundation and for making the most of life.

A little over three years ago, Grant was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease – a progressive disorder that affects movement and often causes tremors and a loss of balance.

While the diagnosis wasn’t an easy one to take for the former world-class skydiver, he was still keen on pushing his abilities with this charity bike ride.

“You don’t want to sit back and think that you failed to make the most out of every opportunity,” Grant said.

THE JOURNEY BEGINS

With little more than their bikes, Grant and Rick took off on the 24th of April, hoping to hit their goal of raising $100,000 for the foundation. Leaving their homes behind in Melbourne, the journey that they had spent eight months preparing for had officially begun.

After arriving in Alice Springs, they assembled their 32kg steel bikes (around four times the weight of a modern carbon road bike) and made their way to a caravan park, where they started to prepare for the journey ahead.

In the morning they set off from the Anzac Memorial, Alice Springs. From there, they rode 135 kilometres north to Aileron. While it was a long first day for the both of them, they were happy to have made good distance.

After a few days of being out on the road, the pair realised

that they would have to change the times they cycled. In the Northern Territory, temperatures can easily exceed 35 degrees by the afternoon. Because of this, they decided to start their journey at 5am instead.

They also realised they would have to change their diet. Riding, especially at the distances they were travelling, required them to eat more food that was high in energy. Because of this, they had to eat food that’s nutritious while also having things that were high in sugar, such as lollies, Coke, and Solo.

“I’ve never eaten so much,” Grant said.

For the first 12 days, they rode 1,200m kilometres, making sure to manage their time wisely since they had a deadline to meet in Darwin.

CHALLENGES THAT WERE FACED

Even with waking up early, they still experienced the intense heat of the sun. When they became hot, they would pour water over themselves to cool down.

One of the biggest challenges they faced on their journey was the relentless weather.

“The heat and strong winds against us were tough, some days it was like someone had put a handbrake on,” Grant said.

Luckily, they had the support of their skydiving friends, who travelled along with them in their van. They would meet up with the pair at 20km intervals for a 10-minute break then they’d be back on their way.

The heat and strong winds against us were tough, some days it was like someone had put a handbrake on, Grant said.

A RIDE WITH A MESSAGE

Grant and Rick’s strategy was always to knock over the majority of the riding in the first 12 days and have time up their sleeves to ensure they would arrive on time for the finish line at Darwin High School. Both of their arrivals into Darwin coincided with the Pat Cronin Foundation giving 14 presentations at schools in the Darwin area spreading their anti-violence message.

“Education is the key to changing how young adults behave,” Grant said. “We want kids to ‘Be Wise’ and end the coward punch.”

Their journey along with the word of the foundation in the area attracted attention. Both Channel 9 and ABC News were waiting for them along with 800 cheering school

is

adults behave, Grant said. We want kids to ‘Be Wise’ and end the coward punch.

kids, proving it to be quite a grand reception. The huge event became an extremely emotional experience with the pair seeing their loved ones for the first time since the start of their journey.

Reaching Darwin was a moment Grant would never forget.

“It was exciting, overwhelming, and very emotional reaching the finish line,” he said.

Grant and Rick raised $125,000 for the foundation, $25,000 more than expected.

While they had people they could rely on to donate, a lot of the money surprisingly came from parents who had personally lost one of their own children, or knew of someone who had been in the same situation.

“They can see that the Pat Cronin Foundation is educating kids in a way that will end the coward punch and ultimately combat violence,” Grant said.

LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST

The trip was an opportunity of a lifetime for Grant to celebrate healthy living against the backdrop of illness and uncertainty.

Wanting to be a good role model for others, Grant took part in this momentous journey to support an organisation that he believes in and to prove that anything is possible if you work towards it.

Funds raised will be presented at the “Be Wise” Ball held at the Melbourne Town Hall on the 24th of June.

Education

the key to changing how young

BOOMAROO at the Gala Ball 2023

This year for our Gala Ball, Fresh State chose Boomaroo Nurseries — a world-class supplier of high-quality vegetable seedlings and potted ornamental plants — to create and put together our gala dinner table centrepieces.

Boomaroo Nurseries have been operating for over 30 years and are a family-owned and operated business. They are renowned for their premium quality, commercial vegetable seedlings, ornamental plants, outstanding customer service and innovative approach to horticultural production.

The company began as a small family market garden in Werribee South and has now grown to operate on a national level, having locations in both Lara, Victoria and Southbrook, Queensland. With quality being at the heart of everything they do, we at Fresh State knew that they would deliver on the look what we wanted to achieve on the night.

If you’re looking for premium seedlings or ornamental plants, make sure to check out Boomaroo Nurseries at www.boomaroo.com.

KANZI® Nut Butter Sandwiches

These KANZI® Nut Butter Sandwiches are the perfect healthy snack for your morning tea! The crisp texture and sweetness of KANZI® Apples with your choice of nut butter is so delicious!

Ingredients:

KANZI® apple slices (3-4 mm thick)

Nut butter (peanut, almond or cashew butter)

Small cookie cutter (star, hearts or any shape you have)

Method:

1. Using the cookie cutter, cut out the centre of a Kanzi® apple slice

2. Spread the nut butter onto a separate slice of Kanzi® apple

3. Place the cut out piece on top, and you have a Kanzi® nut butter sandwich!

Tips:

Yoghurt works as a great alternative to nut butter

If you don’t have a small cookie cutter simply use what cutters you have to cut out whole shapes.

Important dates

New events and times will be communicated in the near future. Thank you to all who have supported our events over the years. We hope you are staying healthy and safe, if you have any questions about events, please email marketing@freshstate.com.au.

Fathers Day

Sunday, 3rd September

Grand Final Public Holiday

Friday, 29th September

Market closed

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

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