Fresh State of Affairs Issue 24 by Fresh State

october

24 2014

ISSN: 1838-7829

u z b z e ab h

Fresh State AGM Update

Bees and fresh produce

Q&A: Daniel Scavo

pping

issue 24

october 2014

what’s on :

Relocation:

Top Ten: Halloween:

Fresh Summit:

Nobody likes to get ripped off, but exorbitant quotes for store fit outs at Epping is posing a threat.

From pumpkins to cocktails – a wide range of options to celebrate Halloween using fresh produce.

2012 Fresh State Young Marketeer of the year Paul Taranto travels to New Orleans.

Melbourne Market Lions Club:

Debra:

No Bees = No Food:

Raising awareness for sufferers of Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB).

Varroa mites threaten Honeybees and affect fresh produce.

CONTENTS

Raising BIG dollars for charity.

02 What’s on

19 Golf Day

03 P resident’s Message

20 Fresh State Xmas Message

06 Relocation 08 Fresh State AGM 10 MMCS 14 Around the market

Published by:

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

21 Fresh Summit (continued) 27 Q&A

Fresh State CEO: John Roach john.roach@freshstate.com.au Editor / Advertising: Sally Piper sallyp@freshstate.com.au Proofing: Tony Nigro tonyn@freshstate.com.au

ADVERTISING

10 Produce Time 13 ADE Turf Equipment

22 Quantum Business Finance

17 Stow Storage

23 I Do Group

20 Max Doors

26 SBP Australia

21 Sheren Electrics

28 Oomiak

Design: Flying Dog Designs www.fddesigns.com.au Photography: Sally Piper sallyp@freshstate.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:

From the President Welcome to edition # 24 of Fresh State of Affairs and spring. It is always a wonderful time of year after a Melbourne winter! The mantra of “buyer beware” is front and centre for members as they start to sort through their store fit out requirements. From first-hand experience, what a minefield this has been over the last month.

a store, it involves outlaying considerable funds – you need working capital to operate the business; in half of those trades you have to pay any contingent liability for the gain of space for the store; and you have to pay for the store fit out. And for

cash flow out of the market and this has long term impacts. Added to this is the concern that our operating costs at Epping will be higher than they are now. It is a fact you can’t avoid. Our 39th AGM took place on 7 October 2014. Thanks to our guest speaker Craig Ondarchie, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier who deputised for the Premier. His electorate covers Epping and he is already taking a keen interest in its development.

The large (think Grand Canyon) variation in the costs being quoted for the store fit out and, if applicable, warehousing fit outs at Epping are ridiculous. In fact it is starting to hijack the fit out agenda that is in place. Since the ballot back in December 2012, there have been over 30 occurrences of stores being traded (either completed or underway). There will also be a handful more before we finally relocate to Epping. To put things in perspective consider this. For those who have purchased

those needing warehouses to operate their businesses and have put their hand up for some at Epping, you need to pay for the cost of that fit out as well! For the other store holders moving to Epping, you need to pay for your store fit out and warehousing fit outs. These are big enough hurdles anyway. It is understandable that store holders are nervous when it comes to spending money especially when quotes are on the ridiculous end of the scale. They also know that whatever amount they spend will draw away the

And it was a very humbling experience, firstly to be nominated for a Fresh State Life Membership and then have members unanimously endorse it. It was very much appreciated by both my family and I.

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 2014

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

OF AFFAIRS

relocation:

itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no fun!

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s it like to be one of the 100 or so store holders who face the next hurdle in the move to Epping? For a few, they have in-house capacity to navigate through the next phases. But for most, things just got harder! The store holder businesses are now facing their individual hurdles in fitting out their stores ready for trade. To gain their occupancy permit (right to trade) they need to complete their store fit out.

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Nobody likes to get ripped off, but with such large variations, unfortunately, it is starting to threaten the orderly process that has been planned for store fit outs.

To achieve their fit out, they need to go through:

T he design process (architects) to formally put on paper what they want, (almost everyone has achieved this).

T hey then finalise their plans with the help of contractors and their architect and submit them for a building permit (a few are close to this stage).

ext they get quotes from N builders, refrigeration, electrical and fire service contractors plus office fit out specialists, (this is underway and is a headache!)

nce the building permit is O issued they can then commence the fit out work.

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The prices being quoted or “budgeted” by some contractors (in general) are way over the top – some say so far off the mark that they are further than Epping!

So what’s the concern? The prices being quoted or “budgeted” by some contractors (in general) are way over the top – some say so far off the mark that they are further than Epping! Some examples are showing almost a 100% difference in price for similar work and many in the 30 – 40% range. Individually, quotes show exorbitant costs in some items such as “preliminar-

And that is before we get to what everyone needs – refrigeration. To be fair, it is difficult to get a final quote on refrigeration as some ‘capacity factors’ have still to be worked through. This work is currently underway and hopefully available soon. This item is the single biggest cost and has everyone guessing to “what will do the job and what is a fair cost”. And, given that it is the fruit and veg industry, it is a little bit important!

Given that approximately half the store holders will have more than one temperature zone, and some up to four zones, then the average cost is likely to far exceed the current $20m mark and easily push past the $30m mark! ies” (these can’t cost $50,000 for a single large store!), “fire services” (they only have to extend nine sprinkler heads in a large store office and this doesn’t cost $5,000 – $10,000), and electrical (lights and power points).

Nobody likes to get ripped off, but with such large variations, unfortunately, it is starting to threaten the orderly process that has been planned for store fit outs.

What sort of costs are involved? Many store holders are planning a simple model. That is, all of the store area being one temperature zone (with say a range of 2 to 12 degrees Celsuis) and a basic office fit out upstairs. This would require the following items to be installed in the store: • Lights, power and data points • Refrigeration – tertiary glycol system and blowers • Signage and pallet racking (if required) • Cladding of walls and ceiling • Extension of fire sprinkler points through the ceiling in the office. The guestimate for the base fit out of a large store appears to be in the range of $150,000 – $180,000 depending on finishes and the refrigeration costs. The guestimate for the base fit out of a medium store appears to be in the range of $120,000 - $150,000 depending on finishes and the refrigeration costs.

relocation:

Use your bullshit barometer – if it looks like its a bit smelly then it probably is!

The quantum of fit out costs across all large and medium stores is a bit staggering. There are 74 large stores and 50 medium stores (including small stores) in total.

What can store holders do?

• If the cost of fit out of the large stores averages $180,000 then the cost total for all large stores exceeds $13m.

2. Then get more than one quote even if the contractors are your “mates.”

• If the cost of fit out of the medium stores averages $150,000 then the cost total for all medium stores is $7.5m. • Or over $20m in total. Given that approximately half the store holders will have more than one temperature zone, and some up to four zones, then the average cost is likely to far exceed the current $20m mark and easily push past the $30m mark! By the time you add on the fit out for the cafes (approximately $2m); hire companies and the new equipment they are required to install (approximately $2M); the fit out of Warehousing Part A (14,000 sqm in area) and Warehousing Part B (62,000 sqm in area), the outlay for tenants is monstrous! All together, the $50m mark is a distant memory and let’s not forget the retail offices, gas stations and the many other incidentals that quickly add up. Fortunately for the Government, this is outside their realm but instead of “kissing babies”, a new mantra of “kissing wholesalers” should be on the agenda with some assistance package and this may win some votes!

1. The first thing to do is ask questions.

3. Request quotes that are itemised with as much detail as possible. Your architect can also help guide you through this phase and Fresh State is trying to benchmark some costs as a guide to help you.

We have asked that the list of pre approved contractors is extended to a wider group so that you can get more quotes and a better understanding of the fit out. And you can use your own contractors providing they have the necessary licences and insurances and meet the Root Projects Australia check list. Lastly, use your bullshit barometer – if it looks like its a bit smelly then it probably is!

OF AFFAIRS

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Fresh State Life Members 39th AGM of Fresh State Ltd Tuesday 8 October 2014 at 9am The Fresh State AGM 2014 was, as expected, all about the move to Epping. Fresh State members in attendance were able to get up to speed with the relocation, Fresh State activities and special projects on the horizon. Guest speaker, Parliamentary Secretary Craig Ondarchie provided an overview of the relocation project on behalf of Premier Dennis Napthine and Melbourne Market Authority CEO Mark Maskiell filled in the blanks and fielded

Fresh State’s CEO, John Roach reported that Fresh State had been incredibly busy during the year in relation to the relocation including: • Legal fight – March 2013 until March 2014

Huge discrepancies in quotes caused alarm amongst Fresh State Members who were scratching their heads and hoping they had not signed any fit out contracts yet. questions regarding fit out, hours, parking and everything in between from Fresh State Members. The most enlightening presentation came from re elected Fresh State President Shane Schnitzler on his own business’s benchmarking of the fit out costs. Huge discrepancies in quotes caused alarm amongst Fresh State Members who were scratching their heads and hoping they had not signed any fit out contracts yet (refer to Relocation article on page 4-7).

John McNish Alan Dykes

Robert Millis a Dom Dimattin John Holman Harry Kapiris ano Joe Brancatis tisano Vince Branca zler Shane Schnit

• Members survey (on hours) • Retail leases – commencing with cafes and now hire companies and retail offices. Shane Schnitzler – new Fresh State Life Member In a show of solidarity and recognition, Fresh State Vice President Joe Amalfi read the nomination for Fresh State Life Membership status announcing Shane Schnitzler as the nominated Fresh State Member to receive this honour. It was unanimously supported by all members.

• Signing of store leases – November 2013 • Part A and Part B warehousing leases • Trading stands • Fit out of stores • Trading of stores • Rent free period – warehousing • Draft Rules of Operation • Epping Operating Times

“Shane is a very worthy recipient for a Fresh State Life Membership” announced Joe. “He has been an active Fresh State member for more than 13 years, and its second longest serving President. He joined the committee in 2003 and was voted President in 2005, a position he still holds.” “Shane is the cornerstone of the Fresh State board. He is often “out the front,” hosting events, attending conferences, in front of the cameras and leading the

fresh state agm: Fresh State President and new Life Member Shane Schnitzler with Parliamentary Secretary Craig Ondarchie and MMA CEO Mark Maskiell.

organisation especially in relocation negotiations. Behind the scenes he is one of the Board’s most passionate and strategic performers. He has spent three decades – all his working life, in the fresh produce industry. He has displayed a passion for the industry few others can match. This has had impacts on his family life as he has sought to continually improve the operating environment for the industry and Fresh State members. Shane is an outstanding nomination for the honour of a Fresh State Life Membership.”

“Shane is the cornerstone of the Fresh State board. He is often “out the front,” hosting events, attending conferences, in front of the cameras and leading the organisation especially in relocation negotiations. Behind the scenes he is one of the Board’s most passionate and strategic performers.

Fresh State Limited Directors – Reelected for the 2014-2015 year. Back row from left: Shane Schnitzler (President), Joe Amalfi (Vice President), Grant Nichol (Deputy Vice President), Phillip Brancatisano, Brett Collins. Front row from left: Vince Brancatisano, Charlie Natale, Steve Grillo.

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mmcs:

OF AFFAIRS

More incentives to join The Melbourne Markets Credit Service is making its mark on the Melbourne Wholesale Market. Now branded as the Melbourne Markets Credit Service Joint Venture, there is more incentive to join than ever before. “The MMCS is a clearing house that provides certainty for any outstanding debt” says Vince Brancatisano, Fresh State Director and MMCS advocate.

The MMCS is a clearing house that provides certainty for any outstanding debt. “Using the Credit Service really makes life a lot easier and provides the surety that businesses want. It is a matter of recouping costs at the end of the day.” MMCS – Incentives to join • Approximately 190 active registered users (businesses). • MMCS estimates that as much as 75% of throughput is not processed by the MMCS. This is credit and cash sales outside the MMCS!

• Since 2009, costs of running the MMCS have reduced by approximately 50%. • There has been a steady increase in throughput since that time. • The Bad Debt Fund has over $1m in reserve funds to accommodate any bad debt for those in the fund. This includes the $500k loan from Fresh State. • Almost all terms are 14 days. • All distributions are made by EFT from the MMCS. • Approximately 65% of buyers are paying by EFT, up from 20% in 2009. Our goal is 100%! • If someone wants to pay their account in cash, they have to go to the bank themselves! • The name “credit service” implies we lend credit – We Don’t! We are a clearing house (processor) and the seller owns the debt. For more information or to become a user of the Melbourne Markets Credit Service go to www.melbmcs.com.au

• Two thirds of the throughput in the MMCS is between wholesalers.

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TOP

Halloween Ways to celebrate Halloween this year using fresh produce

PUMPKIN: the most famous of all Halloween traditions is to carve out a pumpkin of course!

PUMPKIN SEEDS: 02 Don’t forget to keep the seeds for roasting as they are full of nutrients and taste good!

03 An authentic carved pumpkin now on display at the Moriaitis stand as well as other hard produce suppliers around the market – keep a look out for your perfect pumpkin!

GARLIC CHAIN: Keep away the vampires and decorate your home with garlic chains. Vinnie from Prestige Produce displays his fresh aromatic garlic ready for Halloween.

07 06

PUMPKIN FLESH: Try Pumpkin Pie: Blend together 2 cups pumpkin, 1 can sweetened condensed milk, 1 egg, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ½ teaspoon ginger and ¾ teaspoon cinnamon. Pour into unbaked pie shell. Bake at 190° C for 50 minutes. Cool. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

TREATS: Try Chocolate coated berries such as strawberries and blueberries and apple slices dipped in cinnamon and sugar for a yummy treat!

SMOOTHIES: Try Orange Sunset Smoothie: Blend 2 large chopped carrots, 1 cup almond milk, dash of cinnamon, 1 frozen banana, 1/2 avocado, 1 mango, ice (optional).

HALLOWEEN GAMES: Young or old, everyone loves a great party game. Try dunking for apples or try to bite apples hanging from strings.

THEMED MEALS: Try themed snacks like this veggie skeleton or goblin grins! FOOD TRICKS: Try tomatoes: blend up for a bloody surprise or blend up avocado and greens for some other disgusting tricks which are sure to have your guests feeling a little worse for wear!

COCKTAILS: Try Bloody Mary: ¾ fill a glass with ice cubes. Add 30ml (1½ tablespoons) chilled vodka and about 60ml (1/4 cup) chilled tomato juice to almost 09 fill glass. Add lemon slice, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and a dash of Worcestershire Sauce. Stir in a pinch each of sugar, celery salt and ground black pepper and a dash of Tabasco Sauce to taste. Add a celery stick to glass. Enjoy!

Paul Taranto: Fresh State’s Young Marketeer of the Year 2012 For the past five years, Fresh State has awarded the recipient of its Fresh State Young Marketeer of the Year Award, with an all expenses paid trip to the USA to attend PMA’s Fresh Summit. The winner of this award is voted by peers in the industry and is highly sought after as you can imagine.

As the Young Marketeer of the Year winner in 2012, Paul Taranto from TC Produce attended Fresh Summit 2013 and this is his story …

PMA Fresh Summit 2013 – New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

New Orleans: Po’boys, deep Fried Chicken, Gumbo, Blues, Katrina, Devastation, Rebuilding.

First impressions: Upon my arrival at dusk after a 21 hour commute from Melbourne to New Orleans, I ventured out to find a cold beer and something greasy to munch on. Needless to say I didn’t have to venture far to accommodate my cravings. By traversing through the city streets, you quickly get a feel for a very culturally diverse city – from architecturally magnificent buildings in the French Quarter to dirty laneways with piles of trash overflowing onto the pavements. New Orleans had it all! After walking down Canal Street I stumbled into the notorious Bourbon Street with its cosmopolitan party feel evident, I warily began to traverse through the thousands of people ready for a good time. I looked around in awe of people having shots on the streets, dancing in bars and generally having a good time and realised I was walking beside an attractive girl dressed in a figure hugging dress. She was getting yelled at from a few guys on a balcony above and was only too obliging

to bow to their requests. WELCOME TO NEW ORLEANS PAUL, WOW. Bourbon Street masks the deeper surrounding issues that confront New Orleans on a daily basis. As you are well aware on the 29th of August 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans causing $100 billion in damage, killing 2000 people and leaving damage that some nine years later is still in the process of being repaired.

Retail Produce Tour: The following day started my PMA experience. I decided to go on the Retail Produce tour, which stopped at four sites across New Orleans with varying demographics. The first stop was Breaux Market a small-scale supermarket with five stores across New Orleans.

70 years until Katrina hit in 2005. The building remained empty until 2010 when the Rouse Family brought it. They have purposely left reminders of the water levels some 13 feet high on walls to demonstrate the devastation that Katrina had.

The second stop was Hong Kong Food Market – a very uninspiring supermarket that catered predominately for the Asian community, selling mainly Chinese veggies, butter melon and mangos.

The building itself is magnificent and has a heritage overlay preserving parts of it. The Fresh Produce section sits in the once new car showroom with ornate mahogany timber paneling and a 50 year old huge chandelier lighting the store. The store has several features, which include:

The third stop was Robert Fresh Market, servicing the upper middle class demographic. With an employee base of 65, an in house florist and a commercial grade kitchen inside, it was impressive. And the last stop, well they left the best until last – Rouses Market. A family owned business with a staff of 5,200 in total. Company mission – committed to being recognised as the area’s leader in service, value and professionalism. Their demographic being middle class to affluent. The building that houses Rouse Market has a story. It was the first Ford dealership in the state of Louisiana and operated continuously for

• Melon and Juice bar, Gelato Store • Rooftop herb garden • Foodservice department with in house chefs demonstrating tastings every day. If you are ever in New Orleans take the time to check it out.

Trade Show: It was now Friday and I headed to the Convention Centre – a massive facility around 1.5 miles in length that made Jeff’s shed pale into insignificance … Some 23,000 people attend this event from all over the world from the Fresh Produce Sector. There were hundreds of exhibitors showcasing different packaging ideas, machines that better automate processing and new varieties such as a pink tomato, to name a few. After a tiring six hours of networking, I had an early night …

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The Breaux Market philosophy was that they were better equipped to deal with customer satisfaction in relation to their major competition because they acted swiftly in times of dispute, something their larger competition were unable to do.

around the markets:

01. Wally from Charlies Fruit Market with David from Market City Fruits. 02. Tony Latorres from Glengala Fresh in Sunshine secures a big load of fresh fruit & veg. 03. The boys at Fresh Cut Processors Les and Ken with Aldo from North Ringwood Fruit Market. 04. Sam from Gangemi Fruit & Veg in Barkley Square Shopping Centre. 05. Ross Ferrinda from Ferrinda Fresh. 06. Kon at VB Veg selling quality produce to Nick at Ascot House Receptions.

07. It is taste testing time of new season cantaloupe for Amy, Terry and Jess. 08. Lin from Blackburn Shopping Centre checks out the sweet juicy oranges from Odi at Ten Farms.

09. John from Jack Fruit in Carlton. 10. Kris from Morco with Moraitis’ Mohammad and Grant. 11. Russell & Harry from Cranbourne Valley Produce. 12. Serena from A & V Banana Bread displayed her wares. 13. Andy and Domenic from Pignataro’s. 14. Fresh State’s John Roach with Biodynamic’s Peter Podolinsky. 15. Fresh State Life Member Joe Brancatisano chillaxes with his mangoes. 16. Laurie at BGP Produce shows off his potatoes to Anthony from Hampton Park. 17. The Seagulls (unfortunately) enjoying fresh produce!

12 9

market lions club:

OF AFFAIRS

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Melbourne Market Lions Club Raising BIG dollars for charity The Melbourne Wholesale Market has a history of digging deep into its pockets and raising money for a variety of good causes. We support Movember, the Big Bake Off, Daffodil Day, the Good Friday Appeal, the Greatest Shave and the list goes on. But no organisation within the market has withstood the test of time and raised such enormous amounts of money for charity than our most famous of all – the Melbourne Market Lions Club.

the lot, creating an Australian Lions Club record. In the 1980’s the Lions Club raised $25,000 for the Italian earthquake relief fund and in the 1990’s the club started supporting The World Festival of Magic Show.

Commencing in 1972 with 64 members, the motivation in creating a Lions Club in the market was to help unite wholesalers in the market, lift

“The Magic Show remains one of our most popular fundraisers each year,” continues Dom. “Telemarketers are employed to seek sponsorship from

Foodbank, FareShare, Australia Lions Children’s Mobility Foundation and Moira Kelly’s Children First Foundation. On top of this the club generally receives about five requests each week from various charities which keeps them busy. “We can’t support all requests received,” says Dom, “but we sort through the charities as a committee and support as much as we can”.

The motivation in creating a Lions Club in the market was to help unite wholesalers in the market, lift the profile of the market in the public’s eyes and raise money for needy market individuals and various other charities. the profile of the market in the public’s eyes and raise money for needy market individuals and various other charities. “And that motivation really hasn’t changed 42 years later” says Dom DiMattina, current President and inaugural President of both the Melbourne Market Lions Club and Fresh State Ltd. “It all started with the generosity of the merchants/agents around the market and that tradition continues today”. Proudly, since its inception, the Melbourne Market Lions Club has raised seven to eight million dollars for charity! Melbourne Wholesale Market – stand up and take a bow. In 1976 the Club used high profile Richmond football players to unload a semi-trailer of 16 000 Lions Club Christmas Cakes at the market. The photo made the then Herald front page, and the club subsequently sold

the business community and 5000 children and their carers attended the show last year Melbourne Market Lions Club president Dom Dimattina at the Melbourne Convention and Pat Lamanna. Centre.” In 2013, $750,000 worth of tickets were sold with 20% being donated by the Lions Club to its This tight knit group of fundraisers various charities. meet every month without too much And the 2000’s saw the Melbourne fanfare and raise big dollars mostly Market Lions Club commence its for children in need. They produce annual Melbourne Market Banquet their own newsletter coined ‘The Auctions at Melrose Receptions which Cornucopians’ meaning ‘horn of plenty” in 2009 raised $360,000. from Greek mythology – a goat’s horn filled with grain and flowers and fruit The Lions Club has evolved naturally symbolising prosperity. and today there are 18 members consisting of wholesalers and family One of their current projects is the friends of the Melbourne Wholesale Melbourne Market Golf Day in which Market. More amazing is the fact they are supporting The Debra that five of the current members are Foundation – another charity aimed at original founding members who have helping parents with children in urgent served with the club for 42 years. need (refer to pages 18-19). This year, the club has four major charities it is supporting, being

2013/2014 – Melbourne Market Lions Club Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? There are 46,000 clubs and 1.35 million Lions Club members worldwide making it the world’s largest service club organisation. Lions Club members do whatever is needed to help their local communities. Pat Lamanna, the founder of Lamanna Bananas, Lions Club member for almost 50 years, and past President of the Market Lions (on seven occasions) famously won the Australian Senior Citizen of the Year in 2009 mainly for his 40 year outstanding involvement with the Melbourne Market Lions Club. High profile projects that the Melbourne Market Lions Club have helped raise money for include the formerly conjoined twins Trishna and Krishna and most recently $220,000 for three year old Yahya from Morocco with a malformed face (aired on the Channel 7’s Sunday Night in September 2014). The average amount raised amongst the 450 Lions Clubs in Victoria is $25,000. So far this year, our Market Lions have raised $350,000, with the World Festival of Magic on target to bring in approximately $130,000, and the Golf day might round our total this year at $500,000. Not bad eh!

Caption from 1976 newspaper article: Keith Greig is an expert at taking passes. And it doesn’t matter whether it’s a football or a fruit cake. The North Melbourne Brownlow Medalist, right, Richmond Captain, Royce Hart (left) and coach Tom Hafey were helping stack 10,000 fruitcakes at the Wholesale Fruit and Vegetable Market in Footscray Road. Lions International are to sell the cakes until Christmas to raise money for blind children. ADVERTISEMENT

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debra foundation:

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CHANCE TO WIN A BMW! HOLE-IN-ONE PRIZE PROUDLY SPONSORED BY:

Skin as fragile as butterfly wings C 100 M 0 Y 0 K 0

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DEBRA (Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association) Australia is a not for profit volunteer based organisation that raises money, supports families and raises awareness of Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). EB is a rare genetic skin blistering condition that leads to a life of pain and disability. Skin can peel at the slightest touch, which is why the children are known as “butterfly children” as their skin is as fragile as a butterfly’s wings. Living with EB is likened to living with third degree burns that never heal, it is very painful and children are required

Living with EB is likened to living with third degree burns that never heal, it is very painful and children are required to be bandaged every day to protect and medicate their wounds. to be bandaged every day to protect and medicate their wounds and require a cooler climate and air conditioning, especially in the summer months.

Simone Baird is the Debra Family Support Coordinator and has a daughter Eliza who is 15 years old and has EB. “When she was born, Eliza had no skin on her right knee and the skin

2014 MELBOURNE MARKET CHARITY GOLF DAY Fresh State Ltd, the Melbourne Market Authority, the Melbourne Market Lions Club and Debra Australia are teaming up to host the 2014 Melbourne Market Charity Golf Day on Friday 14 November 2014 at Kingston Links in Rowville.

“Fresh State is really proud to be involved in this charity event with all funds raised donated to Debra Australia,” says Fresh State Vice President and long time Lions Club supporter, Joe Amalfi. “Debra Australia is a worthy benefactor and funds are greatly appreciated since they do not receive any Government funding.”

around her right foot, and the back of her hands were affected also, so it was very obvious from the moment she was born.” Simone says that all humans are carriers of at least six recessive genes. “We had no idea it was in our family so it was a complete surprise to us.” The annual cost for dressings and bandages for Eliza is over $300,000. Simone says caring for a child with EB is a 24 hour job. “Living with EB is relentless. It never stops, and caring for Eliza requires a dedicated team of family members, support workers and health professionals who work around the clock.”

so you don’t miss out,” continues Joe. “Tee sponsorship is also really important to the success of the day so please dig deep and support this great cause”. One of the biggest highlights of the golf day will be the opportunity

This will be a really popular, social and fun day so please book your teams in early so you don’t miss out. appreciated since they do not receive any Government funding”. Golf Day registrations will commence at 11.30am with a light lunch followed by tee off for a four ball ambrose competition at 1pm and then finishing with dinner. Teams of four and sponsors are asked to book for the event via the Fresh State office as soon as possible. “This will be a really popular, social and fun day so please book your teams in early

Most people effected with this severe condition live to their mid twenties and usually pass away from skin cancers, infection or other secondary EB related complications. Four years ago Eliza went into renal failure and was given six months to live but thankfully she pulled through. “We are aware Eliza’s life will be cut short – living with EB is like living with a time bomb, you never know when it’s going to explode. Until then, we

for a golfer with a keen eye and lucky swing to WIN a BMW car. “We have been very lucky to secure sponsorship from Doncaster BMW who have donated the ‘Hole in One’ prize,’” says Joe. “This will make for some great competition on the day and hopefully one of our golfers can win this vehicle.” Registrations and sponsorship inquiries can be made through the Fresh State office by contacting Sally Piper at sallyp@freshstate.com.au on 03 9689 3233.

take it day by day and manager her condition as best we can.” Look out for Eliza Baird who will feature on Channel 10’s The Project, leading up to International EB Awareness Week held every year from the 25th-30th of October to help educate and raise awareness about Epidermolysis Bullosa.

golf day:

Working for a life free pain. Working for aoflife free of pain.

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Fresh State of Affairs Magazine invites you to spread some festive cheer and place a Christmas message in our special Christmas Edition of the magazine due out on 12 December 2014. * Prices are exclusive of GST. To book your Christmas message, contact Sally at the Fresh State Office on 03 9689 3233 by 10 November 2014 or send an email to Sally at sallyp@freshstate.com.au

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Conferencing:

• Passed over for promotion.

The last day included a variety of workshops that you could choose to attend. I attended the workshop ‘Retaining Key Employees,’ and learnt a considerable amount.

How do you encourage them to stay? • Create an environment where employees enjoy what they do

Retaining Key Employees

• Make them feel they have a connection to the job and its customers.

Why do people leave businesses? • Not a friendly environment • Lack of leadership • Lack of recognition/appreciation • People need growth opportunities

• Make them feel like they have a purpose

What motivates employees? • Show them you respect and appreciate them • Remove their fear of failure • Invest in your employees’ training • Make them enjoy their tasks • And last but not least, treat your employees as equals. I wish to thank the Fresh State Board for giving me the opportunity to attend PMA Fresh Summit 2013 and wish Mark Grillo (Young Marketeer of the Year 2013) good luck for his upcoming trip to Anaheim in the next few weeks. Paul Taranto. ADVERTISEMENT

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fresh summit:

Continued from page 13

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OF AFFAIRS

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issue 24

october 2014

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OF AFFAIRS

issue 24

october 2014

The Buzzzzz on Bees: Honeybees don’t just make honey; they pollinate more than 90 of the tastiest flowering crops we have and are integral to Australian agriculture.

No Bees =

No Food

Pollination from bees is required for nearly two-thirds of Australian food production such as apples, pears, nuts, avocados, soybeans, asparagus, broccoli, celery, squash, pumpkins, and cucumbers. And lots of the really sweet and tart stuff, too, including citrus fruit, peaches, kiwi, cherries, blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, cantaloupe and other melons. In fact, about one-third of the human diet comes from insect-pollinated plants, and the Honeybee is responsible for 80 percent of that pollination. A worldwide decline in bee numbers is causing concern in Australia. Domestic losses threaten the long-term production of key food crops dependent on wild bee pollination. A recent Harvard study has found that certain insecticides – known as “neonics” (widely used in commercial stone-fruit cropping), have been linked to mass declines in bee numbers. This led to three types of neonics being banned by the EU in 2013. Observers are calling for a similar ban on these insecticides in Australia, but Australian

bees also face risks from other bio-security issues, in particular the invasion of the Varroa mite, which carries the potential to decimate existing bee populations. What are Varroa mites? Varroa mites are external parasites of bees. The mites, which are about the size of a pinhead, use specialised mouthparts to attack developing bee larvae or adult bees, resulting in deformed bees, reduced lifespan and ultimately the destruction of the colony or hive. What’s the risk to Australia? The Varroa mite would decimate Australia’s feral bee population and cause

A worldwide decline in bee numbers is causing concern in Australia. Domestic losses threaten the longterm production of key food crops dependent on wild bee pollination.

1-2. Honeybees infected with Varroa mites. 3. Bees on a top bar hive. Image source: https://frustratedfarmgirl. com/2010/05/11/varroa-mites-and-top-bar-hives/

a rapid increase in demand for pollination services. It is estimated that Varroa mite could cost Australian plant industries between $21.3 million and $50.3 million per year over thirty years. Apart from reduced honey production, apiarists would need to repeatedly treat their hives to ensure their survival. However, the major part of the cost of Varroa would probably be felt not by the Honeybee industry but by other industries with crops that rely on Honeybees for pollination. What is being done about the Varroa mite? Live bees can’t be imported into Australia without strict quarantine 3

Jody Goldsworth of Beechworth Honey argues that without bees, the nation’s food bowl would be reduced to grains, fish and grapes; suggesting Australian’s would be unable to maintain the quality of life currently enjoyed, nor experience the present diversity of nutritious food. There have been three parliamentary inquiries into beekeeping and pollination in the last six years. The Federal Government has allocated an extra $20 million in the May budget over the next four years to bio-security and quarantine arrangements. Honey producers, however,

Varroa mites are external parasites of bees. The mites, which are about the size of a pinhead, use specialised mouthparts to attack developing bee larvae or adult bees. measures. Visitors must declare all bee and honey products for inspection, and some States also have their own quarantine restrictions on the movement of honey and bee products in Australia. A coordinated approach is also being taken by the Australian Government and associated industries to ensure that the negative impacts of Varroa mite on Australia’s bee, pollination and agricultural industries will be minimised should an incursion occur. Global bee populations are at risk from varying climactic conditions. Up to 30% of South Eastern Australia’s bee population were wiped out due to severe drought in the region last summer. In contrast, harsh winter conditions were responsible for declining bee numbers in the Northern Hemisphere at the same time. The effect of persistent drought, combined with the possibility of invasion by the varroa mite plus contact with insecticides, has the potential to spark “Colony Collapse Disorder” (CCD) among worker bees in Australian hives. CCD was responsible for the collapse of approximately one-quarter of all Honeybee hives in the United States over the Winter of 2013–14.

suggest the initial funding for urgently needed Varroa mite protection measures has halted at $60,000, less than half of the combined contribution of domestic beekeepers and other pollination dependent industries. The CSIRO, submission to the latest inquiry, seconded this point, asserting that current funding for research into the bio-security threat to Australian bees is ‘fragmented and limited’. The importance of wild bees to the Australian food chain is undeniable. The current, and possibly worsening, bee deficit should be approached by the Australian Government as an issue of primary importance. Global cases of bee decline in the US, UK and Eastern Europe confirm the widespread effects of ecological disruption to essential bee colonies. All risks to existing bee populations in Australia need to be identified and acted upon to shield the domestic market from the need to increase food imports. Without intervention, current levels of domestic food production and stable food security prospects, may be at risk of decline. Source: Jack Di Nunzio Research Analyst, Future Directions International (FDI) Pty Ltd. CSIRO Submission to the House of Representatives Standing Committee Inquiry into the Future Development of the Australian Honeybee Industry.

bees and fresh produce:

Australian honey producers have seen a 50 per cent drop in production, leaving domestic producers unable to export honey in 2014. Major Australian honey producers, such as Beechworth and Capilano, have raised public concern over the food security implications of Australia’s bee shortage.

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OF AFFAIRS

issue 24

october 2014

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Q & A:

Q&A: Daniel Scavo “That’s what it is all about – making the most out of life … You get out of it what you put into it”. Works:

My first job was:

Supplying the market with quality fresh Australian produce. We connect a number of growers and retailers Australia-wide.

Commercial Real Estate Agent / Auctioneer.

Suburb where I live: Melbourne CBD. Most of my day is spent: Wheeling and dealing and putting my phone on charge. The football team I barrack for is: Carlton and the Western Bulldogs. If I didn’t adopt the Western Bulldogs, Joe wouldn’t have let me marry his daughter. My favourite Melbourne Market moment was:

My fondest memory is: Marrying my wife. It was the last time I have seen her in 3.5 years. The aspect of my job I Iike the most is: Feeding Australia. What we do as an industry is special and I want it to continue to strengthen. The thing I dislike the most is: The Melbourne Market community doesn’t embrace change. I am passionate about:

Passion, dedication and appreciation for what we do on a daily basis.

Increasing consumption of fruit and vegetables, revolutionising the future of the Australian vegetable industry and feeding the population so that no one goes hungry. “It is so heartbreaking to see how much food we produce in this country and how much is wasted.”

As I have grown older I have learnt:

My business associates would say that I am:

To take on the wisdom of my elders, while not forgetting my youthful vision for the future.

Fair. Honest. Transparent. Agile. Dynamic. (Agile - how so, Daniel?- Ed)

If I described my business to a stranger I would say:

When I was a child I wanted to be:

“I work ungodly hours to ensure you and your family have the best possible fruit and vegetables to eat each and every day.”

A Scientist.

When my store caught on fire. The quality I respect most in an employee is:

The qualities I most enjoy about Melbourne Market are: The honesty of folks. The pets I have are: Unfortunately I don’t even have the time to look after a goldfish. In my spare time I enjoy: Travelling and exploring different cultures around the world.

The place in the world I would most like to go is: I’ve been fortunate enough to travel the world a great deal but I would still like to spend more time in the south of Italy. The thing a lot of people don’t know about me is: I used to be a commercial real estate agent and an auctioneer. My favourite fruit or vegetable is: Of course that would be tomatoes, closely followed by Petite capsicum.

Young Sang & Co. is one of a only a few businesses that can trace it’s history back to the Queen Victoria Market site. “The business has been owned by my father-in-law Joe Palumbo for the last 30 years” says Daniel. Daniel has worked for Young Sang & Co. for seven years and has brought a youthful injection to the business, changing the way they operate such as the introduction of their popular specialty Petite Capsicum™ variety. “We have a young crew and we are all hungry and love what we do” continues Daniel. Creating and maintaining a hard working, skilled and happy team is important to their business. “Steve at Young Sang has just completed the Growing Leaders course and we actively encourage all our guys to keep learning and upskilling in the industry. I like to think that I do the impossible and my crew do the impossible with me.” Young Sang’s farming division United Wholesalers & Growers (UWG) based in central Queensland produces field grown gourmet and roma tomatoes, capsicum and zucchini. They started investing in farming in 1993 and by 1996 took over 100% ownership. “Joe wasn’t happy with the varieties being offered to consumers in Australia so he travelled to Spain and saw first hand the varieties being grown and felt that they could be incorporated into Australian production which has proved successful.” Having a vertical integrated company is important to Young Sang so that they can streamline processes from plant to consumer, monitor the quality and provide the very best product on the plate. Behind the scenes Daniel loves to travel and has been lucky enough to travel around the world and visit some exciting and exotic places. His next adventure is New York New York for a white Christmas. “I love stand up comedy and we will be seeing Dave Attell perform in the US which I am really looking forward to”. In the meantime, it is business as usual for Daniel. This involves working with his young dynamic team, strategic planning, working long hours and enjoying life. “That’s what it is all about – making the most out of life,” says Daniel. “You get out of it what you put into it”.

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