Fresh State of Affairs magazine Issue #40

2017

40 dec

OF AFFAIR

S

issue 40 dec 2017 ISSN: 1838-7829

OF AFFAIRS

OF AFFAIRS CONTENTS 03 President’s message 04 MMA on a power trip 12 Fresh State AGM report 16 Thanh’s Christmas recipe 24 Market Spotlight: Thanh Troung OF AFFAIRS 26 Cherry Christmas 30 HeartKids Auction 32 Calendar of events 33 Sunfresh smashed avo

OF AFFAIRS

OF AFFAIRS

CHRISTMAS MESSAGES OF AFFAIRS

ADVERTISING 06 Melbourne Market Charity Golf Day 2018

31 New Telstra deal for members 36 Bayford Volkswagen Epping

PUBLISHED BY:

freshstate.com.au tel: 03 9408 6627

08 Costa Farms 09 Toyota Material Handling 10 Sheren Electrics / Ten Farms Wholesale 11 Medici / Produce of Virginia 14 Produce Time / Nutrano 15 Brescia Wholesalers / MIB 18 Flavorite / Prestige Produce 19 AMV / Ferrinda Fresh 20 Latorre’s / Lions Club 21 Berkely / GRAMCO / Young Sang 22 Louis Melbourne 23 Perfection Fresh / Kapiris Bros 28 Morco / MMA / VB Sculli 29 Simon George / La Manna Premier Group 34 Fresh State 35 MMCS

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER: Jason Cooper jason@freshstate.com.au

DESIGN: Flying Dog Designs fddesigns.com.au

PRINT: Revolution Print revolutionprint.com.au

EDITOR / ADVERTISING: Bernadette Kelly comms@freshstate.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHY: Bernadette Kelly

DISTRIBUTION: Fresh State of Affairs is produced by Fresh State Ltd and is a free publication.

PROOFING: Tony Nigro tonyn@freshstate.com.au

3

s ’ t n e Presid MESSAGE

Welcome to our Christmas edition of Fresh State of Affairs, in which the market gets into the spirit with Christmas Messages sending best wishes out to all.

In this issue’s Market Spotlight we are tenant relations over recent months, celebrating the cooking talents of there is an ongoing issue with power Aus Asia’s Thanh Troung. Thanh has outages in the market. We take the kindly supplied us with one of his very MMA to task over their handling of own Christmas recipes. We also THE MARKET COMMUNITY HAS highlight yet another display of A SOLID HISTORY OF GIVING TO market generosity with the Stone PEOPLE IN NEED. IT’S HEARTENING fruit auction TO SEE THAT COMMUNITY SPIRIT supporting HeartKids.

CONTINUE TO THRIVE. The market community has a solid history of giving to people in need. It’s heartening to see that community spirit continue to thrive.

On a more serious note, despite a marked improvement in landlord/

that issue on pages 4 and 5. You’ll find an overview on pages 12 and 13 if you couldn’t make it to the 2017 Fresh State AGM.

This is the time of year when we find time to celebrate with friends and family and hopefully wind down a little bit, take stock and look toward what’s in store for us in the year ahead.

For Fresh State, Christmas is a time to send out our very best wishes to all of our members and the wider market community.

On behalf of the board and staff, I would like to wish everyone a festive, safe and enjoyable Christmas.

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 information published in Fresh State of Affairs. Fresh State Ltd specifically disclaims all and any liability for loss or damage of any nature whatsoever and however arising, whether due to accuracy, error or omission or any other cause.

In addition, by using the information in this magazine, each user waives and releases Fresh State, its staff and agents from any and all claims relating to the use of this document. In no event shall Fresh State Ltd be liable for any consequential damages resulting from using the information in Fresh State of Affairs.

© Fresh State Ltd 2017 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

4

OF AFFAIRS

issue 40 dec 2017

MMA OF AFFAIRS

OF AFFAIRS

ON A POWER TRIP

With a long, hot summer predicted, wholesale traders at the Melbourne Market are nervous.

Since the opening in 2015, there have been numerous incidents where power has surged or even failed at the Epping market site.

O

N THE latest occasion, Coolibah Herbs were one of three businesses to have suffered stock losses when a power surge disrupted supply.

‘The surge happened at 11am in the morning,’ said Brett Williams from Coolibah Herbs. ‘Our fridges did not come back on but it wasn’t discovered until 8pm when our staff came in.

The MMA knew, but they didn’t advise tenants. If we had known about the outage we could have come in and checked.’

Brett believes there needs to be a system in place for notifying tenants or the contractors who maintain the systems. ‘If this were to happen on a hot day there would be long term flow on effects for our customers and sales.’

The ‘all care, no responsibility’ attitude of the MMA towards this issue has been, and remains, frustrating. Instead of allowing traders to install their own systems when the Epping facility was built, the MMA decided to supply and maintain a glycol system for all. They took on the responsibility to maintain it but this has not been happening.

It seems there are surge protection problems on some switchboards. Every time there is a power outage the stores which have been fitted by one particular company have had issues. The MMA has offered to pay to upgrade these boards but there is still no monitoring system for individual stores. The current system monitors glycol usage and alerts if the tenancy stops calling for glycol. If there is a leak inside the store, or a number of other scenarios, there is no notification. Power surges have tripped off fans but no alarm when glycol is still being called for but is not operating properly.

There have been incidences of ice building up around fans, causing the fans to stop operating, and again this is not a scenario that is identified with the current

5

cool room 1

cool room 1

8.0

cool room 2

cool room 2

SATURDAY 25NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 2017 SATURDAY 25 2017

8.0

EVEN AS THIS 7.0 7.0 MAGAZINE GOES TO 6.0 6.0 PRESS, THERE HAS 5.0 BEEN YET ANOTHER 5.0 1.5 HOUR POWER 4.0 4.0 INTERRUPTION IN THE 3.0 EARLY AFTERNOON 3.0 2.0 ON SATURDAY 2.0 NOVEMBER 25. ON A 1.0 DAY THAT AVERAGED 1.0 12am 6am 12pm 6pm 33 DEGREES ACROSS 12am 6am 12pm 6pm MELBOURNE, The graph clearly shows a rapid rise in temperature in two market cool rooms during the recent power outage.

TENANTS WERE NOT NOTIFIED UNTIL 7.30PM THAT EVENING. WHILE but the in-store monitors will be charged to the individual business if they choose to proceed.

THERE MAY BE A MYRIAD The MMA anticipate that the system will be up OF REASONS FOR WHAT IS and running by Christmas.

CLEARLY A FRAGILE SYSTEM, THE The inadequacy of the Market’s glycol setup STOREHOLDERS ARE THE PEOPLE doesn’t stop there. It’s been suggested that glycol use itself is archaic and that natural gas THAT ULTIMATELY PAY THE PRICE. should have been chosen in the first place. Rather THIS MOST RECENT INCIDENT unbelievably, and certainly unacceptably, there is no visibility or trace system for traders to check their DOES NOTHING TO INSTILL glycol use – they just have to take the MMA’s word CONFIDENCE THAT THE MMA’S for it. The MMA have the data, why does a graph showing actual usage not appear on wholesaler’s PROMISED NEW SYSTEM WILL bills? Where else is a consumer expected to pay for ACTUALLY STACK UP. something without an itemised account of what they are actually paying for?

monitoring system. It’s a centralized system, but the MMA view each issue in isolation instead of holistically. If there is a failure on a weekend or a hot day when no one is in the store to notice a problem, the result will be huge losses for traders.

The MMA have a track record of shifting responsibility onto the traders, insisting that stock losses must be claimed through trader’s own insurance policies. Ironically, an investigation into the viability of insuring against stock losses of this nature has revealed that this is a complicated, expensive exercise. In addition, an insurance company would require the store to have some sort of alarm fitted to warn of any power outage.

Belatedly, the MMA have now advised that they have installed infrastructure to actually monitor the internal temperature of each cool room. The infrastructure cost has been paid for by the MMA,

It’s surely not hard to understand that the single most important thing for wholesalers is cooling. All product, and profit, depends on it. An unreliable power supply without an appropriate back-up procedure is unacceptable. On this matter the MMA are treading a fine and tenuous line.

They should be aware that should the need arise, Fresh State, on behalf of traders, will be taking appropriate action on behalf of wholesalers.

6

OF AFFAIRS

issue 40 dec 2017

100% of proceeds raised go directly to DEBRA Australia

MELBOURNE MARKET CHARITY

GOLF DAY AT HEIDELBERG GOLF CLUB

OF AFFAIRS

OF AFFAIRS

FRIDAY

16 MARCH

2018

CHANCE TO WIN

THREE

MAJOR HOLE IN ONE PRIZES

Australia

INFORMATION:

HIGHLIGHTS:

Heidelberg Golf Club, 8 Main Road, Lower Plenty Register as a Gold Sponsor, Tee Sponsor or Team of 4.

Registration includes golf, carts, lunch, dinner and Melbourne Market Golf day t-shirt.

Golf Registration 11.00 am, Shotgun start 12 noon.

CHANCE TO WIN THREE MAJOR HOLE IN ONE PRIZES • All player showbags including Golf Day polo shirt.

• All proceeds donated to DEBRA Australia.

• Compete with AFL legends for the longest drive or closest to the pin.

• Ambrose team event with winning perpetual trophy and full catering on the day.

• Raffle and major prize auction.

• After game dinner and enterainment.

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsor

Supported By

For more information, or to sponsor this event, please contact Bernadette Kelly at Fresh State on 03 9408 6627 or comms@freshstate.com.au

7

100% of proceeds raised go directly to DEBRA Australia

MELBOURNE MARKET CHARITY

GOLF DAY

FRIDAY

16 MARCH

SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES

2018

Australia

You are invited to be part of the annual Market Charity Golf Day on 16 March 2018 at the Heidelberg Golf Club.

All proceeds from this event are donated to DEBRA Australia, a volunteer based not for profit organisation which supports people with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a rare disease whereby the skin blisters and peels at the slightest touch. Visit www.debra.org.au for more information into how your contribution can make a difference.

Sponsorship packages are currently available for market and industry businesses ranging from team participation through to Platinum level.

Please refer to our table below for entitlements.

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

$20,000+

$10,000

$5,000

★ ★

★ ★

Certificate of Appreciation

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

★ ★ ★

Signage on all tees

★ ★

Sponsorship Entitlements Company logo to appear on all pre and post event publicity including social media channels Company banner display on arrival Promotional opportunity for player show bags Team of four Ambrose competition registration including lunch, dinner, golf buggy and polo shirt

Hole in one Sponsor

Hole Sponsor

Tee Sponsor

$2,500

$2,000

$1,500

★ ★

★ ★

★ ★

★

★ ★ ★ ★

★ ★

★

★

★ ★

★ ★

Opportunity to fully brand a tee hole or hole pursuant to HGC rules and regulations and chosen sponsorship Up to 200 word editorial in one edition of the weekly MMA e-newsletter*

PRIZE DONATIONS: You may choose to donate merchandise, memorabilia, sporting goods, golf gear, holiday packages, power tools or anything which could be used as prizes on the day. Remember all proceeds go directly to DEBRA Australia.

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsor

Supported By

For more information, or to sponsor this event, please contact Bernadette Kelly at Fresh State on 03 9408 6627 or comms@freshstate.com.au

8

Merry Christmas from all Management and staff at Costa Farms.

We would like to thank you for your ongoing support and commitment and to wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and a happy, safe and prosperous New Year.

CHRISTMAS MESSAGES 2017

Sale enquiries – Scott 0411 721 112 Service enquiries – Ray 0403 183 898

wish all the to e lik ld wou y Ra d an or ev Tr Russ, Scott, Teddy, Happy New d an as m st ri Ch y err M a s ber Fresh State mem t and we look or pp su ng goi on r you for you Year. Thank g you in 2018. forward to assisting and servicin

9

10

from our family to yours Merry Christmas from our family to yours from fromour ourfamily familytotoyours yours Merry Christmas Merry MerryChristmas Christmas

All of us at Sheren Electrics would like to take this opportunity to AllAll ofof us atyour Sheren Electrics would like toto take this opportunity toto thank you for support throughout the year and wish you and us at Sheren Electrics would like take this opportunity All of us at Sheren Electrics would like to take this opportunity to All of us at Sheren Electrics would like to take this opportunity to thank you forfor your support throughout year and wish you and thank your support throughout the year and wish you and yours ayou very Merry Christmas, and the best wishes for 2015 thankyours youthank for your support throughout the year and wish you and you for your support throughout the year and wish you and aa very Merry Christmas, and best wishes forfor 2015 yours very Merry Christmas, and best wishes 2015 yours a very Merry Christmas, and best wishes for 2018. yours a very Merry Christmas, and best wishes for 2015

Sheren_half_2017.indd 1

30/11/17 10:35 am

TENFARMS.COM.AU

THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT IN 2017 FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT TENFARMS

11

CHRISTMAS MESSAGES 2017

Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable festive season.

Medici_2017_half_final.indd 1

1/12/17 12:33 pm

12

OF AFFAIRS

OF AFFAIRS

OF AFFAIRS

FRESH STATE AGM

The Fresh State AGM began with a cooked breakfast and an entertaining performance from none other than the lamb man, Sam Kekovich. Sam had everyone chuckling with his politically incorrect insights on politics and society in general.

F

RESH STATE supports DEBRA by raising funds through the Melbourne Market Charity Golf day. Simone Baird, a family support worker for DEBRA and a parent of a

FRESH STATE DIRECTOR, JOE AMALFI, PRESENTED SIMONE WITH A CHEQUE TO DEBRA AUSTRALIA FOR $60,000 DOLLARS, AN EXCELLENT RESULT OF FUNDRAISING FROM THE 2017 GOLF AND BOWLS DAY. child suffering from Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), was invited to the AGM to give members an insight into what EB is and why we have chosen this organization to support. Simone brought along a moving video highlighting the plight of sufferers of this painful and debilitating disease. It was heart wrenching to watch, and those in the room were visibly moved.

Simone took the opportunity to thank the market community for their support, while a number of wholesalers came forward to offer donations,

issue 40 dec 2017

13

Fresh State Director Joe Amalfi with Sam Kekovich.

Simone Baird from DEBRA Australia addresses Fresh state members.

including Coolibah Herbs, Gazzola Farms and Mildura Fresh.

Fresh State director, Joe Amalfi, presented Simone with a cheque to DEBRA Australia for $60,000 dollars, an excellent result of fundraising from the 2017 Golf and Bowls day, to be put to immediate use towards the significant day to day costs of EB sufferers.

The meeting was opened by Fresh State CEO, Jason Cooper. Shane Schnitzler’s presidents’ report touched on Fresh State’s decision to increase support for DEBRA, and offered an overview on the operations and general business dealings undertaken by Fresh State. Jason Cooper discussed the healthy state of Fresh State’s financial reports, outlined plans to increase market share via the gas station, and encouraged members to make use of Fresh Test. He introduced new Fresh State staff member, Devin Powell, who will take over the accountant role from Andrew Seaburgh, who is leaving after nine years of service. We wish Andrew well and thank him for

SHANE FAREWELLED OUTGOING BOARD MEMBERS VINCE BRANCATISANO AND CHARLIE NATALE, AND WELCOMED NEWCOMERS PETER TRIPODI AND MICHAEL GRANIERI.

his long association and dedication to Fresh State.

Shane farewelled outgoing board members Vince Brancatisano and Charlie Natale, and welcomed newcomers Peter Tripodi and Michael Granieri. Also covered were the Fresh State Gala Ball, the Golf and Bowls day and the importance of complying to the new Hort Code.

Joe Manariti, 2015 winner of the Young Marketeer award, spoke to members about his prize, a trip to the USA in 2016 to attend the Fresh Summit in Orlando. From his experience at the summit, Joe noted the massive growth in produce varieties and packaging options, and investment in branding and innovation. He thanked Fresh State for the opportunity and reiterated the value of the Young Marketeer Award.

Sonja van Eijk took the floor to talk about the MMCS, including the bad debt fund and the importance of sellers working together with the fund without making deals outside of the fund.

Fresh State Director, Grant Nichol was accepted as Fresh State’s newest life member.

Simon Johnson from CHEP presented a new initiative on pallet management, to be rolled out in the Melbourne Market in May/ June next year, and MMA representatives Mark Maskiell and David Whitchelo were invited into the meeting to address some long standing market issues and concerns.

Shane acknowledged an improved relationship with the MMA and noted that this is mostly due to an excellent working relationship between Fresh State’s Jason Cooper and the MMA’s David Whitchelo.

The nomination of Grant Nichol to become a Fresh State life member was overwhelmingly accepted by members. Congratulations Grant.

Fresh State thanks all who attended the AGM. It is pleasing to see our members taking the time to stay informed and updated about their representative organization.

14

Wishing you and your family health, happiness, peace

and prosperity this Christmas and in the coming New Year.

ProduceTime_half_2017_final.indd 1

Thank you to all our customers and suppliers for your support throughout 2017.

14/11/17 12:50 pm

15

CHRISTMAS MESSAGES 2017

ear . y e h t t u o h g hrou t s s e n i s unity u m b m r o u o C y s r t o e f ark mers M o t . e s n n u o r c s u r a o u e b o s l e e o v t i t u fes he M Thank yo We wish t very safe and happy a Brescia_half_2017.indd 1

14/11/17 12:54 pm

Thank you to all members for your continued support over 2017 As we celebrate our 40 year anniversary next year, MIB hopes your celebrations with family and friends over the festive period are full of fun and good times.

Hopefully your insurance affairs are all in order so you can relax and enjoy the festive period. If you have overlooked organising cover or some problem arises, feel free to contact myself or the office.

Contact Mark & his team

9686 0688

We look forward to assisting you again in 2018, a year when you need to adhere to the updated HORT code and also comply with the new mandatory data breach regime which takes effect in February. We have a solution for both of these issues.

MIB wish you and your respective families all the best for a prosperous 2018!

16

OF AFFAIRS

OF AFFAIRS

OF AFFAIRS

TOTAL SERVES: 20 PRAWNS PREP TIME:

40 MINUTES

COOKING TIME: 20 MINUTES EQUIPMENT: HANDHELD THERMOMETER UP TO 200°C, MIXING BOWL, WHISK, GRATER

issue 40 dec 2017

Featured Recipe THANH TRUONG’S CHRISTMAS PRAWNS PANKO SESAME PRAWNS WITH GINGER AIOLI METHOD

TO MAKE GINGER AIOLI

De-vein all the prawns, ensuring you remove the guts from the spine with a pairing knife. Keep tails on.

Mix hot paprika, garlic powder, salt and ground pepper into bowl.

Once seasoning is mixed evenly, add peeled tail-on prawns in and mix into seasoning, let it rest for 5 minutes.

In a mixing bowl whisk 3 egg yolks, 2 teaspoons of dijon mustard and 1 wedge of fresh lime juice together. Add olive oil to mixing bowl a little bit at a time, each time whisking the oil in before adding more oil.

Whisk 2 eggs in a separate bowl. Mix panko bread crumbs and black and white sesame seeds in a large open bowl.

Holding the prawn from the tail, dunk the prawns into the egg yolk, remove and dunk into panko crumb bowl ensuring there is an even spread of black sesame seeds around the prawns. Repeat this with all the prawns and let rest on a separate plate.

Heat the vegetable oil to 180 degrees in any pot or wok. The temperature is very important to ensure a crisp cook. Use a thermometer to make sure the flame is adjusted accordingly so the right temperature is reached.

Place 5 prawns into oil, set timer for 3 minutes. Remove prawns from oil using a spider or other draining utensil. Dry onto paper towels. Taste the first prawn to check if cooked and tender.

Repeat until all prawns are cooked.

Depending on size of prawns, cooking time may vary by 30 seconds.

Keep tasting the mixture until aioli is not runny but not thick and to your desired texture. Add salt and pepper and whisk through. Grate a tablespoon of young ginger, grate 1 garlic clove and slice one wedge of lime – add this to the aioli and whisk until smooth.

PLATING AND GARNISHES Place prawns on a bed of diced iceberg lettuce or on the side.

Place ginger aioli sauce plate in the middle of the lettuce.

17

THANH’S RECIPE NOTES 1.

Clean oil – make sure oil is new and clean, freshness and crispiness of crumb depends on it.

2. Cook in batches – cook 4 or 5 prawns at one time, adding too many will lower the temperature of the oil and slow down the cooking, you may end up with a longer cooking time which will cause your prawns to turn dark instead of golden.

3. Cooking temperature – it is vitally important to have a thermometer on hand to ensure the temperature is set accordingly, otherwise the prawns will not cook as per the timing schedule.

A good tip is to set the temperature a few degrees higher because once you put the prawns into the oil, the temperature of the oil will instantly drop 20-30 degrees, and take a minute or so to reach back to set temperature.

4. Aioli – whipping the aioli by hand you are able to see the viscosity of the aioli which will allow you to better judge the balance for a better textured dipping sauce!

5. Ginger – young ginger has a milder flavour than old ginger. If you use old ginger, make sure you use less.

ioli er A g n i rd G olks usta ns gg y m S e w n T a 3 o r

ij P > IEN of D bed sh RED rum ed 2 tsp l

C f fre ING e > o e o k p e n n g ed ns u d Pa oil > 1 w juiced Frie Praw live a o g k e i n r i n i m p i K l g a f vir r ot p > 20 ml o of h wde o 0 p 5 p s

l t c > per sa t rli > 2 pep f ga p of d s o n t p u 1

s > ro > 1 t per of g salt d pep tsp p of 1 d

s rate n t > u 1 > of g er d gro a s f e b r o t b ng d) sp > 2 g gi rate anko > 1 t of p youn piece g ic g 0 garl k > 10 mbs ted (5cm blac a r d u g e r f t c sp o roas s > 1 t eed g of seeds s 0 5 e

> m me sesa sesa hite w f go > 20 s e oil ish egg tabl > 2 e garn g o e t v e of ttuc > 1L rg le e b e c > 1 i

18

To all our valued customers & suppliers

Flavorite_half_2017.indd 1

1/11/17 1:57 pm

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

Mark Brancatisano 0418 338 757

Dom Brancatisano 0417 598 733

CHRISTMAS MESSAGES 2017

19

There is no better time than Christmas to tell you just how much your business and friendship means to us throughout the whole year.

Merry Christmas! From the team at AMV Fresh AMV Fresh - half.indd 1

1/12/17 12:54 pm

Wishing all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous year ahead.

20

Rocco, John and all the boys at Latorre’s would like to thank their customers for their continued support and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year.

Latorres_half_2017_final.indd 1

1/12/17 1:04 pm

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.

21

CHRISTMAS MESSAGES 2017

FREE AUDIT

for all Fresh State members

WE WISH YOU A CHRISTMAS FULL OF JOY AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR

GRAMCO_qtr_2017.indd 1

20/11/17 12:16

22

WE SINCERELY APPRECIATE THE TRUST YOU HAVE FOR OUR ASSOCIATION. WISHING OUR TRADING PARTNERS A SAFE AND PROSPEROUS CHRISTMAS.

23

CHRISTMAS MESSAGES 2017

KB_2017_half.indd 1

14/11/17 1:06 pm

Wishing all our customers and friends a Merry Christmas & a happy and prosperous New Year.

Thank you for your support throughout 2017.

Ever since 1978, we’ve been on a mission to discover the world’s tastiest fruit and vegetables. And when we find the absolute best, we bring them back home to Aus. To grow, perfect, share, and enjoy. Discover our unique varieties at:

perfection.com.au

24

T H LIG

T E RK

MA

T O SP

THANH TROUNG AUS ASIA PRODUCE

Photography: Eureka Productions

Fresh State of Affairs likes nothing better than to uncover the many hidden interests and talents of the people inside the market community. In this market spotlight we shine a light on Thanh Troung from Aus Asia Produce.

Thanh’s parent’s ran an Asian grocer shop in Springvale before his father entered the Melbourne Market at Footscray Road as a wholesaler. All through Thanh’s teenage years he had little interest in the idea of working at the market with his Dad. At university he majored in finance, Chinese and Japanese, afterwards taking up an internship in an accounting firm. After a year of accounting, Thanh knew he enjoyed the relationship management side of his work life, but he really didn’t enjoy number crunching.

He found his way onto the Coles graduate program in procurement. ‘That really opened my eyes. I was able to get some really good ground level experience in supply chain, distribution, ambient, cold, chilled, frozen transport. I then moved into the buying team for Telco, which is gift cards and prepaid vouchers. That was really interesting because there is zero stock and 100% margin.

‘Ironically, I ended up in the fresh produce team as the buyer for avocadoes, kiwi fruit, and organics nationally. There were a lot of things changing, particularly with the way Coles dealt with farmers and the supply chain.

25

About 18 months before the market move to Epping, Thanh’s parents suggested that it would be a good time to join the business. He would have a say with what happened in the new market, and an opportunity to influence the branding and marketing.

‘My Dad is known for sourcing the best quality product, while I had the opportunity to really add value in the service and delivery side of the business. If I had come to the business straight out of University, I would have felt as if the business would be run exactly as it was before and I wouldn’t have had external industry experience to add value to the business.

For Thanh, the whole supply chain is important. The final link in the chain is when the product is cooked.

‘About three years ago I began cooking meals for my wife using my parent’s recipes. I wanted to learn how to cook the product I was selling so I could better educate our

customers on the floor. I watch a lot of cooking shows. Often I would see a dish cooked on a show and think, I could do that.’

Thanh applied to appear on a couple of cooking shows and was accepted onto ‘The Chef’s Line’ at SBS. The Chef’s Line is a reality TV cooking program that pits home cooks against professionals from high profile restaurants.

‘I was given the dishes I needed to cook and I had time to practice for two weeks before the show. I was able to make it to the end of the show, where I won the right to cook against chef, Geoff Lindsay, from the most awarded Vietnamese restaurant in Australia, ‘Dandelion’.

THANH APPLIED TO APPEAR ON A COUPLE OF COOKING SHOWS AND WAS ACCEPTED ONTO ‘THE CHEF’S LINE’ AT SBS. ‘In the Chef’s line I got to choose the style of cooking I preferred. I chose Vietnamese, which I’d been eating my whole life because my parent’s cooked it. It made it easy because, even if I had never cooked a dish, I knew what it tasted like. Competition cooking is very different to cooking at home and I was really interested in that.

Thanh’s goal is to educate people about where their food comes from. In the future, Thanh is hoping to be able to do something around fresh produce in an educational context. When there are young wholesalers with such passion as Thanh in the market, we can be sure the future of the industry is in good hands.

Thanh and his father, John Troung.

See pages 16–17 for Thanh’s delicious Christmas recipe, PANKO SESAME PRAWNS WITH GINGER AIOLI.

26

Cherry Christmas Historical records referring to the cherry tree and its fruit are sparse. What is known is that there has been evidence of cherry pits in stone-age caves, and that the trees originated in Asia Minor.

I

T IS believed that the Romans discovered the fruit around 70BC, and introduced cherries into Europe.

By the 17th century the fruit had become so popular that plants were taken on ships to America.

Worldwide today, more than 2 million tonnes of cherries are produced annually. The top five cherry producers are Turkey, The USA, Iran, Italy and Russia.

Cherries began to be grown in Australia in the late 19th century in the town of

WORLDWIDE TODAY, MORE THAN 2 MILLION TONNES OF CHERRIES ARE PRODUCED ANNUALLY. THE TOP FIVE CHERRY PRODUCERS ARE TURKEY, THE USA, IRAN, ITALY AND RUSSIA.

Young. These days Young is considered the cherry capital of Australia and home to the National Cherry Festival every December. The Australian cherry industry covers six states and produces around 12,000 tonnes annually. About 80 percent of Australian cherries are sold in the domestic market, with the other 20 percent exported worldwide.

The two main species, sweet cherries and sour cherries, can be further broken down into over 50 varieties.

The colour changes depending on the variety, and can vary from almost black to deep red to the rare ‘Rainier’, a creamy yellow skinned cherry with a red flush.

To thrive, the trees need a cold-climate, winter chill. They like a well-drained, humus rich soil and a sunny position.

They don’t like to have wet roots for long but must be well watered in

27

BUSINESSES IN THE MELBOURNE MARKET THAT SELL CHERRIES AS A MAIN LINE ARE:

CHERRIES, ESPECIALLY THE SOUR VARIETIES, CONTAIN MELATONIN, AND CAN HELP WITH REGULAR SLEEP AND THE SYMPTOMS OF JET LAG. THEY ARE HIGH IN POTASSIUM, WHICH CAN HELP REDUCE BAD CHOLESTEROL AND REGULATE BLOOD PRESSURE. summer with a thick mulch cover not too close to the trunk. Some varieties are self-fertile, but others need another tree nearby to pollinate.

Cherries are in the superfood category. They’re packed with anti-oxidants, and have been claimed to help prevent Alzheimer’s disease, reduce risk of stroke, slow the aging process, and reduce inflammation and muscle pain. They are low GI and can help protect against diabetes. Cherries, especially the sour varieties, contain melatonin, and can help with regular sleep and the symptoms of jet lag. They are high in potassium, which can help reduce bad cholesterol and regulate blood pressure. Research

has shown that consumption of cherries can significantly decrease the risk of a gout attack for sufferers of that affliction. They provide a good source of Vitamins A, C, B1, B2, and Niacin, and the minerals, Potassium, Calcium, Phosphorus, and Iron. They are fat and cholesterol free and have only 60 calories per 100g of fruit.

The season here begins in November and ends in late February. 2017 is promising to be a bumper year for cherries, and that means we’ll all get to have our traditional Christmas fill of this delicious fruit.

AUSTRALIAN STRAWBERRY DISTRIBUTORS, AVELING FRESH, BRESCIA WHOLESALERS, EAST WEST PRODUCE, GREAT SOUTHERN FRUIT GROWERS, INDEPENDENT FRESH PRODUCE, LA MANNA PREMIER GROUP MARKET CITY FRUITS, PIGNATARO WHOLESALE, THE APPLE ARCADE, TEN FARMS WHOLESALE, THE MELBOURNE PEAR COMPANY, WESTMORES.

28

o-qtr.indd 1

Seaso’s Ge

tn g The Melbourne Market Authority congratulates the fresh produce industry for a successful 2017.

A safe and prosperous festive season and New Year to all.

NOW OPERATING FROM TRADING STAND 349 CHRISTMAS_AD.indd 6 21/11/17 1:53 pm

TO ALL OUR VALUED CUSTOMERS, WISHING YOU ALL A HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A SAFE NEW YEAR.

24/11/2017 11:26 am

29

CHRISTMAS MESSAGES 2017

Merry Christmas FROM THE TEAM AT SIMON GEORGE

Simon George half_2017.indd 1

1/12/17 1:18 pm

30

OF AFFAIRS

issue 40 dec 2017

OF AFFAIRS

OF AFFAIRS

SUMMER FRUIT AUCTION

The wholesalers at the Melbourne Market have a long history of ‘giving back’ with the tradition once again upheld in the early hours of November 25 at the VFS Produce Store.

V.F. Siciliano & Sons, together with A&S Wholesale, and support from Fresh State, the MMA and a host of sponsors, combined forces to hold a Charity Summer Fruit auction.

The event had a dual purpose – to launch the 2017/18 season but also to raise much needed funds for HeartKids.

H

EARTKIDS IS the only National profit for purpose charity dedicated to supporting children affected by congenital/ childhood heart disease, the largest cause of infant death in Australia.

Throughout the morning, visitors to the store enjoyed a complimentary breakfast, followed by an auction with a pallet of stone fruit donated

by Stephen Fanous and Tony Siciliano, and a signed Melbourne Storm 2017 premiers team Guernsey, donated by Crown Casino.

MC Doug Christie handed the stage to a host of personalities who showed up to offer support, including former

AFL footballers Sam Kekovich, Anthony Koutifidis, Jake King, and Mark Harvey, with Jake King offering a personal perspective on how his own family has been impacted by tragedy when his beloved 9 month old nephew was lost to heart issues. Former Australian super heavyweight K1 kickboxer, Sam Greco, spoke of what it means to be a fighter, which is essentially never giving up, and the sportsmen were joined by National party member of parliament, the Honorable Peter Walsh.

Patrons were packed in to witness Sam Kekovich facilitate the auction.

The combined total of funds pledged and raised is still being counted. So far

Sam Kekovich conducting the Auction.

31

IT IS INCREDIBLY REASSURING TO HEARTKIDS AND THOSE FAMILIES THAT THIS SUPPORT HAS BEEN SECURED BY THE MELBOURNE MARKET AND THEIR AMAZING GIVING COMMUNITY. there is a whopping $175,000 dollars and climbing.

The monies raised will fund 12 months of essential family support at Both the Royal Children’s Hospital and Monash costed at over $100K. Funds in excess of that will also support a respite programme for those families, (in particular those living out of Melbourne) whose child is in Hospital for a prolonged period, often for months on end.

HeartKids business relationship manager, Luisa Kenos, was thrilled with the result. ‘We are very grateful to have had the Melbourne Market community get behind and support HeartKids, as we receive no government funding so it is incredibly reassuring to HeartKids and those families that this support has been secured by the Melbourne Market and their Amazing giving community.’

HeartKids Luisa Kenos (far left) and Sherrie McDonald (far right) with Tony Siciliano and Stephen Fanous.

ADVERTISEMENT

AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS & CREDIT SERVICE BUYERS

OF AFFAIRS

C O AL F E EV N D EN A TSR

32

MELBOURNE MARKET CHARITY GOLF DAY

OF AFFAIRS

OF AFFAIRS

FRESH STATE MID YEAR MEETING TUESDAY 3 APRIL

HORT CONNECTIONS IN BRISBANE 2018

FRIDAY 16 MARCH

MON 18 – WED 20 JUNE

2018 FRESH STATE GALA BALL

FRESH STATE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

SATURDAY 1 SEPTEMBER

TUESDAY 9 OCTOBER

2018 ADVERTISING DEADLINES: Issue

Booking

Ad material

Distribution

#41

05 February

19 February

05 March

#42

24 April

11 May

21 May

#43

09 July

23 July

06 August

#44

10 September 24 September 08 October

#45

12 November

26 November

10 December

issue 40 dec 2017

33

In 2017, consumer demand for avocados has never been higher. It seems like every trendy cafĂŠ in the country offers some form of the fruit on the menu, with smashed avocado a firm favourite among the hipsters and the latte set.

Melbourne Market wholesalers, Produce Time, have introduced a new product line that’s set to be a game changer. Produce Time specialise in avocados, and can now offer customers a new range of 100% natural avocado pulp products, developed from world first technology, that stands to change the avocado industry forever.

The new range has been launched by Sunfresh Marketing, who are based on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. Newly developed, purpose built equipment allows the avocados to be processed and packed into vacuum-sealed bags. The process uses no additives or preservatives, but what is most revolutionary about the pulp is the extended shelf life.

Once cut open, an avocado begins to spoil. It has a limited shelf life of only 3-4 days, and that’s providing it is correctly wrapped and refrigerated. The amazing aspect of the Sunfresh product is that it does not brown, and it will stay green and fresh for up to 7 days.

For the industry, this means huge opportunity to open up a bonanza in new markets. For the consumer, the convenience and reduced waste is just, well, smashing!

34

wish the market

FRESH STATE

community a safe and happy

HOLIDAY SEASON

Open Monday to Friday between 6am and 2pm for your convenience, excluding public holidays.

freshstate.com.au

Store 36, Melbourne Market 35 Produce Drive Epping VIC 3076 T: 9408 6627 | F: 8401 3690 | W: freshstate.com.au

35

CHRISTMAS MESSAGES 2017

HOW

GOOD is this?

FREE coffee

on the

WAY

freshstate.com.au/mm-credit-service

03 9408 6627

officeadmin@melbmcs.com.au

AMAROK SPORTLINE DEMONSTRATOR CLEARANCE From

49,888

$

Driveaway~

AT BAYFORD VOLKSWAGEN EPPING Your Volkswagen Partner

Bayford Volkswagen Epping 350 Cooper Street, Epping 11720 Tel. 03 9409 9000 www.bayfordvolkswagen.com.au *Applies to MY17 Amarok demonstrator stock vehicles. Whilst stocks last. Demonstrator model, colour and availability may vary between dealerships. Driveaway price includes dealer delivery, stamp duty, CTP and balance of registration. Not available with other offers. Offer ends 15/12/2017 or until stocks last.