Fresh State of Affairs Issue 16

february

16 2013

ISSN: 1838-7829

Fruit and Veg business park gains momentum

issue 16

february 2013

what’s on: 12

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Rent:

Bio Dynamic Marketing:

Melbourne – out of sync with the rest of Australia.

16 Fresh Connections 2013: FC2013 held in Sydney promises to be bigger and better than 2012.

The development of an organic farming method.

Cocoa Plantations: Home grown chocolate in time for Easter.

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New varieties out for 2013:

Q&A – Charles Chan:

Currently all available on a seasonal basis from certain states within Australia.

From Opal Jade selling Asian vegetables, mushrooms, cucumbers and mangoes.

CONTENTS 2 | What’s on

14 | Around the markets

23 | Share offer

3 | President’s message

18 | Fundraising

24 | Top ten

4 | Rent

22 | Valentines day

25 | Calendar of events

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.

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president’s message:

Shane Schnitzler From the President Welcome to 2013 – the year the Government lost the plot! Do you recall the first point of our Christmas wish last year?

To remind you: Meaningful discussions with Government on a practical way forward for relocation must be number one! Government and its agencies are delivering a project by July 2014 but our members want a financially sustainable model that will last their lifetime. They will be here long after Government has departed and will have to live with the build, alterations and fit out in the knowledge that it is their own money at risk!

stuff ups which was highlighted in their many reviews; and it is the Baillieu Government that blames the previous Government but look at their record – it is appalling!

For example, look at the comparisons with other markets rents on pages 6 & 7. This Government should be

market reviews, rents can’t be reduced notwithstanding that the rent levels are Collins Street retail rents not Epping rates some 25 kms away.

Our alternative model is gaining momentum. It is a far more palatable alternative to going out of business under the Government’s plan. Fresh State has taken the initiative to consolidate industry into a business park so at least our members businesses have a chance. An EOI is due out shortly after being discussed early in the New Year.

Meaningful discussions with Government on a practical way forward for relocation must be number one! Government and its agencies are delivering a project by July 2014 but our members want a financially sustainable model that will last their lifetime.

Obviously the Government doesn’t care much for industry as no discussions have taken place and the Government’s rents and charges announced at Christmas time will force many in the industry to the wall at Epping.

Government seems to quickly forget that it was they who wanted to move the market; it was they who made the

ashamed of itself! And there is still no statement on their contribution to alterations and fit out; businesses can’t trade as they are still waiting on their confirmation letters; there is no rent free establishment period like every other landlord factors in; and under

Please take the time to read our six pages on relocation in this issue - it is confronting reading! We also have great stories on Biodynamic Marketing, cocoa plantations in Australia, fruity smoothies and Charlie at Opaljade is featured in our Q&A. 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 2013

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

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issue 16

february 2013

rent:

OF AFFAIRS

Baillieu to Oblivion!

Where does Ted Baillieu sit now, after stating “he would not move the markets”? His Government is pricing the industry into oblivion!

The Industry’s biggest fears were realised with the Minister’s release of the maximum rents to be applied at Epping. For an industry that is being forced to relocate some 25 kilometres from where they are now the Baillieu Government is forcing another industry out of business! So much for their food industry initiatives!

costs, then either the Minister needs to resign or this Government is just incompetent!

with significantly higher prices and far less choice; and many more Victorian producers will cease production.

Either which way, the Premier should just rename the Epping Market to the Epping Graveyard to save money later on!

All due to Government’s incompetence!

The Government continually hides behind words like “draft” or pointing the blame to Treasury saying they have to recover costs …

And like everything associated with this relocation disaster, the Government continually hides behind words like “draft” or pointing the blame to Treasury saying they have to recover costs (for their stuff ups)!

But we know that when this Government publishes maximum rent figures that “may apply” saying they don’t know the actual figure, then it is understandable why they are looking like a one term Government!

After being in Government for over two years; carrying out numerous reviews and still don’t know their final

Unfortunately for this industry the damage is already being done. The morale of the industry has been shattered and comes on top of large declines in green grocer businesses – the people who buy the fresh produce from wholesalers!

Remember the last relocation – 34 traders went to the wall! This relocation is on exactly the same course as 40 years ago, meaning that around 30% of traders will have lost their life’s investment; consumers will be faced

Have your say: Denis Napthine 9095 4086 denis.napthine@parliament.vic.gov.au Neil Lowe 0418 318 771 nelowe40@bigpond.com Mary Baker 9651 8110 Mary.Baker@dbi.vic.gov.au

Howard Staehr Howard.Staehr@dbi.vic.gov.au Frank Mohren Frank.Mohren@dbi.vic.gov.au Brendan Edleston brendan.edleston@mpv.vic.gov.au

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The Rents are the Tip of the Iceberg The incompetence doesn’t stop at unrealistic rents.

Over the page we have compared the rents in Melbourne to interstate and we have highlighted the money grab in increased costs and new charges for Epping. Other major problems remain unresolved as well.

These include the following:

Trade period not Transparent

Letters of confirmation still not received

The trade period that commenced on 6 December 2012 is not transparent for those yet to receive their letters of confirmation. The trade period needs to be extended for the same amount of weeks they have been disadvantaged.

The extension needs to include all lease holders to be transparent.

The letters of confirmation for most members’ loss or gain of space were received by 4 December 2012 (dated 30 November 2012). However many were not received until 9 January 2013 (dated 3 January 2013) and a number are still yet to receive their letter of confirmation. Members can’t trade without these. As well, a number of letters of confirmation are in dispute and they remain unresolved!

Central plant cooling system is not to food grade standard An ethylene glycol cooling system has been installed at Epping. Ethylene glycol is NOT food grade standard.

The trade period needs to be extended for the same amount of weeks they have been disadvantaged.

This will mean that a secondary glycol system of propylene glycol will need to be installed between the current system and the pipes entering each tenancy that connect to the blowers!

No prices yet received on warehousing Some five months after asking for EOI on warehousing, the Government has not released rental prices. Business modelling is impossible!

Agreements for Lease Last possible date for signing is 21 February and there are still no final rent prices; no warehousing prices; can’t trade due to Government’s stuff ups; rents can never reduce and if you don’t sign they take it off you!!

Alterations No response from Government on what they will or won’t pay for. To carry out mandatory alterations on a large store is $200k per store, medium is $150k per store and small is $100k.

Fit out This is the internal store fit out not the alterations. This will vary from tenant to tenant but a good rule of thumb is 50% of alterations.

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issue 16

february 2013

rent:

OF AFFAIRS

Brisbane

Perth Newcastle Adelaide

Sydney

Melbourne: Out of Sync with the rest of Australia How competitive is Melbourne in relation to our counterparts in other states? There are six central markets in Australia – one in each capital city plus a small market in Newcastle.

The standard comparison is dollar value per square metre of the store space in each market. Store space is similar to Melbourne so it can be referred to as “like for like” across markets. The values are for 2012 and 2014.

The maximum rent for stores in the new Epping market is $450/m² in 2012 dollars. In 2014 the value will be $487/ m² per annum!

Melbourne is already double most others and will be between two and

a half to four times more expensive compared to our interstate colleagues.

(Figures exclude GST).

The real effect is compounded. A large store at Epping is 193m² or $94,000 per annum in 2014. The comparison is a current “A” store at Footscray is 153 m² or $42,000 in 2012. By 2014 it is $45,500 and represents an increase of over 100%.

A small store at Epping is 56 m² or $27,270 in 2014 values. At Footscray Road small stores are 42 m² with an

annual rent of $11,466. Again this is more than double the current rents and over three times the level of our largest competitive market (Sydney).

High rents are unsustainable and will affect everyone To attract produce to Melbourne, wholesalers have to be competitive with the other markets especially Sydney and Brisbane. The returns to producers are based on selling values and if producers are receiving less for their produce in Melbourne compared

Store Rents. Figures exclude GST. City

$/m² per annum 2012 $/m² per annum 2014 (Ave) $115

$124

Adelaide

$124

$136

Sydney

$148

$156

(Ave) $180

$192

$273

$487

Perth

Brisbane Melbourne

to say Sydney or Brisbane they won’t send here.

For example, if bananas are the same price in Sydney as they are in Melbourne, far less are sent to Melbourne because the freight rate is an additional cost. But if the return to

Schedule of fees and charges – the knife in the back!

Along with rents, the Minister released the schedule for fees and charges for the Epping Market. He states that these have been kept to “modest increases” and that they are consistent with the approach taken to rental increases.

These have been kept to “modest increases” and that they are consistent with the approach taken to rental increases. the banana grower is even less due to the wholesaler having to find a double amount of rent compared to current levels, then fewer bananas will be sent to Melbourne.

A major follow on effect will be for Victorian producers. They will suffer both ways in that they will have to spend on increased freight costs by sending to other markets or receive lower returns from Melbourne wholesalers.

A wholesaler could pass on the increased rents to retailers. But if the wholesaler adds a higher margin to his retail customers, the retailer becomes uncompetitive when he passes this onto the consumer.

Melbourne is already double most others and will be between two and a half to four times more expensive compared to our interstate colleagues.

Yes you guessed it – eleven new charges (one optional) and increases on some of over 100% compared to Footscray Road rates!

Snap Shot of Fee Increases in 2014 Dollars (including GST) Category

Old Cost New Cost 2014

% Increase

Forklift registration fee (renewal)

$48.29

$113.25 per annum all 878 forklifts!

134.54%

Electric Vehicles (new)

$48.29

$113.25 per annum Replaces Motorised Trolleys (no one has told the hire companies they can’t have motorised trolleys!)

134.54%

Access Card Renewal

$19.31

$28.30 per annum one for everyone on site!

46.6%

Storage Cage

$694.81

$805.33 per month

15.62%

Rigid Truck Bay (covered)

$589.30

$667.09 per quarter (retailer parking)

13.2%

However it isn’t that easy for retailers to pass these costs on as consumers are far more cost conscious than even five years ago and the competition from supermarkets is intense.

Snap shot of New Charges in 2014 Dollars (including GST)

So much for the Government’s initiatives in wanting to make Victoria a cornerstone in food production for overseas countries!

Category

Cost

Comments

Casual Parking for a B double bay

$110.03 / day

Great for attracting new business!

Three categories for overnight parking

$56.62 to $113.25 per week

Forklift GPS Annual Charge

$ 226.50 per forklift per annum

Compulsory on all 878 forklifts!

Occasional Interstate Truck Access

$96.25 per visit

Delivery direct to wholesaler

Electricity Supply to Stands

$56.84 per month

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issue 16

february 2013

rent:

OF AFFAIRS

Alternative Model

It is timely to remember our goal on this forced relocation. It was to be a low cost model and to keep as much of the industry together in one place.

Given the Government’s attitude and the unsustainable situation with the market complex it is very evident that industry needs the low cost model for businesses to survive let alone get a return on their investment. So how can industry move to a low cost model?

In the market complex the best that anyone can hope to achieve is to lower their footprint to the smallest possible level. This will mean that many people will need to sell off part of their holding to anyone who is “mad enough” to take such a high risk!

Next you look at warehousing. Inside the market complex the “draft” rents on warehousing are $120 – 198/ m² plus $20/m² for “security and cleaning”

(before normal outgoings). Outside the market land, warehousing is $70 – 90/ m² and normal outgoings!

The advantage of a warehouse outside the gate is that if your business gets into difficulty you can sell your holding to anyone from any industry and not be limited to the fresh produce industry. And if your business is in trouble it is likely many other wholesale businesses will be in trouble as well!

Is an alternative model realistic – yes!

Fresh State has secured a significant parcel of land with enough room for future expansion and growth. This is a Business Park and offers members a very viable alternative and a return on their investment.

It will at least give members a very viable option that is significantly cheaper to warehousing market land and being handcuffed to unaffordable and unsustainable business costs.

The business park is designed to share common ground and keep fresh produce together. It will at least give members a very viable option that is significantly cheaper to warehousing market land and being handcuffed to unaffordable and unsustainable business costs.

Fresh State will be seeking EOI from members for this venture.

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This Government continually blames the previous Labor Government for all its troubles but, after being in power for over two years, where does responsibility lay?

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3

3rd MMA CEO Departs in 6 years!

Adding further intrigue to the already controversial relocation, the CEO of the MMA resigned in December.

Allan Crosthwaite was appointed to the CEO role in September of 2010 following the quick departure of Peter McLennan in June 2010! Peter, who is infamous for instigating rent increases of over 6.5% annually, had ‘acquired’ the CEO position from his role as Bob Penter’s CFO in 2006.

Allan’s departure, some two and a quarter years into his three year contract appears to be only the tip of the iceberg. The MMA Board of directors have all changed since late 2010 - except Chairman Neil Lowe. Neil’s term ends in June of 2013 after being granted only a one year extension last year. This is at odds with normal appointments and raises deeper questions as his term finishes just twelve months before relocation takes place.

But that may not be the end of the tale! This Government continually blames the previous Labor Government for all its troubles but, after being in power for over two years, where does responsibility lay?

For example its “stakeholder management” remains appalling. The Victorian Auditor General Office report in March 2012 highlighted the issue and some four months after the MMA Advisory Committees were repopulated. These are the “Government’s choice of consultation” on relocation and they added the Epping Relocation Commit-

tee to the four Advisory Committees.

These committees have no resources, can’t communicate with their sectors, are not constituted in any other way, and are seen as a “puppet’s glove for Government”.

Interestingly, the Epping Relocation Committee has only met twice, the last time almost twelve months ago! What does that say for effective stakeholder management? The Retail Advisory Committee has not meet since April of 2012 and the Flower Advisory Committee since August 2012.

The Wholesaler Advisory Committee has continually tried to hold the Government and the MMA accountable for their inaction, deception and disregard of the wholesale sector! The result is that minutes of meetings do not reflect the content of the meetings; some meetings have had no minutes reported; topics are either ignored or given as a fait accompli; and many issues are not addressed!

The Grower Advisory Committee has similar frustrations with their committee and in particular with regard to compensation for Footscray Road stands tenants and stand sizes in the new market.

rent:

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bio dynamic marketing:

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issue 16

february 2013

Bio Dynamic Marketing Bio Dynamic Marketing has been a wholesaling business in the Melbourne Wholesale Markets for the last 24 years, starting out from an old apple packing shed in Doncaster.

“A Melbourne Wholesaler at the time suggested we come to the Melbourne Wholesale Market” says Peter Podolinksy, a co Director with wife Judy. “We were selling from his mezzanine floor and went from there”.

Initially set up to export grain to Europe in 1981, Bio Dynamic Marketing has now evolved and sells 60% fruit and vegetables and the remaining 40% on associated products such as grain and dairy, dried fruit, fruit juice etc.

The ideas and techniques of biodynamic farming were developed at the beginning of the 20th century by European educator and philosopher Rudolf Steiner, who named eight “preparations” numbered from 500-507 that were fundamental to plant health. The word biodynamic was coined after his death. It comes from ancient Greek “bios”, meaning life and “dynamis”, meaning power or energy. Biodynamic can be loosely summarised as an organic farming method.

In the 89 years since Biodynamics was first introduced, many have played a part in its development. The two most important contributors have been the originator of the method, Dr Rudolf Steiner, and the main developer of the overall Biodynamic method, Alex Podolinsky – Peter’s father and the man many consider the ‘father of bio dynamics in Australia’.

The Podolinsky boys: Alex (left) and Peter (right).

Alex Podolinsky began the formidable task of developing the Biodynamic

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Bio Dynamic Marketing has now evolved and sells 60% fruit and vegetables and the remaining 40% on associated products such as grain and dairy, dried fruit, fruit juice etc.

(BD) method (now known world wide as the Podolinsky method) in the early 1950’s. He followed and then further refined the preparation making methods, introduced a powerfully effective new preparation (Prepared 500) and developed, together with the Australian BD farmers he trained, a complete natural agricultural system (including appropriate machinery), to complement the work of the preparations on all types of land and climate and for every type of agricultural product.

Within a few years he had rejuvenated the land without any inputs, and had increased the organic matter considerably which interested farmers. With a new found following, he began to train other farmers, and in the mid 1950s he founded the Biodynamic Agricultural Association of Australia (BDAAA) in Victoria with 27 of these farmers.

One of Alex’s important discoveries which would accelerate the spread of BD worldwide, was the method of

Alex also founded the Biodynamic Marketing Company to get BD produce to consumers as cheaply and efficiently as possible. Peter says there is a real demand for more biodynamic farmers in the industry. “There are three aspects to biodynamic farming” he says. “Firstly famers have to make a conscious decision to farm that way, secondly they have to actually practice the farming method and thirdly they need to market the produce”.

“There are three aspects to biodynamic farming … Firstly famers have to make a conscious decision to farm that way, secondly they have to actually practice the farming method and thirdly they need to market the produce.” – Peter Podolinsky.

Alex was born in Germany and began learning biodynamics as a child from participants in Steiner’s agricultural lecture series. Alex and his wife immigrated to Australia in 1949 and in the early 1950’s, he started BD farming on a poor, shaley property at Wonga Park (now a suburb of Melbourne). His aim was to perfect the biodynamic method of agriculture to suit modern broad acre, low labour farming conditions.

He ran a highly productive cherry orchard from the Wonga Park property and in bad ‘rot’ years his cherries were sometimes the only ones in the market due to the health of the trees. It was at this orchard, that he developed many of the fundamentals of modern natural agriculture and began refining and making BD preparations.

In the mid-1950’s, Alex moved to a degraded potato farm at Powelltown (Victoria) which he converted for dairying.

incorporating the six compost preparations (502 – 507) with 500 to make a new preparation, called prepared 500.

Alex developed a series of Biodynamic introductory lectures (later published) in which, for the first time, the fundamentals of modern, professional Biodynamic agriculture were clearly explained. These lectures have been published in at least eight languages and are read worldwide.

In 1967, Alex registered the Demeter trademark in Australia in the name of BDRI (Powelltown). He also pioneered certification of BD produce for the domestic and overseas market to assure consumers of quality and he is still involved in certification today, spending three to four months a year in Europe training on the production method of certification. “Biodynamics is now bigger in Europe than in Australia” says Alex.

By 1980, Alex’s BDAAA farmers were farming over one million acres, producing almost every type of agricultural product.

In the mid 80’s ABC TV made a documentary on Alex and Biodynamic agriculture. Alex received thousands of letters every time it was screened and many more farmers converted to BD. BDAAA members now farm over two million acres in Australia.

Alex is 87 years old and still farms the land in Powelltown and is as passionate about Biodynamic farming as he ever was. Peter and his wife Judy also live on the farm and help out with farm duties when they are not managing Bio Dynamic Marketing but it is a juggling act between the three of them. When asked how he feels being the founder of Biodynamics in Australia and all the associated organisations and certifications, Alex is very humble. “I am just grateful” he says. “It is good for everybody and that makes me happy”.

Source: John Bradshaw from Biodynamic Growing Magazine.

cocoa plantations:

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OF AFFAIRS

issue 16

february 2013

Home grown chocolate in time for Easter Chocolate Easter Eggs, Chocolate Bunnies and array of other chocolate treats are ‘chock a block’ on retail shelves across the country as Australia gears up for its Easter celebrations at the end of April.

According to the January 2012 Candy Industry Report, the top five global confectionery companies that manufacture some form of chocolate, by net confectionery sales value are: 1. Kraft Foods Inc 2. Mars Inc (M&M’s etc) 3. Nestle SA 4. Ferrero Group 5. Hershey Food Corp

particularly temperature and rainfall, are important in encouraging optimum growth. But because of pests and fungi, fewer and fewer cacao plants survive in South America, Panama, and the Caribbean. Today most grow in West Africa with the

to that annual maximum, a raise in temperature would be extremely detrimental.”

It was this concern over the security and viability of global cocoa supplies that Cadbury Schweppes in collaboration with the Department of Primary Industries started the research into the possibility of cocoa being grown in Australia.

Quality chocolate is becoming like coffee. People really want to taste origin chocolate now.

So we see great future in cocoa.”

The cocoa used by these companies are produced in countries in a belt between 10ºN and 10ºS of the Equator, where the climate is appropriate for growing cocoa trees.

Seventy-five percent of cacao plants grow within 8 degrees of the midline.

The natural habitat of the cocoa tree is in the lower storey of the evergreen rainforest, and climatic factors,

largest producing countries being Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Indonesia.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global warming will threaten our chocolate supply. The IPCC states that “lower latitudes, especially tropical regions, would see crop productivity decrease for even small local temperature increases (1-2°C). The plants respond well to high temperatures, but the range has a maximum annual average temperature of 30-32°C. If any farms are already close

They tested crops in the Northern Territory, Western Australia and different parts of Queensland but eventually the Mossman area in far Northern Queensland was determined as the best area for a bountiful crop.

Ten years later, there are five cocoa growers in Australia all based in Mossman. These growers are traditionally sugar cane farmers who have converted some of their crop to cocoa estates.

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Daintree Estates was then established in 2010 and teamed up the growers with a group of passionate ‘cocoa/ chocolatephiles’ which bought together the skills of farming, processing, chocolate making and marketing.

communities of Mossman and surrounding regional towns in Far North Queensland do too.”

The Mossman area in far Northern “The same growers raise the cocoa Local cotrees from seedlings, harvest their operative Queensland was determined as the cocoa crops from mature trees on grower Don their plantations and deliver the Murday is a best area for a bountiful crop. pods to our fermentary, located cocoa convert. on one of our estates.” says Lance Sparrow, Managing Director at Daintree Estates. “Here, Daintree Estates use Australian sugar and dairy ingredients the cocoa pods are in their chocolate which is processed to produce a fine split and the beans fermented and dried particle size equivalent to premium European chocolate. ready to be converted into Daintree Cocoa’s uniquely flavoured harvesting has to be done by hand, single-origin and estate-origin “I’m a fourth generation sugarcane which means we could never make chocolates.” Daintree Estates use farmer and have also grown papaya for money on the world market. But by Australian sugar and dairy ingredients 20 years so I reckon I’ve got a decent doing as much processing locally in their chocolate which is processed to perspective on horticulture that works as possible within a fully integrated produce a fine particle size equivalent in Far North Queensland” system - we can pass some of the value to premium European chocolate. he says. back to the grower.”

Daintree Cocoa growers are both “That perspective certainly helped my “Quality chocolate is becoming like suppliers and shareholders in the decision to farm cocoa when I heard coffee. People really want to taste company. “We operate as a genuine co- about the plan to establish a cocoa operative enterprise” continues Lance. industry in Mossman about 10 years ago.” origin chocolate now. So we see great “This means all co-op shareholders future in cocoa.”

Don is happy that the system in enjoy the value-adding opportunities place at Daintree Estates makes it all of Daintree Cocoa’s total supply chain worthwhile for the grower. “Cocoa structure, and the local businesses and

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issue 16

february 2013

around the markets:

OF AFFAIRS

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10 9. Kim and Mel from Orino’s Cafe Around the Markets.

10. Catching up with the neighbours! Nick from Apple Arcade with Alex and Nick from Camptara.

11. Irfan and Gabrielle enjoying delicious Summer fruit.

12. Nick Sotivopoulos pushes his loaded trolley to his truck.

13. Wayne from Costa Farms who has been in the market for 15 years and moves around as its like a big family.

14. Tracey Ireland from the MMCS makes her daily trip to the post office.

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15 1.

Dave Jolly from Toll Edwards Transport fills up at the gas station.

2. Chris & Tony from Betta Produce enjoy a morning coffee.

3. Peter and Kim Tran from Produce of Virginia.

4. Rocky, Phil and Dean catch up with Nth Qld banana grower Mick.

5. Jo and Paul Virgona from Virgona’s Fruit & Veg load their stock.

6. Tony from Richmond and Chris from Pentaris Quality Fruit in Hawthorn East.

7. For your chance to win a $20 voucher at the east end gas station call the editor and name that face.

8. Leo Cesile from M & N Fresh Produce.

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guess who?

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fresh connections 2013:

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OF AFFAIRS

issue 16

february 2013

Its baaack!

In fact Fresh Connections 2013 is Back to the Future with a full line up of guest speakers, conference topics and of course the highly regarded Trade Show.

Sydney is the destination for delegates this year and with that brings a new flavour to the popular Tours that precede the conference.

“It is a great opportunity to tap into Sydney’s strengths and visit innovative stores through the Retail Tour which have always been very popular, as well as something different for the Produce Tour” says Shane Schnitzler, The Australian Chamber President.

Conference & Trade Show Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre

11-13 June 2013 www.pmafreshconnections.com.au

“We are looking to keep our eyes on the future and host a produce tour that will appeal to all aspects of the supply chain especially growers and wholesalers who are at the cold face of the entire industry.” Shane says to ‘watch this space’ for more details regarding the Produce Tour which will be of high interest to the industry.

calendar ranging from the Welcome Reception, Welcome Breakfast, Young Professionals reception, pre dinner drinks and award presentations, Gala dinner and then closing drinks. If you can’t catch up with all your existing networks and make new contacts in this time then you are not networking hard enough!

A networking Mecca - FC2013 boasts the largest array of social activities on the fresh produce conference

The Fresh Produce Display in the Trade Show will be back ‘by popular demand’ with the Australian Chamber once again offering growers and

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wholesalers the chance to get in on the action Sydney style, and show off their latest lines, best produce and future concepts.

“The feedback on the Fresh Produce Trade Area in 2012 was just unbelievable” continues Shane. “This is the best and easiest way to display your produce and get maximum exposure for minimum output”.

Shane encourages all serious Australian growers and wholesalers

A NEW CAR FOR YOUR CUSTOMER AT FC2013!

Wholesaler Market buyers who attend the Trade Show as a Registered Delegate will be entered into a draw to win a brand new car for one of their customers!

“This is the most exciting news of all” says Shane. “All buyers have to do is attend the Trade show and they will be placed in a draw to win a car for one of their

customers”. Shane says buyers will be given a six week promotional time limit to promote the car in store whereby it will then be drawn again for a lucky customer.

“This is a win win. A buyer has the chance to receive a car just for attending the Trade Show and will be able to use that car to promote his business and attract customers.”

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Did you know?

The Australian Chamber 2012 Meritorious Service Award was won by Andrew Young , CEO of the Brisbane Market and the 2012 Col Johnson Award was won by Callum Cormack from Moraitis.

These awards are determined by The Australian Chamber Board of Directors and will be presented at the Fresh Connections 2013 Pre Dinner Drinks where both Andrew and Callum will hand over their batons to new recipients.

Above: Deborah Corrigan (centre) with Fresh State’s Shane Schnitzler and Jen Osborne from Organic Growers Group.

Corrigan’s Produce Farms Pty Ltd Corrigan’s Produce Farms Pty Ltd exhibited Corrigan’s fresh produce at Fresh Connections 2012 for the first time. “We had never exhibited at a trade show before so we were not sure what to expect” Deborah Corrigan said.

“We were really happy with the outcome. The produce was displayed really well and the whole area looked professional and was stress free.”

Deborah says she would definitely be interested in displaying their produce at Fresh Connections 2013 in Sydney because the process was just so easy. to consider jumping on board as quickly as possible to secure their spot in the display.

“Fresh Connections in Sydney is going to be massive so we don’t want anyone to miss out” he says.

To register as a Delegate to attend Fresh Connections 2013 or become a sponsor or trade exhibitor visit www.pmafreshconnections.com.au To be part of The Australian Chamber Exclusive Fresh Produce Trade Area please contact Sonja van Eijk on 0421 632 521.

“We really didn’t have to do anything for the maximum exposure we received,” she said. “The Australian Chamber organised the whole thing including setting up the display – we only had to make sure our produce was at the trade hall!”

Key points Deborah said were a highlight of the trade show was the networking with people in the industry and the exposure of the Corrigan brand to the high level of quality buyers.

“I also have to say that being a part of the Chamber Fresh Produce Section was easier than easy. I was very impressed with the way our produce was set up and how organised everything was”.

Below: Deborah McPhee from Barkers Melbourne, Mark Lorenzetto from Avanti Fresh and Hannah Avery from the University of Queensland get cozy with a broccoli and carrot at FC2012.

fundraising:

18

OF AFFAIRS

Fresh State donates

$5K

issue 16

february 2013

to the kids for Christmas

It’s a great thing to give and receive gifts but nothing is more exciting than being involved in the giving of presents to children at Christmas time and keeping the spirit of hope, wonder and belief alive at this special time of year.

The Brotherhood of St Laurence (BSL) knows first-hand about giving toys to kids at Christmas. For the last eleven years they have been operating a Toy Shop out of their Local BSL Community Centre which is a lifeline for families who are disadvantaged at Christmas time.

In December 2012, Fresh State donated a whopping $5,000 to the project and was thrilled to be able to support children in need at Christmas.

Jacinta, the Administration Coordinator at the centre, confirmed that the toy shop was completely booked out with shop hours extended until the Friday prior to Christmas.

“Families are referred to us through services such as Centrelink, Dianella Community Health, the Women’s Refuge and Anglicare” said Jacinta.

“This year, due to the generous

Jacinta had the exciting job of scoping and coordinating the Christmas Toy Shop including the purchasing of toys. “We only sell brand new toys in our shop and needed a lot of stock”, she said. “The Mattel Warehouse in Derrimut offered us a staff discount to shop at their factory outlet and we were able to obtain fantastic toys at great prices”. Jacinta says popular sought after items this year included Barbie dolls, sporting goods, Thomas the Tank Engine and Polly Pockets. When shopping for toys Jacinta said she also bought trend items such as Dora the Explorer, Batman and Ben 10 which were always a big hit.

The BSL recognises that disadvantage happens for all kinds of reasons not just financial and that is what makes the organisation such an integral part of our community.

“The Fresh State Board couldn’t say no to this” says Shane Schnitzler, Fresh State President.

“Craigieburn is very close to the new market site in Epping and it is our social responsibility to give back to the community especially in our own back yard. What better way to do this than by providing toys at Christmas”.

donation from Fresh State, we are not only able to extend our shop hours, but have also encouraged families to refer other families to us which is a first”.

The ‘toy shop’ is a converted room at the BSL Community Centre in Craigieburn. Families are provided with a voucher for each child and are

19

The Brotherhood of St Laurence’s vision is to work with others to create an Australia free of poverty for current and future generations.

able to collect gifts from the shop in their own pre booked time allotment.

“It’s important that families feel empowered by the shopping process and so the toy store is set up using a similar system” says Julie who is the Manager at the Craigieburn and Hume BSL Centre.

Julie says that the new Epping market is a necessary asset to the Hume area which has a projected population growth from 30,000 residents to 50,000 by the year 2021. “The new market will create more jobs which will be a great

Debra, Julie and Jacinta get ready for the Toy Sale

opportunity for families in this area to become more self sufficient”.

Julie says approximately 30% of people who live in Hume work in Hume and this figure could be higher if there was more industry in the area.

“Large corporations such as the motor industry are winding down production which has an impact on employment.

A lot of people in this area work in transport and logistics so having another industry starting up such as the wholesale market is a perfect fit.”

The Brotherhood of St Laurence’s vision is to work with others to create an Australia free of poverty for current and future generations. Debra SaffreyCollins the Senior Chaplain at BSL has been working with the Craigieburn Centre for some time and says it is invaluable and rewarding being involved with those in need. “The BSL recognises that disadvantage happens for all kinds of reasons not just financial and that is what makes the organisation such an integral part of our community.”

“We have had a father who was referred to the toy shop when his fifth child was six months old - his wife had died giving birth.

The toy shop was more than just presents; it meant someone was caring for him and his young family which was a real life line.”

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issue 16

february 2013

new varieties out for 2013:

OF AFFAIRS

A New Year:

New varieties in the world of Fresh Produce

These new varieties are currently all available on a seasonal basis.

Rebecca Macfie – Vegetable Marketing and Communications Coordinator at Monsanto.

De Ruiter brings you Merlice (DRW7812)

Discover a Red Onion (EX4593) with even more layers of profitability.

Seminis EX4593 delivers a number of advantages including:

De Ruiter introduces Merlice, a new large truss tomato variety, with improved yield potential and intermediate powdery mildew resistance.

EX4593 is an exciting new option for Australian onion growers and marketers bought to you by Seminis. This excellent new late season red onion has superior vigour, is earlier maturing and less pungent in comparison to the current standard varieties.

• H igh resistance to Basal Rot and intermediate resistance to Pink Root Rot

The bulbs have an attractive, consistent round shape with dark red skin and good internal colour. EX4593 produces bulbs of approximately 80mm in size with a thin neck and a high percentage of single centres.

• Improved market acceptance

Merlice is a jointless tomato which means easier handling and less wastage. The green part of the truss stays green for longer, for increased shelf life and better presentation.

Merlice has intermediate resistant to powdery mildew, and sets easier, meaning more consistent fruit size.

• Quicker to harvest by 10–14 days • Strong skins and good skin retention • Improved taste and appearance • Very good storage ability • High marketable yield • Increased market flexibility • Suitable for machine harvest

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These new varieties are available from growers in each of the following states:

Merlice (DRW7812) Available Australia wide from heated protected growers

NT QLD WA SA

EX4593 Red Onion

NSW

VIC SV5345CB Cucumber

TAS

Seminis brings you SV6947PB (with X5R™) Blocky Capsicum SV6947PB (with X5R™) is a new high yielding, dark green to red capsicum, it produces very firm glossy fruit.

It is ideally suited to summer and early autumn production in Central Queensland and late winter and early spring production in North Queensland, Importantly, SV6947PB offers the added security of high resistance to Bacterial Spot (race 1–5). Bacterial leaf spot (Xanthomonas euvesicatoria) can be a major disease problem for Queensland capsicums in years with high rainfall, during any part of the growing season.

Even varieties with high resistance to races 1–3 have been showing disease symptoms over the last few years.

Newer varieties, such as SV6947PB, with resistance to races 1–5 (X5R™) have been performing well in our trials under heavy disease pressure.

SV6947PB (with X5R™) Blocky Capsicum Bundaberg

• Increased yield per hectare

• Balanced vegetative growth habit

• H igher percentage of crop in first harvest and a reduced growing period

• E xcellent fruit quality in shape and uniformity

• E xcellent fruit quality – uniform shape and colour

• E arlier than current market standards by 4–5 days

• H igh resistance to Bacterial leaf spot (XCv) race 1–5 • I ntermediate resistance to Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus • A greater percentage of fruit harvested in the first cycle, meaning less fruit is lost to sunburn and rot A Cucumber (SV5345CB ) that will turn others green with envy SV5345CB is a new variety bought to you by Seminis. This Lebanese cumber combines earliness, fruit quality and yield for longer winter crops. The plant has a balanced vegetative growth habit and produces excellent fruit quality, shape and uniformity.

SV6947PB (with X5R™) delivers a number of advantages including:

Trials in Australia have shown that the variety is much less susceptible to cold stripes than standard varieties.

• M atures five to seven days earlier than other hybrids

SV5345CB has a number of other advantages including:

• Not susceptible to ‘cold stripes’

• Vigorous plant habit • Higher quality fruit in colder periods • C onsistent marketable quality with excellent shelf life • S uitable for long crops with consistent fruit setting

valentines day overview:

22

Love

is in

the air Valentine’s Day Valentine’s Day is celebrated in many countries worldwide and falls on February 14 each year.

The day’s association with romantic love grew in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.

By the 15th century, it had evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as “valentines”).

Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have given way to massproduced greeting cards.

OF AFFAIRS

“I don’t believe in Valentine’s Day. I buy my wife whatever she wants, when she wants it. It doesn’t have to be on a special day.”

– Dave Pisani of Prestia Wholesalers.

february 2013

in the Melbourne Markets Valentines Day has just passed us by in a whirlwind of chocolates, presents and of course flowers - lots of flowers!

Victoria produces around 40% of the national market for fresh flowers which is serviced by the National Flower Centre located at the Melbourne Wholesale Markets.

Over 100 flower wholesalers and growers, and 700 florists trade in the National Flower Centre six days per week.

So you can imagine how busy the National Flower Centre has been in the weeks leading up to Valentines Day.

This year we asked some Melbourne Wholesalers how they spent their Valentine’s Day with their loved one: “I take my wife to a nice Japanese restaurant for lunch.”

– Wes Arnott of GRAMCO.

issue 16

“It’s become a business … I buy things for my wife when I feel like it because it comes from the heart.”

– Rocky of Lattorre’s.

“I buy Roses – definitely Roses plus dinner.”

– Michael Barker of Barkers.

“I always buy her a bunch of Roses. Last year I bought 40 800mm red and white ones!”

– Nathan of AMV Fresh.

Top image: Will you be my Valentine? Damien Taranto of TC Produce hams it up for the camera.

Bottom image: Fidrim Halit in his flower shop.

“A week before Valentine’s Day it’s flat out,” says Fidrim Halit from Halit Flowers in the National Flower Centre. Fidrim says red roses are still the most popular flower of choice at Valentine’s Day.

23 23

share offer:

At a Special General Meeting on 28 August 2012 members voted for a restructure of Fresh State following two years of hard work. This was the first time that a ‘super majority vote’ has been held.

The basis for the vote was a restructure to get members an ‘equity entitlement’ of Fresh State, (read the background in Fresh State of Affairs edition 14, October 2012).

The aim is to have a model that will develop value for members out into the future and something that they can hold on their balance sheets.

The aim is to have a model that will develop value for members out into the future and something that they can hold on their balance sheets. The restructure outcome is a joint venture between Fresh State and a members’ share company with the starting point being part of the MMCS. Over the last three months following the AGM, an amnesty period was instigated to allow those few members who were not wholly complying with the constitution to rectify their status. The amnesty period is now closed.

Further InfoRMATION: What: Members will receive letters inviting them to purchase a single share (one per member).

Value: The price is $1,000.00 per share.

Closes: The share offer will close 5.00pm Friday 1 March 2013.

Enquiries: Please contact John Roach CEO and Company Secretary Fresh State Ltd on 03 96893233 or john.roach@freshstate.com.au

top ten:

24

OF AFFAIRS

fruity smoothies

issue 16

february 2013

for 2013

After overwhelming feedback from our Top 10 cocktails in the December Issue, we are back with more ways to DRINK fresh fruit (and vegetables) from the Wholesale Market in the Summer Holidays.

1. Tropical Fruit Smoothie Blend 1 mango, 1 papaya, 1/2 pineapple and 1/2 cup ice cubes.

2. Avocado & Berry Smoothie Avocados are a good source of fibre potassium, and vitamins C,K, folate, and B6. One globe contains more than one-third daily value of vitamin C, and more than half the day’s requirements of vitamin K.

Kiwi layer: blend together: 1/4 cup yogurt, 2 tablespoons honey, 3 kiwifruit, 2 cups ice cubes, 2 tbsp green tea and 1/2 cup packed baby spinach.

5. Plum & Blueberry Smoothie Blend 1 cup frozen blueberries, 2 red plums, pitted and sliced, 1 small container peach Greek yogurt and juice of 1 lemon.

6. Strawberry Peach Soy Smoothie

Blend 1 cup orange juice, 1/2 avocado, 3/4 cup frozen blueberries, 1/2 cup frozen raspberries, 1 kiwi, peeled, 1 banana, 1/2 cup ice.

Trying to get a little less dairy in your diet, or trying to avoid dairy altogether?

Then take a chance on this strawberry soy smoothie that is dairy free.

3. Apple and Pear Smoothie

Blend 1/2 cup soy or rice milk, 12 strawberries, 1/2 cup frozen peach slices and 2 ice cubes.

Blend 1 banana, 2 apples, 1 pear, 250ml greek yoghurt, 250ml apple juice, 1 tsp vanilla extract and a pinch of ground cinnamon.

4. Kiwi Mango Layered Smoothie The tangy flavors of the mango and the kiwi need the honey to balance it out, so don’t skimp on the honey at least the first time you try this smoothie.

Mango layer: blend together 2 1/2 cups frozen mango, 3/4 cup vanilla fat-free yogurt, 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp water and 1/2 tsp lemon rind.

7. Raspberry Lemonade Smoothie A refreshing, tart lemonade drink that you can make very low calorie by using sugar-free lemonade. This is a great summer smoothie recipe for a cool drink and if used as a cocktail, consider adding a splash of vodka. Raspberries can be substituted for any kind of berry as well or you could mix!

Combine 2 cups ice and 2 cups lemonade in blender until ice is crushed. Add 1 cup fresh raspberries and blend.

8. Broccoli Blueberry Smoothie Try this for an added boost of vitamins to your system or better yet - start tossing in few broccoli florets to any smoothie you are making. Add strawberries or blackberries for an additional burst of nutrition.

Blend 1 cup of frozen blueberries, 1/2 cup of steamed broccoli, 1 cup of 100 percent cranberry juice, 1/2 cup of lowfat plain yogurt.

9. Traditional Breakfast Smoothie Blend 1/2 cup of skim milk (or yoghurt/ soy smilk) and 1/2 frozen banana until smooth. Add 1 cup frozen fruit (strawberries, blueberries, peaches, melon etc) and 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional) and blend until smooth Did you know? You can place bananas in their skin directly into the freezer to use later for smoothies, banana cake etc!

10. Beetroot, pomegranate and ginger smoothie Juice 4 raw beetroots, 4 apples, 1 pomegranate, 2cm ginger and 1/2 lemon in juice extractor. Blend 1 banana and 1 tbsp honey and add juice.

25

Fresh vs. Frozen Fruit You can use either fresh or frozen fruit. However, in the summer when there is a lot of fresh fruit available, you should take advantage and use as much fresh as possible. Frozen fruit can help thicken the smoothie like ice does, so if you like a thicker smoothie, use half frozen fruit and half fresh.

Ice vs. Ice Cream

27 febr

u ar y

The Australian Chamber Pitstop at Adelaide Produce Market.

26 MARC

To thicken up a smoothie you can of course use ice, but adding too much can water it down. Another good option is ice cream or frozen yogurt, but they can add calories and fat. Regular yogurt also works well. For the perfect balance, use a combination of ice cubes and yogurt.

Juice vs. Milk There has to be some liquid in the smoothie so it blends well, so fruit juice or low-fat milk are both good options. Using fruit juice will give you additional fruit flavor and using milk will add to the creaminess, the choice is yours.

One Fruit vs. Mixed Fruit

H

Fresh State Special General Meeting at Etihad Stadium.

Bonus

As reported in the December issue of the Fresh State of Affairs Magazine, Movember was alive and well at the Melbourne Wholesale Markets with many wholesalers growing and shaving their moes for a great cause prostate cancer and male mental health.

In total, the Movember movement raised $25,032.286 in Australia alone!

02

From this amount, 234 Melbourne Market Wholesalers raised a staggering $5,845.00!!!

ma y

The Australian Chamber Pitstop at Perth Market.

05 june

Many people like a few fruits mixed together in a smoothie and some people are purists and just like one type. If you like to mix and match your fruits then go ahead, just be sure to do it in a ratio so you can taste every fruit. Often one fruit overpowers everything else, so taste your fruits first to see if one has a stronger flavor or is sweeter, which may need to be subdued.

Movember UPDATE

The Australian Chamber Pitstop at Brisbane Markets.

Kent Boorman from the Movember Head Office was thrilled with the outcome.

“We thought it was awesome and really appreciated the support from all of the crew at the Melbourne Markets. Our aim is to get as many guys out there to grow Mo’s and begin conversations about their health.”

11 12 13 june

june

june

Fresh Connections 2013: Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Easter fruit smoothie Creamy mint cacao smoothie Blend together 1/2 ripe avocado, 1 very ripe frozen banana, 2 tbsp raw cacao powder (or unsweetened cocoa powder), 1 cup milk (or soy, almond, rice, chia, hemp, sesame), 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, 1/4 tsp peppermint flavour, honey to taste.

calendar of events:

Smoothie Tips

OF AFFAIRS

Charles Chan

Q&A:

26

Charles Chan of Opal Jade Pty Ltd.

In my spare time I enjoy:

Opal Jade Pty Ltd. The main lines sold are Asian vegetables, mushrooms, cucumbers and mangoes.

Watching television, spending time with my wife and family and watching the mighty Pies win matches!

Lives:

My first job was:

Templestowe.

A teacher in Hong Kong.

Most of my day is spent:

My fondest memory is:

Talking to customers, organizing stock and delivering what customers require.

1/3 of my life is spet at the market, less than a 1/3 is spent sleeping and the balance is spent with my family.

The birth of my first son.

The football team I barrack for is:

The thing I dislike the most is:

The Pies!

To be let down by a grower and/or transport company.

The first year I organised a dragon to come into the Market for Chinese New Year, and an ongoing market tradition began.

The aspect of my job I Iike the most is: Satisfaction and trust of a customer.

I am passionate about: The Market community and moving forward with the relocation to Epping in a proper fair way.

The quality I respect most in a person is:

My business associates would say that I:

Good time management, reliability and to be focused.

Am honest, reliable and keep promises.

As I have grown older I have learnt: Talk less and work more.

If I described my business to a stranger I would say: Providing fresh produce which may not be the cheapest but is great quality.

The qualities I most enjoy about Melbourne Market are: The good neighbours on both sides of my stall and talking to different people within the market.

The pets I have are: Nine goldfish.

february 2013

“The business was named after the precious stones native to Australia and China …

To me, Opal Jade translates to Aussie Chinese.”

Works:

My favourite Melbourne Market moment is:

issue 16

When I was a child I wanted to be: RICH! The place in the world I would most like to go is: On a cruise for three months to get away from everything.

The thing a lot of people don’t know about me is: I am a trained Chef.

My favourite fruit or vegetable is: A small seed lychee.

To many in the markets Charles Chan from Opal Jade is just an ordinary guy who sells chilli, mangoes and the occasional cucumber however there is more to Charles than meets the eye.

A trained chef, Charles moved to Australia from Hong Kong in 1982 where he started a family and opened his own restaurant.

After time he hated the long hours and was missing out on spending time with his growing family, so he decided to start a providore business and called it Opal Jade. “The business was named after the precious stones native to Australia and China,” says Charles. “To me, Opal Jade translates to Aussie Chinese”.

An opening soon came up at the Melbourne Markets and, in 1996, Charles became a fully fledged wholesaler purchasing Dimattina’s old store space and Opal Jade has been a fixture in the Markets ever since.

These days Charles doesn’t cook.

“My wife and my mum do all of the cooking” he says. Charles loves a big piece of juicy steak and is a diehard Collingwood supporter (but we won’t hold that against him!). “I hold a Legends Club Membership and go to all the Home and Away Games”.

Charles holds onto the hope that the Mighty Pies will win the flag in 2013 and says when that day comes he will cherish the moment.

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Fresh Test is an Australian Chamber Initiative which monitors and tests chemical and microbial levels in fresh produce. Fresh Test is a state of the art testing program designed to promote and maintain high quality produce standards within the Fresh produce Industry.

Benefits: > Daily collection of Fresh Produce > Quick, easy and reliable > 24 hour online access for wholesalers > Up to date results > Improved audit efficiency > All results held in complete confidence > All laboratories used are accredited by

> Cheaper than it’s competitors > Is recognized by Government and industry including major retailers

> Has regular liaison with third party QA certification bodies to ensure testing meets increasingly stringent requirements

> All tests are conducted through independent NATA accredited laboratories

NATA to IEC/ISO17025

To organise collection and testing of your produce, please contact your State Chamber office.

FreshTest Online has a live connection to the Fresh Test database that allows you to obtain information and reports for yourself or your growers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

To access FreshTest Online go to www.freshmarkets.com.au Note: you must first register with the Chamber to receive a logon and password.

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