Fresh State of Affairs Issue 11 by Fresh State

april

11 2012

ISSN: 1838-7829

400mil b lowout

issue 11

april 2012

what’s on: 12

Relocation:

Banana Ripening Methods:

The damning report from the Victorian Auditor General’s office.

PAUL (1)

V Brancatisano & Sons (VEG)

DICK (2)

TONY (3)

FRANK & VINCE Brancatisano’s Fresh & Tully’s

LEO (4)

MICK JOHN (5) (6)

VINCE Brandon Park Fruit Market

Fresh Connections Produce Tour 2012.

CONCETTA

VINCENZO

VINCE

Past and present banana ripening methods explained.

Fresh Connections 2012:

VINCE, MARK & DOM Prestige Produce

JOE (7)

VAL (8)

VINCE & FRANK

Brancatisano’s Fresh & Tully’s

PAT (9) CHRIS & VINCE VB Fruit

The Brancatisanos: A 56 year history of the Brancatisano family businesses in the Melbourne Market.

Lest we forget:

Q&A with Nick Kapiris:

The Melbourne Wholesale Market closes as a mark of respect for ANZAC Day.

Involved in the KB business supplying interstate wholesalers with high quality fresh produce.

CONTENTS 2 | What’s on

14 | Around the markets

18 | FC 2012 program overview

3 | President’s message

16 | Cooltrax

25 | Fundraising

8 | Market history

17 | Fresh test

26 | Leadership

Published by:

www.freshstate.com.au tel: 03 9689 3233

Fresh State CEO: John Roach john.roach@freshstate.com.au Editor / Advertising: Sonja van Eijk sonjav@freshstate.com.au Contributors: Sally Piper sallyp@freshstate.com.au

Design: Flying Dog Designs www.fddesigns.com.au Photography: Michael Lamond admgr.gfv@ruralpress.com Peter Casamento www.casamento.com.au

Print: King Print www.kingprint.com.au Distribution: Fresh State of Affairs is produced by Fresh State Ltd and is a free publication.

president’s message:

Shane Schnitzler From the President We now have confirmation from the Victorian Auditor General that our relocation project is an absolute disaster, a project that’s been mismanaged by Government from the start; that’s resulted in a massive cost and time blowout. This issue of Fresh State of Affairs look at a comparison between the previous Government and the Government that’s been the decision maker for over a year and a half, and we summarise the critical points of the Victorian AuditorGeneral’s report. The State Government released their version of the “discussion paper” for allocation which goes to the very heart of our equity argument. It’s hard to ignore the fact that it took this government one and a half years to cut and paste our already agreed paper - minus the good bits… We would hope that this Government don’t fall into the traps identified by

the Auditor- General’s report and that they engage with Fresh State and demonstrate good stakeholder management. Our Banana story takes us way back to when Banana Alley was truly that, how our famous river system was used to deliver the biggest demand item in the business and fabulous comments from two of the best in the business.

Read all about the incredible journey of the Brancatsiano Family starting from the year 1951 and what role that family has played in this amazing industry. Our industry really does have some heroes as you will read. Robert Rawnsley and Rick Guirini sacrifice a lot to raise money for The Leukaemia Foundation with tremendous support from the market community yet again.

It’s hard to ignore the fact that it took this government one and a half years to cut and paste our already agreed paper - minus the good bits… Some committed exhibitors for Fresh Connections 2012 start their advertising campaign as we move closer to what will be, the biggest coming together of our industry we have ever seen. A not to be missed event!

And to finish off this edition, a Q & A with a true gentleman of this market – Nick Kapiris, and I’m sure he will divulge his life passion – chocolate!

Shane Schnitzler President Fresh State Ltd.

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 in-

formation 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 2012

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 Market Box 113, 542 Footscray Road West Melbourne VIC 3003

relocation:

OF AFFAIRS

The Auditor General’s report: The price bid by the unsuccessful tender was $40 million less than the successful tender and then after the new shape was added the successful tenderer’s revised offer was over $30 million more than the company’s original tender price bid. This alone has resulted in a blow out of $70 million due to poor management.

Some damning parts of the report include: • Critical changes to the project had not been effectively managed, affecting both the timing and cost of the project. • The project will be at least six years late and more than double the original cost. • Stakeholder management was not effective. • A lack of communication with market tenants contributed to the delay in the relocation. • Tenants still lack the basic information needed for them to make a decision on relocating. • Major Projects Victoria (MPV) procurement process was not demonstrably fair and it is likely the Government paid more for the trading floor than it should. • The project cost will be more than double the $300 million budgeted and the project was not fully costed prior to seeking funding. • Site preparation, project management and other costs not provided for in the business case represent tens of millions of dollars. • No funding was provided for warehousing or other site development.

relocation:

The Victorian Auditor General’s Office (VAGO) report on the Melbourne Market Relocation has brought home the reality of the last 8 years as this community has lived with every decision and discussion since the project’s inception in 2004.

relocation:

OF AFFAIRS

issue 11

april 2012

The Auditor General’s report: This VAGO report dives into the detail of this project. It is extremely damning of the Government’s own people that have been responsible along the way. And that is not surprising! The information relating to this community in terms of the MOU, the Strategic Alliance and VFM is not entirely accurate however it is important to note that this report was circulated in draft to the responsible government departments and the MMA for comment several months before sign off. It is not surprising that some deflection of blame has been attempted given the extreme criticism of those responsible in government.

the mismanagement of the project as a whole. The frightening parts of this report are the fact that a proper business case had not been finalised so it is little wonder we still don’t have costs available to us and that the spend to date is well over the budgeted $300 million - in fact more than double. Other features of the report included: The tender process for the trading floor failed to demonstrably deliver value for money and probity was not well managed in the project, therefore resulting in a procurement process that did not demonstrate fairness. The

Major Projects Victoria (MPV) (the Government) did not seek clarification on many of the cost adjustments made to the successful tenderer’s bid price. MPV made a significant adjustment to its tender price despite the tenderer indicating that it would complete the work per the specification at the price quoted in its tender. MPV did not require project staff to sign conflict of interest declarations for this project. Prior to going to market, the MMA, MPV and DPI engaged the successful tender company to undertake research, options analysis and also as an environmental consultant.

The spend to date is well over the budgeted $300 million in fact more than double.

Another interesting point is that this report cost $615,000.00 for VAGO to produce and was six months overdue!

The first issue pointed out by the auditor general was poor stake holder management – that’s us!! Stakeholder management had not been effective and major concerns for the market community were, firstly the mixed messages coming from the government about the move and, secondly, the Government’s inability to honour its commitments. That is certainly the truth! We have told both the Government and the MMA the same thing for many years, but this report goes into detail around the level of stakeholder input, the information flow (not) coming back from government and

end result being, that the Government likely paid more for the trading floor than they should have. Conflicts of interest were not managed well as the Major Projects project director, whom also chaired the Design Evaluation group and sat on the Evaluation Control group was an ex employee of the successful tenderer. The price bid by the unsuccessful tender was $40 million less than the successful tender and then after the new shape was added the successful tenderer’s revised offer was over $30 million more than the company’s original tender price bid. This alone has resulted in a blow out of $70 million due to poor management.

So after 8 years, 5 ministers and several government departments and a VAGO report there are a lot of people ducking for cover. This doesn’t fix our problem, however as an industry that has been consolidating rapidly over the last decade, and price pressures directly affecting our bottom line, we are now expected to relocate our business, fit out our stores, pay and fit out a warehouse and pay double the rent? And the interesting part is that the same people from Government are still in charge, no one has lost their job and the industry – a critical industry, remains in limbo!!

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market history:

OF AFFAIRS

9 6 9 1 – 1960

issue 11

april 2012

Melbourne’s

The 1960’s were a very interesting time for the Melbourne fruit and vegetable wholesale industry. There was the 1960 Royal Commission that investigated price fixing within the market system, the result of which was never proven and therefore dismissed. But the most significant event during this period was the eventual relocation of the Melbourne Wholesale Market from the Queen Victoria Market (QVM) to 542 Footscray Road, West Melbourne.

The primary principals which the City Architect used in arriving at a basic design for the building: 1. To create a compact design consistent with the size of the market and volume of produce handled. 2. To solve internal transport problems so that fastmoving vehicles were kept outside the trading area and access provided to all traders premises by modern-style vehicles (ie forklifts) 3. To provide a facility capable of extension to meet future additional needs. 4. A totally enclosed market to enable constant working conditions.

Similar to today’s move to Epping, there was opposition to the relocation. The Victorian Chamber of Fruit and Vegetable Industries (now known as Fresh State) proposed a redevelopment of the QVM site instead of a relocation, as the stores were only 29 years old and the merchants had large investments in facilities and equipment there. The council examined their plan but concluded that it did not meet the requirements of the market. Upon request from several market user organisations, a Market Site Committee was developed to investigate the possibility of redeveloping the QVM site as an alternative to relocation. This was to become the first of numerous independent committees appointed in times of conflict to resolve market issues.

It recommended that the new wholesale fruit and vegetable market be constructed as soon as possible on the Footscray Road land due to its suitability - flat land not less than 50 acres in area, low value, situated within six miles of the city centre, was close to a railway siding and on a major road with access from all directions. It was also owned by the Melbourne City Council. The land was not an ideal square shape and everyone wanted bigger stores/stands and more room for movement and parking. But they also wanted a compact market to avoid having to transport produce too far and market charges to remain as low as possible.

The design of the market was difficult and there were long delays in reaching the approval stage. The Committee analysed the proposals for various wholesale market relocations and redevelopments including that of the Chamber and produced a final report of its findings.

With all these requirements, the design of the market was difficult and there were long delays in reaching the approval stage. An Advisory Committee was established pursuant to the

Market History

Extreme West Wall looking East. Total span: 219.46 m.

The Council wanted the Committee to approve the plans before going to the trouble of costing the design and obtaining charges and the Committee were not prepared to approve plans without an estimate of charges. Fruit and Vegetables Marketing Advisory Committee Act of 1963 to assist the council with the new market including the design and construction. This committee was made up of nine members, eight representing market users plus a Chairman from the Department of Agriculture. Under the Act the council was required to consult the committee before the construction of any portion of the market was commenced or any alternations or additions were made. Suffice to say the relationship between the Advisory Committee, Council and Government became frayed. The Council wanted the Committee to approve the plans before going to the trouble of costing the design and obtaining charges and the Committee were

not prepared to approve plans without an estimate of charges (dĂŠjĂ vu?).

costs. The approval was pursuant to a costing as per previous requirements.

In order to expedite matters, the Advisory Committee agreed to approve a general plan on the proviso that a final decision would not be made until approximate charges were known and agreed upon.

Interestingly, the Advisory Committee was not consulted again on this plan and the final redrafted plans were submitted to council and the development went ahead. The total cost of the project rose to $11 million however rentals did not increase above the original forecast of approx $5000 pa.

A costing on the plan came in at $9 million which would increase rents from $1800 per annum at the QVM to $5000 approx at the new market! The committee was extremely concerned about this and went back to the City Architect to refine the plan in order to reduce costs. The Committee eventually approved a revised plan for the entire trading area to be under the one pavilion type roof with the assurance that this pavilion style would reduce

Source: Melbourne Markets 1841 - 1979 edited by Colin E Cole.

banana ripening methods:

OF AFFAIRS

issue 11

april 2012

Banana Ripening:

Ripening methods have been used for many years with a variety of fruit such as the paw paw, tomatoes and most commonly bananas. Bananas used to come from Fiji and were transported up the Yarra River” says Banana Jack (also known as banana connoisseur John McNish). “The bananas would arrive in bunches on banana boats. There was no Market Street Bridge in those days so the boats

Explosions were not unusual in banana ripening chambers. ‘In the old days’, a single Bunsen burner - yes the ones used in chemistry at school - were used to ripen bananas. “You would place the bananas in an air tight room and light the Bunsen burner, then once it had

“Banana Alley” was one of the original storage and ripening facilities for bananas and is an iconic Melbourne landmark located near Flinders Street Station. could sail freely up the river to Banana Alley where they would be unloaded.” “Banana Alley” was one of the original storage and ripening facilities for bananas and is an iconic Melbourne landmark located near Flinders Street Station.

heated up the room you simple blew out the flame” says Rob Millis, a veteran banana ripener. “This worked really well in keeping the ethylene constant in the room but the only problem was you couldn’t see the gas.” “There were a lot of accidental deaths in those days due to this method” says

Rob. “Usually someone would walk into the room with a cigarette and that would be it - the room would explode along with everything in it”. Suffice to say this method is not used these days. The gas used is now illegal and there are stringent OHS regulations regarding the process for current ripening practices. Eventually bananas were banned from being imported from Fiji. The majority of bananas then came from Northern New South Wales and started arriving from Northern Queensland in around 1956. “All bananas came in cases not cartons and they all had to be green” recalls Jack. “They arrived by rail and then had to be inspected for ripeness. Any ripe bananas had to be discarded and only green ones were permitted. The green bananas were then transported to ripening rooms in readiness for sale.”

cooltrax: LEFT: Green bananas in cartons in the ripening room. BELOW: Banana cartons being stacked in the Millis ripening rooms situated in Queen Street, Melbourne.

Current banana ripening methods:

Ripening rooms are situated in and around the Melbourne Wholesale Market and other popular places of trade. Interestingly Jack also recalls that tomatoes that came from Geraldton in Western Australia not only had to be ripened in similar ripening rooms but also were packed into Jarrah cases. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That is something we would certainly not see todayâ&#x20AC;? says Jack. Silk Bros, a long standing wholesaling business still in operation today, had a large ripening chamber running from Flinders Lane up to Collins Street (where the current Rialto site is today) which was used up until 1970. Other ripening chambers were located in Queen, Franklin and Peel Streets in close proximity to the Queen Victoria Market.â&#x20AC;? Today ripening rooms are situated in and around the Melbourne Wholesale Market and other popular places of trade.

Bananas, similar to other fruits of this nature are harvested hard and green. They are then transported to warehouses and ripening facilities. The banana pallets are stacked inside the ripening rooms to allow good airflow and consistent temperature within the room. Ripening rooms look like coolrooms and create a controlled environment that replicates the climatic conditions of heat and humidity where the bananas are grown as if they had ripened naturally and not harvested early. Heating the air in the rooms (17 degrees approx) causes the bananas to respire. The combination of warm air and the introduction of ethylene starts the ripening process. As the bananas respire, the pores in the skin open up and the flesh gets softer until they turn towards a yellow colour. This process will continue over 6-7 days and the temperature during this time will determine the end colour. The temperature control is important as any variances will either make the banana flesh become too soft or go off in colour.

OF AFFAIRS

issue 11

april 2012

Fresh Connections Produce Tour 2012 The Australian Chamber will host the Producers Tour at the Fresh Connections 2012 Conference, which will provide a diverse and interesting look at fresh produce grown around the Melbourne area. Taking place on Tuesday 26 June, the tour will take a look at vegetable seedling production, growing and harvesting the unique crop of mushrooms, sustainable farming techniques for fresh vegetables, plus a look behind the scenes at the internationally successful Nufarm chemical production facility.

First Stop: Parwan Valley Mushrooms in Parwan Perfection Fresh Australia has forged a strategic joint venture partnership with asset management company, Mecrus Pty Ltd, to establish a $10 million purpose-built mushroom facility at Parwan, west of Melbourne.

Did you know? Independent nurseries operating throughout Victoria supply more than 70% of vegetable seedlings to growers with some growers also producing their own seedlings. Production in Victoria accounts for 27% of Australia’s total vegetable production and is Victoria’s second largest horticultural industry (after potatoes), worth in excess of $500 million per annum.

Joint venture company, Parwan Valley Mushrooms Pty Ltd, will produce some 50 tonnes of commodity mushrooms a week from its 17-hectare high-tech mushroom farm when it enters full production in late May. Delegates will have the opportunity to tour the facility which has been designed and constructed by the world’s largest supplier of turnkey mushroom farms. It also features a sophisticated multiple climate control system, and a fully automated under-bed irrigation system. Parwan Valley Mushrooms will produce approximately 2,600 tonnes of predominately white agaricus bisporus mushrooms a year including buttons, cups and flats.

Did you know? Mushrooms are the sixth most valuable horticultural crop grown in Australia with 80% of Australian households regularly purchasing fresh mushrooms. In the 1970s, most mushrooms eaten in Australia were sold in cans. Today, we eat 95% of our mushrooms fresh!

Second Stop: Boomaroo Seedlings in Lara Vegetables have to start somewhere and this is where Boomaroo Nurseries come in. A specialist vegetable seedling producer, Boomaroo supplies around 250 million seedlings to vegetable growers in Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia. All seedlings are grown to order with an in-house computer system tracking orders at all times, from confirmation through to dispatch together with a fully automated facility to ensure consistency of high quality products.

As one of the largest seedling producers in the country, delegates will be able to see exactly what goes into growing vegetables from seed through to dispatch and everything in between. Located in Lara at the foot of the You Yangs in outer Melbourne, delegates will get a good appreciation of the logistics and climate that make Boomaroo Nurseries so successful.

Based in the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;salad bowlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of Melbourne, Fresh Select supplies fresh vegetables to local and overseas markets such as cos lettuce, baby broccoli and cauliflower. Fresh Select is the result of two successful local businesses joining forces over 45 years ago, combining their experience in growing, wholesaling and retailing in the vegetable industry. Fresh Select has been recognised for its marketleading approach to supplying fresh produce, and holds SQF 2000 (Level 3), HACCP and Coles accreditations and supports growers by sharing Quality Assurance systems, sustainable farming techniques and the latest industry news.

Final Stop: Nufarm Nufarm is a successful international Australian company that produces many of its flagship products right here in Victoria! Delegates will see first hand how raw ingredients such as salt can be converted through a series of procedures to become a renowned chemical product used in agriculture throughout the world. Not only are health and safety procedures paramount during the production of Nufarm chemicals but you will also see the strength and loyalty of the people that make up the Nufarm team and how this tight knit group are the anchor behind such a successful company.

To take part in the Produce Tour and have the opportunity to visit these successful Victorian businesses, log onto www.pmafreshconnections.com.au and register before they sell out. For more information please contact Sonja van Eijk at The Australian Chamber on 9689 3233 or 0421 632 521.

produce tour 2012:

Third Stop: Fresh Select in Werribee South

around the markets:

OF AFFAIRS

issue 10

february 2012

01. Dale and Eli from Biodynamic Marketing Co. 02. Orinoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cafe. 03. Vince Tripodi. 04. John Bartalotta and Joe Brancatisano. 05. Geelong Grower Frank Battaglia with Mark Mather from VFS. 06. Barry from Omega. 07. Steve, Dominic and Steve from Moraitis. 08. Peter Podolinsky from Biodynamic Marketing Co. 09. Nick and Alby Chin. 10. Santa Rob. 11. Kylie from Aveling Fresh gets into the festive spirit. 12. The Kelly team. 13. Ralph and Osi Prestia with Fresh States John Roach. 14. Veli Velisha and Tony Nigro discuss Christmas trends. 15. John Latorre, John Maccora and Jose from Lattores.

cooltrax:

OF AFFAIRS

The world’s only real-time end-to-end temperature management system Monitor and track temperature sensitive products like never before with Cooltrax.

It is a brief, yet determined mission statement that has made Melbournebased software specialist, Cooltrax, become a leading force in Australia’s refrigerated transport industry.

Perishable food losses in Australia are valued in tens of millions of dollars per annum – and is estimated that over 30 per cent of these losses are directly attributable to cold chain failures, causing both economical and ecological harm. That’s why Michael White and his team at Cooltrax have developed a suite of unique solutions that deliver real-time visibility across the chain and the means to address failures before they occur.

1. Better shelf life 2. Increase profits and performance 3. Real-time management 4. Greater transparency 5. Meet regulatory requirements 6. Future proof

See how Cooltrax can work for your business www.cooltrax.com

03 9686 6011

april 2012

A measureable difference “Our aim is to make a measureable difference to the cold chain bottom line”, says Group Managing Director, Michael White.

reasons to use Cooltrax

issue 11

According to National Sales Manager, Peter Goulis, that real-time visibility is the key to driving product losses and inefficiencies out of the supply chain. “As food safety and product quality demands increase, refrigerated transport operators must have both historical and real-time visibility of pending failures and the tools at hand to address issues as they occur. “Depending upon the severity of the event, we enable full remote control of the reefer so that corrective measures can be taken before the integrity of the load is compromised. Thereby, our customers can be pro-active and meet all the reporting requirements expected of today’s transport industry.” Cooltrax is now the largest supplier of temperature management solutions to the refrigerated transport market in

The Cooltrax solution is able to integrate key performance data from refrigerated transport equipment and deliver it to the operator via SMS and email. By integrating a range of advanced technologies such as wireless (RF), GPS, cellular communications and webbased software, the Cooltrax solution is able to integrate key performance data from refrigerated transport equipment and deliver it to the operator via SMS and Email. It monitors all parameters of the reefer unit – such as set point, return air, send air and mode – across all zones, as well as fuel consumption, box temperatures and door events, and integrates this information with continuous location monitoring.

Australia and New Zealand. It also has customers across 20 states in the US as well as Canada. “Our solutions are now enhancing cold chain efficiencies across the globe”, says Michael. Our customers span all segments of the cold chain including food producers, transport providers, distributors and retailers including restaurants and hotel chains.

fresh test:

Are you paying too much for chemical and microbial testing? Melbourne Fresh Test offers very competitive rates and excellent turn around times (5 working days). If you currently have produce tested in the Melbourne Market we can arrange collection of produce the same day. We can also assist with testing for shelf life, water samples and also processed product.

We can arrange collection of produce the same day.

Fresh Test offers the following benefits

• Free and convenient sample collection from central markets

• T he largest, most comprehensive testing program in Australia

• R ecognised and used by governments and Industry

• I ndustry developed, owned and operated

• L arge range of tests available to meet the requirements of your major customers

• Online access to results 24/7 • A ll tests conducted through NATA accredited labs • Conveniently located on-site • Competitive pricing

Please note the new pricing below which is effective immediately. Prices exclude GST. As at 28 March 2012. TEST CODE

ANALYSIS

PRICE / SAMPLE Members

Non Members

PESTICIDES C3

Full Residue Analysis

$125.00

$145.00

Dithiocarbamates (measured as CS2)

$100.00

$120.00

C3 + C5

$200.00

$220.00

HEAVY METALS HM1

Cadmium

$55.00

$65.00

HM2

Cadmium/Lead/Mercury

$65.00

$75.00

MICROBIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS M1

E.coli

$28.00

$38.00

E.coli + Listeria + Salmonella

$85.00

$95.00

All of the above + Staphylococci and Faecal Coliforms

$100.00

$110.00

If you have any queries please contact Fresh State on 03 9689 3233 or email me at sonjav@freshstate.com.au

Conference and Trade Show

Something for everyone

at Fresh Connections 2012

fc program overview:

The 2012 Australian Chamber Conference takes place from 26 to 28 June in Melbourne and, under a new alignment with PMA’s Fresh Connection Conference, is now bigger and better than ever before.

“This years’ event is very exciting for us all, as we include Fresh Connections into our conference program for the first time” says Australian Chamber President Shane Schnitzler. “Our vision was to provide all of our market members and sponsors with a conference that would present them with the opportunity to mix with as many people from a cross section of the industry, and in particular retailers.” Shane believes this year’s conference will tick all these boxes plus more. The Australian Chamber conference officially begins with their exclusive Welcome Reception on Tuesday 26 June, on board the iconic 1885 cargo vessel, the Polly Woodside. The ship which is permanently moored at Southbank, will form a memorable starting point for the new look conference which takes place in the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre situated right next door. “There is so much choice and variety at this conference. It will be hard for our guys to work out what to do and what they are going to miss out on!” continued Shane. Australian Chamber meetings are dotted throughout the program with

plenary and concurrent conference topics purposefully targeted and relevant to Chamber participants. Shane says the highlight for the Chamber is the Trade Show which the Australian Chamber have sponsored. The Trade Show continues to build momentum from last year which now has the added inclusion of a Fresh Produce Trade Area. This area will contain mostly wholesaler’s fresh produce and is a great opportunity to expose individual brands and showcase the best produce available in the country. “This year Woolworths, Coles, IGA and Citrus Australia are attending and their supplier meetings are included in the official program. So there is no better way for our members to not only showcase their quality produce but to also meet and greet the large retail decision makers as well as the independents.” Please note that the program on page 19 is a guide only and subject to change. For a full program and to register to attend this event please go to pmafreshconnections.com.au

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

26 - 28 June 2012

HOSTED BY

Fresh Connections 2012 program overview Activity

Date

Description

Tuesday 26 June

• Retail Tour of Costco, WOW, Coles, Atlas in Flight • Produce Tour of Boomaroo, Parwan Valley Mushrooms, Fresh Select and Nufarm (see pages 12 & 13)

Wednesday 27 June

• P artners Tour– Full day in the Yarra Valley enjoying wine tastings at De Bortoli, Yering Station and Domaine Chandon • Partners Tour – Half day walking tour around the City of Melbourne and discovering laneways, arcades and obscure treasures

Tuesday 26 June

• F resh Connections Welcome Reception followed by The Australian Chamber Welcome Reception on the Polly Woodside

Wednesday 27 June

• Y oung Professional Reception (Invitation only) • Gala Dinner including the presentation of The Australian Chamber Meritorious Service Award and the Col Johnson Young Achiever Award

Thursday 28 June

• Closing Trade Show entertainment and drinks

Tours

Social Events

Australian Produce Markets Trade Show

The Australian Chamber Specific Meetings

Wednesday 27 June Thursday 28 June Wednesday 27 June

• • • •

Fresh Produce Trade Area Numerous fresh produce supply chain exhibitors Networking opportunities Additional informative workshops and scheduled meetings

• Credit Service Meeting • The Australian Chamber and CMAA Meeting • The Australian Chamber Board Meeting

Thursday 28 June

• The Australian Chamber AGM and Board meeting

Wednesday 27 June

• B reakfast with Sam Kekovich • Plenary - The Australian and New Zealand Retail Space – who is winning and why? • Plenary - Integrating new media tools to your best advantage

Conferencing Thursday 28 June

• P lenary - Making increasing Fruit and Veg consumption a major goal for the industry

Wednesday 27 June

1. Southern hemisphere suppliers competing for market share in China 2. Is A & NZ prepared for a major food safety scare? 3. Managing your Business’ Finance in difficult times 4. Wholesalers vertically integrating to remain competitive

Thursday 28 June

1. Emerging Opportunities in the BRIC countries 2. New Products - meeting consumer needs without sacrificing grower profitability 3. The Top 10 Innovations boosting retail sales 4. Are we proving successful at attracting talent to the industry? • Plenary - Making the most of opportunities in the evolving Foodservice market in A & NZ • Plenary - The state of the global fresh produce industry and consumer trends

Conferencing (Concurrent Sessions)

Conference and Trade Show

Joe Palumbo JoeDirector Palumbo Director JoeDirector Palumbo Joe Palumbo Director 0418 102 117 Director 0418 102 Director 0418 102 117 117 Director 0418 102 117 joe@youngsang.com.au 0418 102 117 joe@youngsang.com.au joe@youngsang.com.au 0418 102 117 joe@youngsang.com.au joe@youngsang.com.au 0418 102 117 joe@youngsang.com.au

Daniel Scavo Business Daniel Manager Scavo Business Manager Daniel Scavo Business Manager Daniel Scavo Business Manager 0411 606 112 Business Manager 0411 606 112 Business Manager 0411 606 112 Business Manager 0411 606 112 daniel@uwg.com.au 0411 606 112 daniel@uwg.com.au daniel@uwg.com.au 0411 606 112 daniel@uwg.com.au daniel@uwg.com.au 0411 606 112 daniel@uwg.com.au

daniel@uwg.com.au www.youngsang.com.au daniel@uwg.com.au www.youngsang.com.au www.youngsang.com.au www.youngsang.com.au www.youngsang.com.au www.youngsang.com.au www.youngsang.com.au

joe@youngsang.com.au joe@youngsang.com.au

Tomatoes. Zucchini. Capsicum. Eggplant. Tomatoes. Zucchini. Capsicum. Eggplant. Tomatoes. Zucchini. Capsicum. Eggplant. Tomatoes. Zucchini. Capsicum. Tomatoes. Zucchini. Capsicum. Eggplant. Eggplant. Tomatoes. Zucchini. Capsicum. Eggplant. Young Sang & Co. supplies the market with Tomatoes. Zucchini. Capsicum. Eggplant. Young Sang & Co. supplies the market with Young Sang & Co. supplies the market with quality Fresh Australian Produce. We connect a Young Sang & Co. supplies the market with Young Sang & Co. supplies the market with a quality Fresh Australian Produce. We connect quality Fresh Australian Produce. We connect number of Growers & retailers YoungFresh Sang & Co. supplies theAustralia-wide. market with a quality Australian Produce. We connect quality Fresh Australian Produce. We connect a number of Growers & retailers Australia-wide. Young Sang & Co. supplies the market with a number of Growers & retailers Australia-wide. quality Fresh Australian Produce. We connect a number of Growers & retailers Australia-wide. numberFresh of Growers & retailers Australia-wide. quality Australian Produce. We connect a number of Growers & retailers Australia-wide. Our farming division UWG based in central Our farming division UWG based in central number of Growers & retailers Australia-wide. Our farming division UWG based in central Queensland produces field grown gourmet Our farming division UWG based in central Our farming division UWG based in central& Queensland produces field grown gourmet & Queensland produces field grown gourmet & Our farming division UWG based in central tomatoes, capsicum & zucchini. Queensland produces field grown gourmet & Ourroma farming division UWG based in central Queensland produces field grown gourmet & roma tomatoes, capsicum & zucchini. roma tomatoes, capsicum & zucchini. Queensland produces field grown gourmet & roma tomatoes, capsicum & zucchini. Queensland produces field grown gourmet & roma tomatoes, capsicum & zucchini. Joe Scavo romaPalumbo tomatoes, capsicumDaniel & zucchini. Joe Scavo romaPalumbo tomatoes, capsicumDaniel & zucchini. Joe Palumbo Daniel Scavo

forgot something? Did you miss the opportunity to advertise for Fresh Connections?

If you would like to advertise in the next edition contact: Fresh State on 03 9689 3233

m mm

mmm

strawberries Oz Fresh Wholesale Pty Ltd T: 03 9689 0088 E: joe@ozfresh.com.au

melon

potato

garlic

onion

pumpkin

ginger

Looking forward to seeing you at Fresh Connections in June! Vince Brancatisano 0419 582 039 Mark Brancatisano 0418 338 757 Dom Brancatisano 0417 598 733 Stores 307-310 Melbourne Markets, 542 Footscray Road, West Melbourne 3011 T: 03 9687 6449 F: 03 9689 7134 E: admins@prestigeproduce.com.au

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

26 - 28 June 2012

HOSTED BY

See you at the Fresh Produce display section of Fresh Connections 27 and 28 June 2012 Come and see our fresh potatoes and onions on display in the Trade Area at Fresh Connections.

P: 03 9689 6711 F: 03 9687 7849

www.redgem.com.au

Coolibah Herbs & Coolibah Organics www.coolibahherbs.com.au A range of delicious

Check out our fresh vegetable range such as our lettuce, caulis, broccoli plus our outstanding range of prepacked produce.

gourmet & organic salad mixes, salad greens, culinary herbs and seasonal vegetables to tempt your taste buds.

Veli Velisha Fresh Produce Pty Ltd Tel: 9689 9384 Email: velivelisha1@bigpond.com

On display in the Trade Area.

OF AFFAIRS

issue 11

april 2012

The Brancatisanos:

There are many businesses in the Melbourne Market community that have made their mark as long standing and successful wholesalers over time.

Businesses operating today that were created by the Brancatisano family: Wholesale: V Brancatisano & Sons (Fruit) Started by Mick, John and Joe, now run by Joe and sons, Vince and Chris. V Brancatisano & Sons (Veg) Started by Dick with son Vince. Prestige Produce Started by Mick with sons Vince, Mark and Dom. Fresh Cut Processors Started by Tony’s son Vince and John’s son Vince. Premier Fruits Started by Mick, John and Joe in partnership with Joe and Michael Petroro. Retail: Brancatisano’s Fresh Started by Tony, John and Pat.

This issue we will focus on the Brancatsiano family and the impact they have had on the Melbourne Wholesale Market over the past 56 years. It all started when Vincenzo and Concetta Brancatsiano and their nine children immigrated to Australia from Calabria in Southern Italy, from 1951.

needed more space and it gave all the kids more employment opportunities”. The Frankston shop ended up being very busy and the family recognised a need for wholesaling and dipped their toes in the water. “We started supplying fruiterers along the Mornington Penninsula and ended up opening a warehouse in Frankston

Three wholesale businesses in the market are still run by the Brancatisano family and have developed their lines and reputation accordingly. Their second oldest son, Dick started working in a fruit and vegetable shop in Collingwood and convinced his father that this was the best way to make a living compared to the hard labour of the foundry in Footscray where Vincenzo was working at the time. So the family took their first step into the fruit and vegetable industry and purchased a fruit shop in Sandringham. The large family soon outgrew the one small shop so a second one was purchased in the Frankston Market a couple of years later. “Dad left two of his sons in charge of the Sandringham shop and the rest of the family shifted to Frankston in 1958” says Joe Brancatsiano, the seventh of nine children. “We were a large family so we

to house the produce” says Joe. “We needed even more space so in 1975, decided to open up a stall at the Melbourne Wholesale Market. At first this stall was used just as storage for the overflow of produce but we eventually started selling the excess stock on the market floor under VB Brancatsiano & Sons and it took off”. Due to the success of the wholesaling business, the family sold both retail stores to streamline their focus. They split up the wholesale business into two separate entities: V Brancatsiano & Sons (Fruit) referred to as VB Fruit and V Brancatsiano & Sons (Veg) which Dick and his son Vince took on. Brothers Domenic, Joe and John continued with VB Fruit and went on to purchase Prestige Produce and they didn’t stop there.

John remained in partnership with the Petroro brothers in the Premier Fruits business. Domenic and his sons took over Prestige Produce and Joe and his sons kept VB Fruit.

With all of Vincenzo and Concetta’s children now well into adulthood and with grown children of their own, the business was split once again so that the families and their businesses were more independent.

PAUL (1) VINCE V Brancatisano & Sons (VEG)

DICK (2)

VINCENZO

TONY (3)

FRANK & VINCE Brancatisano’s Fresh & Tully’s

LEO (4)

These days three wholesale businesses in the market are still run by the Brancatsiano family and have developed their lines and reputation accordingly. VB Fruit are known for their strong focus on tropical fruit, Prestige Produce for their seedless melon, onions and potatoes while V Brancatisano & Sons (Veg) specialise in Queensland vegetables and strawberries.

CONCETTA

MICK JOHN (5) (6)

VINCE Brandon Park Fruit Market

VINCE, MARK & DOM Prestige Produce

JOE (7)

VAL (8)

VINCE & FRANK

Brancatisano’s Fresh & Tully’s

PAT (9) CHRIS & VINCE VB Fruit

1. Prestige Produce: (left to right) Vince, Mark & Dom. 2. V Brancatisano & Sons (Veg): Dick & Vince. 3: VB Fruit: (left to right) Chris, Joe & Vince. 1.

2. 3.

Below: The Brancatisano Family – 1957. Back row: John, Leo, Dick, Paul, Tony, Dominic, Joe. Front row: Concetta, Vendranda, Vincenzo, Pasquale.

Brancatisano family:

The three brother team then entered into a partnership with Joe and Michael Petroro to purchase a new business. “We didn’t know what to call the business” says Joe. “We originally wanted to call it Fresh Centre Fruits but that name was too close to another business in the market. Premier went well with Prestige and so we agreed on Premier Fruits”.

ANZAC day:

OF AFFAIRS

issue 11

april 2012

Lest we forget.

As Australians, we are all aware of the significance of ANZAC Day. It is considered our most important national occasion and is a public holiday where even the Melbourne Wholesale Market closes for the day in respect for our servicemen who fought for our country. ANZAC day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by the Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War which took place on 25 April 1915 in Gallipoli. The Melbourne Market Community also has a history when it comes to ANZAC Day. RSL servicemen have been selling badges at the Market to commemorate ANZAC Day for the last 42 years. RSL war veteran Neil Mays, ventures into the market at 4am and together with two mates they cover the whole market floor selling badges including the flower section. “We normally collect around $3,000 during this time” says Neil. “To collect that much money in just three hours is second to none! The way the market community embrace us is fantastic!.”

Neil says the Vietnamese community are especially wonderful and often come up and thank him for protecting them during the war. Neil, a Vietnam Veteran, has been bringing trays of ANZAC badges into the Wholesale Market since 1970 and selling them in a big way for the last ten years. “We sell what we can sell,” he says, “to raise money for the war veterans”. After their busy morning in the market, the team travel straight into Melbourne and sell badges for the rest of the day. They are back again the next day from 7am until 5pm. Neil’s duties don’t stop there. On ANZAC Day he is up at 4.30am for the Dawn Service and then straight to the MCG to sell badges to AFL fans followed by AAMI Park to the Rubgy League fans. They are finally back to their RSL sub

Tony Siciliano from VFS Produce wears an ANZAC badge as a mark of respect. “People seem to forget the past” he says. Tony’s father fought in World War 2 and his father never wanted his kids to ever have to go through what he went through. “Dad never spoke about it (the war). It had a profound effect on his life and it is important that we always remember and honour those that fought for us”. Tony proudly wears his badge on his left lapel in the weeks leading up to Anzac Day.

branch at Montmorency by 9pm. What a day! So look out for Neil at the market on Monday 23 April where you will be able to purchase an ANZAC Day badge as a sign of respect and remembrance for those servicemen and women who fought for our country. “Lest we forget.”

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The World’s Greatest Shave raises funds for the Leukaemia Foundation’s important work. Since 1998, over a million people have shaved or coloured their hair, raising in excess of $120 million. So jump onto www. worldsgreatestshave.com and make a donation to Robert Rawnsley or Hairmaniacs (Rick Giurini’s team) and let’s raise the bar!

fundraising:

Rob Rawnsley from Kapiris Brothers came dressed as the iconic Santa he is well known for. He brought his assistant Mrs Clause who had the honour of shaving off his whiskers, moustache and all his hair. They went out to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation and in the process lost their golden locks for a great cause. Fresh State CEO John Roach supported the event and was impressed with the outcome. “Rob has raised $10,978 so far which is a fantastic effort in these tough economic times. The Market community have rallied and come up with the goods which is great to see”. Rob also held a fundraiser night where he coloured his beard green and hair pink. On the other side of the market, Rick Giurini from A Pignataro also sacrificed his hair for the fundraiser and together with his son’s team raised over $500. “It was my son Alex’s idea to form a team and I said I would help out” says Rick. “My head doesn’t feel any different until I look in the mirror and get the fright of my life.” Many thousands of Australians have a new hairdo after an amazing period of shaving and colouring! The Leukaemia

• $500 can enable two patients and carers to attend an educational or support program specific to their blood cancer. • $8000 supports a major blood cancer research project for four weeks. Above: Rick Giurini says the tops of his ears have never been colder. Below: Rob has eight months left to regenerate his white beard ready for the Christmas season.

Rob has raised $10,978 so far which is a fantastic effort in these tough economic times. Foundation has raised over $9 Million this year from their fundraising and the money’s still flooding in. The Leukaemia Foundation is urging every shaver to keep fundraising. Many people raise extra money after they’ve been shaved as friends, family and workmates give a donation once they’ve ‘seen the evidence’.

leadership:

OF AFFAIRS

Growing Leaders hit

Daniel Scavo from Young Sang and Callum Cormack from Moraitis who are also participants in the program, assisted by heading up the tour and showing the group their favourite parts of the market. Callum said they were all mesmerised by the size, volume of stock and fast pace at the market (although being

gram:

arch e–M n r u o b Mel ay nia – M st Tasma ugu ra - A r e b n a C

Growing Leaders 2012 participants from across Australia headed down to the Melbourne Wholesale Market bright and early on Wednesday 6 March to finish a three day residential program (the first of three) in the course. Hosted by Fresh State, the day was jam packed starting with a tour of the market floor at 6am.

april 2012

al Pro sidenti

3 day R

issue 11

a Wednesday it was a very quiet day).

After the tour the group headed over to the Moraitis Warehouse where Callum enthusiastically provided a tour of every element of the value adding business and ripening facility, from receivables right through to dispatch. “Everyone was just blown away by what happens here in such a short time frame” he said. “This was a great opportunity to show a bunch of poten-

spawn lab technologists, sales managers, general managers and packing companies to name a few in this program so it was a real eye opener for them to be here”. The afternoon consisted of presentations in the Fresh State Boardroom by guest speakers and culminated in a closing dinner whereby participants had to host and network with guests, many of which they had not met before. “This course really takes you out of your day to day comfort zone” continued Callum. “Networking is a necessary tool required in this industry so it was

They were all mesmerised by the size, volume of stock and fast pace at the market “… Everyone was just blown away by what happens here in such a short time frame …” tial leaders exactly what happens at our market together with the challenges we face with the move to Epping.” Callum added that the group was more like a packet of liquorice allsorts from across the industry. “We have representatives from seed companies,

great to be able to have a platform to practice this skill”. From Melbourne the group looks ahead to their next three day residential program in Tasmania in May and will finish with the final program in Canberra in August where they will address Federal Parliament with a vision they have been working on as a group over the past months.

Nick Kapiris

Nick Kapiris is a quiet achiever who is passionate about the fresh produce industry, the “King” and chocolate. Works:

My fondest memory is:

Supplies interstate wholesalers with KB top quality lines of tomatoes, capsicums and melons.

The birth of my kids.

Lives: Keilor. Most of my day is spent: Working (and napping). The football team I barrack for is: Carlton. My favourite Melbourne Market moment is: When dad retired and we took over the business. The quality I respect most in an employees is: Punctuality and honesty. As I have grown older I have learnt:

The aspect of my job I Iike the most is: Working with the next generation. The thing I dislike the most is: Inconsistent hours and early starting times. My father tried to change the hours in the days of the Queen Victoria Market and still the same argument lingers on … I am passionate about: Pallets! My business associates would say that I: Spend too much time at work. When I was a child I wanted to be: A truckie.

Tolerance.

The place in the world I would most like to go is:

The qualities I most enjoy about Melbourne Market are:

Graceland, USA.

The characters, friendships and atmosphere.

The thing a lot of people don’t know about me is:

In my spare time I enjoy:

I can’t sing or dance but I’m crazy about The “King.”

Playing with my grand kids – Chloe, 3 years and Joshua, 1 year.

My favourite fruit or vegetable is:

My first job was: Helping dad on the farm part time which is still run by two of my brothers. My parents who are well and truly retired also live on the original farm.

Tomatoes. What others say about him: “Nick has a heart of gold” said Marina who works in the office. “He is very generous and loyal and everyone at KB loves him.”

Nick Kapiris is a quiet achiever who is passionate about the fresh produce industry, the King and chocolate. Nick is one of five siblings involved in the KB business (there are six children all together) after taking over the business from their parents back in 1985. Nick began working part time on the family farm in South Australia while he was still at school and would come to Melbourne to work at the Queen Victoria Market to sell the family produce in the school holidays. It was not until he was 16 years old that he started working in the business full time. It was also at this time that the KB wholesale business moved to the Footscray Road Market and his family moved to Melbourne to live. And Nick has been at KB ever since (oh except for a holiday to China in 1988!). Nick’s children also work in the business – Yianni who buys for export orders and Jacqui who works in the office. He is very proud that there is a new generation of Kapiris offspring willing to step up and take their place in the business. Until then, Nick and his wife Stella will continue to enjoy their grandchildren and their regular trips to Adelaide to see Nick’s parents on the family farm. And hopefully Nick, who is currently nursing a sprained ankle from a fall as well as recovering from a shoulder reconstruction, will try to stay out of trouble and enjoy his chocolate.

Q&A:

q a