OF AFFAIR
2015
30
S
dec
BUMPER CHRISTMAS EDITION
CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM THE MARKET COMMUNITY
MARKET HOURS UNDER THE MICROSCOPE
PRODUCE TRENDS FOR THE SILLY SEASON
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CONTENTS
CHRISTMAS MESSAGES
02 What’s on 03 President’s Message 04 Market Hours 08 Vale Banana Jack 09 Calendar of Events 10 Melbourne Wholesaler
12 Perfection Fresh /
leads the way in greenhouse technology
31 FSL Gas Station 32 Top Ten Christmas Produce
34 Q&A: Connie Roda
issue 30 dec 2015 ISSN: 1838-7829
21 VB Sculli / Gramco / Oakville Ferrinda Fresh OF AFFAIRS 22 Costa Farms / Piedimonte 13 Brescia / Sheren Electrics 23 Tripod Farmers / Premier Fruits 14 MMCS / Fresh Max 15 Produce Time / 24 Roda Fruits / Mildura Fresh Louis Melbourne 25 Veli Velisha / Medici Wholesalers / 16 Toyota Material Handling OF AFFAIRS Ten Farms 17 Lions Club / Kelly Citrus 26 Barkers Melbourne 18 Fresh Cut Processors / Melbourne Insurance Brokers / 27 ASD / Coolibah Herbs Biodynamic Marketing 28 Flavorite / Fresh Berry 19 Lattores / Opaljade 29 VFS Produce / AMV Fresh OF AFFAIRS 20 Prestige Produce 30 Fresh State
ADVERTISING 09 Epping Plaza 11 Young Sang 33 Stanley Welding PUBLISHED BY:
EDITOR / ADVERTISING: Sally Piper sallyp@freshstate.com.au DESIGN: Flying Dog Designs fddesigns.com.au
freshstate.com.au tel: 03 9408 6627
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PHOTOGRAPHY: Sally Piper sallyp@freshstate.com.au Elizabeth Oswald eoimages.com.au
Epping
PRINT: Revolution Print revolutionprint.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 Wow, what a year it has been! In a few weeks’ time we will all be breathing a big sigh of relief and raising our glasses to a new year and new opportunities. 2016 here we come … But before this happens, we are right in the middle of our busiest trading season of the year, stocking up on our most popular produce and making sure our customers are getting exactly what they have asked for. It is full steam ahead. This popular Christmas Edition is full of Christmas cheer and messages and it is great to see so many happy faces in the magazine. We also take a deeper look into market hours and where we can go to from here. We have been debating this topic for decades but things have certainly changed since we have moved to Epping. It is time to think about how the current hours are affecting our work/life balance and if this is
something we want to continue into the future. We remember John McNish who worked with Fresh State and within the market for many many years. It is
of shops, restaurants and services at our doorstep which makes life easier for the last minute Christmas rush and party or two, so make sure you take advantage of our location!
WE ARE RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF OUR BUSIEST TRADING SEASON OF THE YEAR, STOCKING UP ON OUR MOST POPULAR PRODUCE AND MAKING SURE OUR CUSTOMERS ARE GETTING EXACTLY WHAT THEY HAVE ASKED FOR. always sad to say goodbye to such a popular and iconic member of our community but I am sure his name and the memories will live on for a long time yet in the market. Businesses in the local area around Epping are keen to engage with the market and it is never too late to develop new relationships especially at this time of year. There is a plethora
On behalf of the Fresh State Board and management, I would like to wish you all a happy, safe and healthy festive season.
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 2015
This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior permission from Fresh State Ltd. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to: The Editor Fresh State of Affairs Magazine Store 36, Melbourne Market 35 Produce Drive Epping VIC 3076
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issue 30 dec 2015
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MARKET HOURS UNDER THE MICROSCOPE It has been debated, it has been surveyed and it has been cross examined, but the problem has still not been solved. Melbourne Market trading hours. Are they sustainable? Are they functional? Are they relevant in today’s world and as we move into 2016 and beyond … In this edition, we think it is timely to once again put market hours under the microscope and let you be the judge … 1. THE FACTS: The market is a different beast now compared to Footscray Road. There is less store space and more warehouse space, there is more peak hour traffic on the arterials resulting in shorter trading hours and of course we are in a new shiny clean facility! WHAT ARE THE BUSINESS DEMANDS AT EPPING COMPARED TO FOOTSCRAY ROAD?
FOOTSCRAY ROAD Vs EPPING Limited warehousing More room to store/ display produce in stores Located within 4-5km to Melbourne Uncongested freeway access for logistics Longer trading hours on the floor into the morning Old tired facility
The way wholesalers are doing business has changed as well. With the increased warehouse capacity, business models are geared towards owning a store and a warehouse (in a lot of cases both here at the market), which has advantages insofar as smarter business practices. However it also has disadvantages with some pseudo trading apparently taking place from the warehouses which, as we are all aware, is not permitted on the market site.
Ample space for warehousing Located 20km + from Melbourne Limited room to store/ display produce Freeway congestion Shorter trading hours on the floor New updated clean facility
Demands have also arisen from a much shorter (or longer/earlier depending on which lens you are looking through) trading time. Although the market trading hours range from 3.30 - 4.30am Monday to Friday, buyers are pushing the boundaries and making transactions with wholesalers earlier and earlier – in some cases 11pm the previous night! This has opened up a can of worms and has resulted in the following: • Trading taking place earlier and earlier into the morning (and previous day)
• Trading finished by 7am which has on flow effects on auxiliary businesses such as cafés and other tenants • Wholesalers starting their working day earlier and earlier The Melbourne Wholesale Market is already the only market in Australia not only Government owned and run, (Perth market is currently in tender process) but also with a major difference in trading hours compared to its counterparts in other States.
The Melbourne Market commences trade (on paper and apparently in the Rules of Operation) a good two and a half hours before most other central markets in Australia! Why are we so different? HOW EARLY IS TOO EARLY? With the new location comes a flood of other problems more than likely not anticipated in the planning stages. Logistics seem to be at the epicenter with the Melbourne traffic making life difficult for retailers leaving the
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market. It is common knowledge now, four months in, that if you haven’t hit the road by 7am (at Epping) you’re toast. After 7am the market is a ghost town. HOW WILL THE 24/7 TREND EFFECT THE WHOLESALE MARKETS? 24/7 is the buzz word of the new millennium and has been creeping its way into our lives for a while now. It all started with the Seven Eleven chain in the eighties and has now gone viral with 24/7 petrol stations, gyms and supermarkets as we become a busier and busier society. This is not surprising with the internet boom, where you can buy anything in the world, any time of the day and it makes sense businesses on the ground have to follow suit to remain competitive. But have we lost our sense of self and the ability to turn off the clock in our rush to the finish line?
The question is whether the market will ultimately become a 24/7 trading floor or are we going to dictate the hours of trade? Is there an actual requirement for fresh produce to be provided 24/7 or if we streamline our processes and do things a bit differently can we achieve a more realistic work/life balance? WHAT ABOUT THE ALLEGED ‘BLACK MARKET HOURS’? There is also the unwanted underground movement that is pushing hours earlier and earlier into the morning and previous night. The Melbourne Market Authority
(MMA) have systems in place to start addressing this and hopefully it will have a positive outcome, but in the meantime the following issues are occurring causing more sleepless nights for the community: • Retailers signed up under wholesaler access cards allowing ‘carte blanche’ access • Trade taking place from warehouses • Lack of market hours policing from landlord But there is no use pointing at any one particular group as it is the wholesalers who in fact allow the retailers early
IS THERE AN ACTUAL REQUIREMENT FOR FRESH PRODUCE TO BE PROVIDED 24/7 OR IF WE STREAMLINE OUR PROCESSES AND DO THINGS A BIT DIFFERENTLY CAN WE ACHIEVE A MORE REALISTIC WORK/LIFE BALANCE?
MELBOURNE MARKET HOURS Vs THE REST OF AUSTRALIA
BRISBANE WHOLESALE MARKET: 6am (7am Tue)
Market hours based on Summer timetable
PERTH WHOLESALE MARKET: 6am
NEWCASTLE WHOLESALE MARKET: 5am
ADELAIDE WHOLESALE MARKET: 4.15am (Mon, Wed, Fri) & 4.55am (Tue, Thu, Sat)
SYDNEY WHOLESALE MARKET: 6am
MELBOURNE WHOLESALE MARKET:
3.30am (Mon, Thu, Fri) & 4.30am (Tue & Wed)
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entry. If we want a solution to this issue we all need to be on the same page and have a desired outcome for the majority. SUCCESSION PLANNING AND YOUNG TALENT – IS THIS IMPORTANT TO YOUR BUSINESS? We have seen many businesses consolidate or close with the move to Epping which has not been unexpected. In fact, it was a foreseen reality as we followed in the historical footsteps of relocation from the Queen Vic Market, as well as the price increases and changes that a new market brings. However, there is also the concern that some businesses have closed because they have not had family to continue the line. Silk Bros is a classic example with three sons and none willing to work the market hours that are current-
issue 30 dec 2015
4. Restructuring business models to OF AFFAIRS align with the new market site and its constraints and opportunities. AFFAIRS WORK/LIFEOFBALANCE
In order to do this you need to ask some pertinent and honest questions about your current work/life balance appetite such as: Is a work/life balance important to you and your business? How do the current (and pseudo) market hours affect your quality of life and the flow on effect with your family and networks? Is family time and social/sporting activities important? Can you employ more reliable hardworking staff to pick up the early mornings or not?
WITHOUT EXPERIENCE AND PASSION COMING UP THE LINE – WHO IS GOING TO SELL OUR FRESH PRODUCE IN THE FUTURE? ly in place (not to mention the current earlier pseudo hours!). Generations Y & Z of today value their work/life balance and this is widely documented. It can be difficult to find and retain staff in a standard 9 to 5 workplace from this generation yet alone the required night hours that the market currently offers. Added to this is the fact that we are now losing young talent in the industry due to market hours who want to (and rightly so) spend more time with their growing families. Without experience and passion coming up the line – who is going to sell our fresh produce in the future? REFINING BUSINESS PRACTICES But it is not all doom and gloom in the hours debate. Hours could be reined in and issues addressed by making some simple yet effective changes to your business such as:
2. THE SOLUTION: The market hours are currently on a slippery slope to a 24/7 model however it is up to the market community as a whole to band together and fight for a work/life balance if that is something that is important to you. At the moment Melbourne is the only central market with early hours and has been for decades – will we move in line with our counterpart market models in other States and open later in the morning or will we continue to wake up with the owls and risk our work/life balance? The MMA confirmed that they would readdress market hours twelve months after moving to Epping. Let’s take a front foot on this issue and answer these curly questions and hopefully this time, be at the solution end of the problem before government tell us what to do once again.
1. Clearer trading business hour boundaries for buyers. 2. Streamlining processes to be more efficient such as store displays, point of sale software and methodical work practices. 3. Offering incentives for working within your business hour guidelines including specials if relevant.
For the opportunity for your voice to be heard regarding market hours please email info@fsamagazine.com. au to provide feedback, address any of these questions or be part of a further discussion group.
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DEMANDS HAVE ALSO ARISEN FROM A MUCH SHORTER (OR LONGER/EARLIER DEPENDING ON WHICH LENS YOU ARE LOOKING THROUGH) TRADING TIME. ALTHOUGH THE MARKET TRADING HOURS RANGE FROM
3.30 - 4.30AM MONDAY TO FRIDAY, BUYERS ARE PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES AND MAKING TRANSACTIONS WITH WHOLESALERS EARLIER AND EARLIER – IN SOME CASES 11PM THE PREVIOUS NIGHT!
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issue 30 dec 2015
VALE BANANA JACK OF AFFAIRS
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John McNish affectionately known as “Banana Jack” sadly passed away on the 28 October aged 86 years. He was a valued member of the market community and a Life Member of the Victorian Chamber of Fresh Produce Wholesalers (now known as Fresh State). He will be well remembered as the Manager of Star Fruit and his tireless work in banana promotions. In his later years he worked for Fresh State as the Banana Liaison Officer working closely with Tony Nigro. John quickly became known as Banana Jack which was a fitting tribute. “Jack was very passionate about the banana industry” remembers Tony. “He was very widely known, and highly regarded because of his manner and ability to communicate with all involved in the banana industry.”
When Jack left the Market the Market never left Jack.
Jack started out as a retailer before moving to the Melbourne Market as a wholesaler in a banana business. The Banana Growers Federation (BGF),
JACK WAS VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT THE BANANA INDUSTRY … HE WAS ALWAYS FAIR AND NEVER PUT HIS BUSINESS FIRST BUT SPOKE ON BEHALF OF THE INDUSTRY. bought the business Jack was working in, to complement their already established banana wholesaling business (Star Fruit).
Mick Sgro, Tina Turner impersonator and Banana Jack enjoying the banana promotions.
Mick Sgro worked with Jack at Star Fruit and says Jack was the nicest person he has ever worked for. “He was always caring and helpful to the growers even those not sending him any fruit,” he said. Anything to do with bananas, Jack was always at the forefront and made a lot of friends over the years. “They put him on every committee they could because he was always fair and never put his business first but spoke on behalf of the industry”. Mick ended up working with Jack for ten years before eventually buying the business from BGF. “I have never forgotten how Jack treated people. He would say ‘we are not the only ones selling bananas, so be nice to your customers.’ I adopted that philosophy and passed it onto my staff,” continues Mick. Jack retired from wholesaling but his skills were soon made use of by the Melbourne banana wholesalers, with the Victorian Chamber (now known as Fresh State) creating the position of Banana Liaison Officer to take full advantage of Jack’s vast knowledge and expertise in the industry. Jack was also a long time member of the Market Diner’s Group and President up until a few years ago when he had to retire due to health reasons. “Jack absolutely loved the dining experience with his colleagues,” remembers Tony. Banana Jack will be missed by the whole industry Australia-wide, but his trademark name and reputation will remain for a long time to come.
2016
save the date(s )
February
’S DAY: CHINESE NEW YEAR 2016 RY MONDAY 8 FEBRUA r people born in the Year of the Monkey! Fo 1932, 1944, 1956, 920, Year of the Monkey (1 ). 04 20 1968, 1980, 1992, auspicious year. 2016 is considered an lligent and have inte “Monkeys” are witty, y. lit na rso a magnetic pe
April
May
MELBOURNE M A DAY: FRIDAY 15 RKET CHARIT Y GOLF APRIL 2016 Taking place at th e the Melbourne M Heidelberg Golf Club arket Charity Gol f Day is a market tradition w to Debra Australia ith all funds raised donated www.debra.org .au. For more inform ation, to sponso r a hole or to register a team of fo com.au or contac ur, go to www.freshstate. t on 03 9408 6627 Sally Piper at Fresh State .
NS – 016 NEC TIO DAY 19 MAY 2 N O C H URS FRES ntre Y 17 - TH ibition Ce T U E S DA h x E & n Conventio nual Brisbane ustry’s an d in e c u prod . The fresh e and tradeshow c nto conferen ion log o s.com.au t a m r fo n in For more afreshconnectio www.pm
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Epping Plaza Hotel Cnr High & Cooper Streets, Epping Ph: (03) 9408 9309 www.eppingplazahotel.com.au
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THIS IS THE FIRST ARTICLE IN A TWO PART SERIES ON THE HORTICULTURE CODE OF CONDUCT WHICH IS CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW.
CENTRAL WHOLESALE MARKETS ESSENTIAL TO SUPPLY CHAIN
issue 30 dec 2015
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FAST FACTS: 1. FMA WHOLESALERS ON-SELL FROM 90% OF AUSTRALIA’S GROWERS.
Without properly functioning Central Wholesale Markets, Australia’s fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain would collapse. This is especially poignant in the month of December – the busiest season in the Central Wholesale Market’s calendar. Members of Fresh Markets Australia (FMA) operate and/or are chambers within the six Central Wholesale Markets – Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Melbourne (Fresh State), Adelaide and Perth. Each year, through these Central Markets, more than 400 FMA member wholesalers on-sell fresh produce from more than 90% of Australia’s commercial fruit and vegetable growing establishments. A TOUGH BUSINESS While fruit and vegetable wholesaling is a significant contributor to the Australian economy, it is a tough business.
MULTI BILLION DOLLAR INDUSTRY The economic contribution of the Central Markets – directly and indirectly is enormous. The Central Markets and the food related industries they support, turnover a staggering $28 billion every year and provide employment for about 175,000 people. On their own, the six Central Markets turnover $7 billion a year (at wholesale prices). They are also significant employment hubs with more than 17,500 people employed directly or working on-site to buy fresh produce every day.
2. THE SIX CENTRAL MARKETS TURNOVER $7 BILLION ANNUALLY (WHOLESALE PRICES) AND EMPLOY 17,500 PEOPLE ON-SITE. 3. THE SIX CENTRAL MARKETS SUPPORT F&V RETAILERS AND FOOD SERVICE BUSINESSES. 4. MORE THAN 50% OF ALL FRESH PRODUCE CONSUMED IN AUSTRALIA IS HANDLED BY A MARKET WHOLESALER.
Across Australia, more than 2,700 indepenThe Regulatory Impact Statement dent fruit and vegetable retailers and 18,700 commissioned by the Federal Government food service businesses (IBIS World, 2015) diprior to the Horticultural Code of Conduct’s rectly or indirectly rely on Central Markets for introduction, reported findings from ABS data MEMBERS OF FRESH MARKETS AUSTRALIA that the profit margins (FMA) OPERATE AND/OR ARE CHAMBERS WITHIN of the fruit and vegetable wholesale THE SIX CENTRAL WHOLESALE MARKETS – sector (4%) were lower BRISBANE, NEWCASTLE, SYDNEY, MELBOURNE than the average profit margins in the (FRESH STATE), ADELAIDE AND PERTH. economy (6.5%). It also reported that wholesalers’ profit margins were lower on average than that obtained by the retail sector (4.5%). Despite these sobering statistics, the Mandatory Horticulture Code of Conduct was introduced and has added layers of bureaucracy to wholesalers’ operations and increased the costs of running their businesses.
their fresh fruit and vegetables. These figures do not include the economic and employment benefits of product supplied by Central Market wholesalers to retail chains, food processors and exporters. Part two in the next edition of the Fresh State of Affairs Magazine will explore the Horticultural Code of Conduct in depth and why wholesalers want wholesale changes under the review.
Fresh State is a member of FMA, advocating on behalf of its members regarding industry issues. For more information on FMA or the current status of the Horticultural Code of Conduct go to: www.freshmarkets.com.au
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Melbourne Market Wholesaler Young Sang have launched their new brand Brella Fields together with their new state of the art greenhouse built in North Gregory, south of Bundaberg. The $3 million polyethylene roofed structure is currently growing its first crop of Roma tomatoes together with specialty tomato varieties and capsicum.
“It will use 70% less pesticide and save 70% on water while using an integrated pest management system.” says Daniel Scavo, General Manager at Young Sang.
The greenhouse is the first of its kind in Australia showcasing a retractable roof that can take advantage of the best of Australia’s weather conditions as well as mitigate risk.
“It is an exciting time in our business and could be a game changer in terms of supply in the fresh produce industry”. Daniel is keen for all wholesalers to join together and grow
‘under glass’ to increase the quality of produce and lift the price per kilo. “If the technology becomes standard there will be less seconds”. The 4.3 hectare greenhouse will be an ‘umbrella’ providing natural soil and the growing conditions the plant needs says Young Sang.
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Season’s Greetings from the Ferrinda Fresh team
FerindaFresh_half2.indd 1
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WISHING EVERYONE A HAPPY HOLIDAY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.
www.perfection.com.au
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ar . e y e h t t u o h roug h t s s e ity n i n s u u m b m r o u o C y s r rket s fo r a e m M o t . e s n n u o r c s u r a o u e b s o l e e o v t i t u M fes he Thank yo We wish t very safe and happy a Brescia_half_2015.indd 1
27/11/2015 12:18 pm
from our family to yours from Christmas our family to yours Merry from our family to yours fromMerry our Merry family toChristmas yours Christmas Merry Christmas
All of us at Sheren Electrics would like to take this opportunity to offor us your at Sheren Electrics would like to takeand this wish opportunity to thank you support throughout thewould year and All All of us atAll Sheren Electrics would like to take this opportunity to of us at Sheren Electrics like to takeyou this opportunity to All of us at Sheren would like best tothe take this opportunity thank forMerry yourElectrics support throughout year and wish you to and yours ayou very Christmas, and wishes for 2015 thank you for your support throughuot the year andthe wish youand andwish you and thank you for your support throughout year thank you fora your throughoutand thebest yearwishes and wish and yours very support Merry Christmas, for you 2015 yours a very Merry Christmas, and best wishes for 2016. yours a very Merry Christmas, and best wishes for 2015 yours a very Merry Christmas, and best wishes for 2015
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The team at MMCS wish you all a joyous and festive season Open Monday to Friday between 6am and 2pm for your convenience, excluding public holidays. Located at Store 36 in the heart of the Melbourne Market, Epping T: 9408 6627 F: 8405 3746 W: melbmcs.com.au
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FRESH MAX half page Wishing everyone in the Epping Market a very Happy Christmas
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Wishing our customers, suppliers and the market community a merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year. Ho Ho
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LOUIS MELBOURNE
Ho
20/11/2015 12:22 pm
Wishing you health and happiness.
Merry Christmas.
Louis Melbourne half.indd 1
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Ph: 9689 9422
Trevor, Ray, Scott, Russ & Teddy would like to wish all the Fresh State members a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Thank you for your ongoing support and we look forward to assisting and servicing you in the new market in 2016. TMH_full.indd 1
26/11/2015 10:26 am
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Our Market Lions Club has been a beacon of assistance for thousands of needy over the past 40 years. The Club thanks the ever-generous market community for its constant support and wishes you all the joyous experience of family reunions over the Festive Season.
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Season’s Greetings to all our customers and growers
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Fresh Cut Processors 1/4 to our customers and colleagues at the Melbourne Market
Mark Perree Principal
Call 9686 0688
Sandi Fulcher Office Manager
We will be closed from 24th December and will reopen on the 4th January.
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melbourneinsurancebrokers.com.au
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Best wishes to the market community for Christmas and the New Year
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Rocco, John and all the boys at Latorres would like to thank their customers for their continued support and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year.
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SEASON’S GREETINGS ALL THE BEST FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON
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melon
potato
garlic
onion
pumpkin
ginger
Vince Brancantisano 0419 582 039
Mark Brancantisano 0418 338 757
Dom Brancantisano 0417598733
Stores 307-310 Melbourne Markets, 542 Footscray Road, West Melbourne 3011 T: 03 9687 6449 F: 03 9689 7134 E:admins@prestigeproduce.com.au
Vince Brancatisano 0419 582 039
PrestigeProduce_full4.indd 1
Mark Brancatisano 0418 338 757
Dom Brancatisano 0417 598 733
30/11/2015 9:32 pm
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To all our valued customers, wishing you all a happy Christmas and a safe new year. VB Sculli half.indd 1
9/12/2015 2:17 pm
Season’s Greetings from the fresh team at Oakville Produce
Gramco 1/4
We wish you a Christmas full of joy and a prosperous New Year
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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to the whole market community
PIEDIMONTE’S L I C E N S E D
NORTH FITZROY 37-49 TELEPHONE BEST9481STREET 1600 FAX ORDERS 9482 2117
TRADING HOURS Mon-Sun 7.30 am to 9.00 pm
S U P E R M A R K E T S
“ WE SERVE TO SERVE AGAIN” *Meat * Service Delicatessen * Liquor *Produce *Bakery
TattsLotto Agency Pascoe Vale Store Only
Kodak Digital Photo Centre North Fitzroy Store Only
Piedemonte half.indd 1
PASCOE VALE 366 BELL STREET TELEPHONE 9354 7257 FAX ORDERS 9350 2810
TRADING HOURS Mon-Sun 8.00 am to 9.00 pm
26/11/2015 1:26 pm
Management and staff at Costa Farms would like to thank you for your valued custom. We take this opportunity to wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and a happy, safe and prosperous New Year.
www.costagroup.com.au
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Tripod 1/2
MERRY
CHRISTMAS
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Wishing you and your families a Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year. From the team at Premier Fruits Group. PFG half.indd 1
26/11/2015 2:01 pm
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Thanking you all for your loyalty and support over the years. We wish you and your loved ones a joyous festive season and keep safe while enjoying your holidays. Bruno, Giulio & Connie
BUON NATALE Roda fruits half.indd 1
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Mildura Fresh 1/2 MERRY CHRISTMAS Mildura Fresh half.indd 1
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h C r istm y r r e a s M
s
Season’s Greeting
to all our valued customers
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FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS
MERRY CHRISTMAS Store 113, Warehouse 4/3 Melbourne Market Epping VIC 3076 www.tenfarms.com.au Ten Farms half.indd 1
9/12/2015 2:10 pm
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Merry Christmas from Joe, Rocky and Mark and all the ASD boys
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The team at Coolibah Herbs wish the Melbourne Market Community a Merry Christmas CoolibahHerbs_half_2015.indd 1
9/12/2015 2:14 pm
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y r r e M s a m t s Chri
To all our valued customers & suppliers
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25/11/2015 10:40 am
Wishing everyone a joyful Christmas, and a prosperous New Year
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25/11/2015 10:43 am
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VFS Produce wish our customers and the market community a very Merry Christmas VFS Produce half.indd 1
Thank you to all our retailers and growers for supporting us in 2015.
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2/12/2015 11:55 am
Looking forward to bigger and better things in 2016!
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Fresh State wish the market community a safe and happy holiday season
Open Monday to Friday between 6am and 2pm for your convenience, excluding public holidays.
freshstate.com.au
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Store 36, Melbourne Market 35 Produce Drive Epping VIC 3076 T: 9408 6627 | F: 8401 3690 | W: freshstate.com.au
30/11/2015 10:01 pm
(3) GAS STATION
Wh
m he t ere
spe u o yy e n o
s back e m o nd c
to bene fi t yo
(4)
(5)
GAS STATION
FILL UP YOUR FORKS AT THE FRESH STATE GAS STATION AND SUPPORT YOUR INDUSTRY 4 4 4
Competitive prices Industry service Easily accessible
4 4 4
Friendly operators Open 24/7 Card or Cash accepted*
* Cash service open from 3am to 9am Monday to Friday
FRESH STATE GAS STATION Market Box 36, Melbourne Market Adjacent to Southern Truck Loading Zone Badalya Road Epping VIC 3076 T: 03 9408 6627 F: 03 9408 5463 W: freshstate.com.au
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TOP 10 CHRISTMAS PRODUCE
issue 30 dec 2015
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We conducted a vox pop on the market floor to find out the most popular produce at Christmas time and these are our results … 1. Cherries – A Christmas favourite that once again tops the list this Christmas. 2. Berries – Fresh State veteran Alan Dykes says berries are by far the most popular “berry lines always go crazy.” 3. Avocado – Robert at Kelly Citrus shares many wholesalers opinion that the avocado is the most popular produce at Christmas. 1.
7. Bean shoots – “No matter how many bean shoots we get in, we sell them all at Christmas time!” says Ray at Fresh Cut Processors.
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8. Beans – “Beans are a Christmas specialty and the demand triples” Stephen Wirtz from Anguey.
PAULI’S PLUM PUDDING Prepare this pudding a week or two before Christmas. Grab the fresh dates and lemon from your favourite wholesaler or local greengrocer – and enjoy the fruits of your hard work on Christmas Day!
4. Mangoes – Mangoes are fast becoming the must have item for Christmas day with a wide variety now in season. 5. Fresh dates – Try our Plum Pudding recipe! A popular item on the market floor, fresh dates give this plum pudding the winning edge. 6. Sweet Potato – “The reds taste like sweet chestnut and the gold like pumpkin. They are becoming more and more popular in the Christmas roast”, E & R Produce.
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INGREDIENTS • 250 g sultanas • 250 g raisins • 250 g currants • 125 g mixed peel • 125 g fresh dates
• 1/4 cup brandy • 1/4 cup rum • 1 cup plain flour • 60 g butter • 1 cup brown sugar
METHOD 1. Chop raisins and dates into small pieces. Mix with sultanas, currants, mixed peel, rum and brandy. Set aside for as little or as long as you like. I let the fruit soak for a week or two, giving it a shake every now and then.
• 2 cups fresh • 1/2 teaspoon salt breadcrumbs • 3 free range eggs • 1 tablespoon grated • 1/2 cup milk lemon • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
6. Place pudding into a large saucepan, on top of an upturned saucer. Fill saucepan until water comes half way up the pudding basin.
2. Sift flour and then rub in butter until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
7. Bring to the boil, then simmer for five hours. Place a very loose lid over the saucepan to prevent evaporation. Check the pudding every 30 minutes or so and top up water if required.
3. Add fruit mixture, along with brown sugar, breadcrumbs, lemon rind, nutmeg and salt.
8. Once steamed, allow the pudding to cool down in the saucepan.
4. Beat eggs lightly with milk and add to the mixture and mix well.
9. Keep in the fridge for weeks, until you are ready to serve.
5. Spoon into well greased 2 litre pudding basin (I use my late Nanna Joyce’s pudding basin, which is very dear to my heart). Cover top of pudding with foil, then place the lid on top, securing it with string if required.
10. Serve with brandy custard and/or thick cream. Thank you to Pauline Budge, a regular FSA Magazine subscriber, for providing this recipe. Please forward your favourite tried and tested fresh produce recipe to sallyp@freshstate.com.au
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9. Watermelon – “This is the perfect fruit on a hot Summer’s day and rolls out the door at Christmas,” Frank Bugge, Big Valley Produce.
PIctures from left to right:
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1. Robert at Kelly Citrus 2. Karl & Michael from E&R Produce 3. Stephen Wirtz, Anguey
10. Mushrooms – A favourite all year round, swiss flats and exotics as are a treat at Christmas and are popular with consumers.
4. Frank Bugge from Big Valley Produce
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OF AFFAIRS
issue 30 dec 2015
OF AFFAIRS
Q&A:
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CONNIE RODA A popular and well respected face in the market community, Connie has served on the Fresh State Board for ten years, and now manages her time between the office at Roda Fruits, and minding her three Grandchildren. WORKS: At Roda Fruits and as a Roda Home Economist. SUBURB WHERE I LIVE: Essendon. MOST OF MY DAY IS SPENT: As the Home Economist – in the office with cup in hand. THE FOOTBALL TEAM I BARRACK FOR IS: Melbourne. MY FAVOURITE MELBOURNE MARKET MOMENT IS: Setting up our new office at the Epping Market. THE QUALITY I RESPECT MOST IN AN EMPLOYEE IS: Honesty, punctuality and communication.
AS I HAVE GROWN OLDER I HAVE LEARNT: Wealth is my health – take life one day at a time. IF I DESCRIBED MY BUSINESS TO A STRANGER I WOULD SAY: We supply high quality fruit and vegetables to our customers and our suppliers do the same with us. IN MY SPARE TIME I ENJOY: Walking, gardening, football, spending time and having coffee with family and friends. MY FIRST JOB WAS: As a milliner at ‘Ultra Hats’ in Exhibition Street, Melbourne.
Connie Roda has worked in the fresh produce industry for the last 28 years and has impressive credentials having been involved as a grower, retailer, wholesaler and Fresh State Board member during this time.
MY FONDEST MEMORY IS: Going on a cruise overseas with my mother when I was 21. We visited Argentina, Rio, Italy and Switzerland. THE ASPECT OF MY JOB I IIKE THE MOST IS: Travelling – catching up with suppliers and sometimes one or two hours shopping … and of course coffee!!
WHEN I WAS A CHILD I WANTED TO BE: A hairdresser to the stars! THE PLACE IN THE WORLD I WOULD MOST LIKE TO GO IS: Tonga Island in the South Pacific Ocean and Alabama, USA.
THE THING I DISLIKE THE MOST IS: Lying, dishonesty and people taking advantage of your good nature.
THE THING A LOT OF PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME IS: I was filmed by Sam Newman in Street Talk on the Footy Show on Puckle Street, Moonee Ponds!
I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT: Leading a healthy lifestyle – you are the only one that can do that!
MY FAVOURITE FRUIT OR VEGETABLE IS: Pumpkin, because you don’t have a roast without it!
working in the shop doing everything from front of sales to back of store and everything in between.
Connie was born in Sicily and moved to Australia with her family when she was two.
They then decided on a change and moved to a farm at Swan Hill, growing stonefruit and grapes. “We were on the farm for five and half years” says Connie. “Bruno would bring down the fruit to the market and I would help out as much as I could, picking stone fruit and hanging off fruit trees as well as raising our two girls.”
Connie came from a strict Italian Catholic family and in those days it was common for marriages to be arranged by the family. After some close calls, fate intervened and Connie was able to choose her own destiny, meeting Bruno at the age of 23 years while selling tickets at a picture theatre in Ascot Vale.
In 1987 they returned to Melbourne and went straight into the market at Footscray Road. Bruno bought a cage store before eventually transitioning to the grower’s floor trading as Roda Fruits. Meanwhile, Connie used her Swan Hill connections and started in the market working as a book keeper with Sang Goon and then Pignataro Bros.
They married and opened up a fruit shop in Strathmore with Connie
Connie became a popular and well respected face in the market community
and was asked to join the Fresh State Board in 1996. She served on the Board for ten years during the Melbourne Markets Credit Service roll out and the commencement of the relocation to Epping. Connie loves her sport especially her AFL football. She has been heavily involved in the Melbourne Football Club organising catering and fundraising events over many years. She has worked with the greats of the game including Ron Barassi, Jim Stynes, Garry Lyon, and is still involved in the club, sponsoring a player and going to the games religiously. Life at the new Epping Market sees Roda Fruits Pty Ltd now owning a store on the Buyer’s Walk and a warehouse, with Connie managing the office in between looking after her three grandchildren that are the apple of her eye – Isabella, Rocco and Jesse.
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Bayford Volkswagen OF AFFAIRS
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issue 30 dec 2015