Fresh State of Affairs Issue 41

OF AFFAIR

2018

41

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IS THE CLOCK TICKING ON

GOVERNMENT OWNERSHIP?

issue 41 feb 2018 ISSN: 1838-7829

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10 OF AFFAIRS

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SALE OF FACILITY Government versus OF AFFAIRS private ownership.

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YARRAOF VALLEY FARMS AFFAIRS From half a van to a franchising empire.

FLOWERDALE FARMS Australian natives go large scale.

CONTENTS

ADVERTISING

03 President’s message 05 Calendar of events /

04 Melbourne Market Charity Golf Day 09 MIB / Fresh Test 16 National Retailer Program /

Fresh State of Affairs Magazine

08 Kissabel Apple Varieties 12 Forklift Safety and Maintenance 14 Around the Markets 18 Achacha 20 Featured Recipe:

Fresh State Gas Station

17 Berkeley Cleaning Services 21 Melbourne Markets Credit Service 27 Toyota Material Handling 28 Bayford Volkswagen Epping

Achacha Thirst Quencher

22 Horticulture Code of Conduct 26 Footy Comp

PUBLISHED BY:

freshstate.com.au tel: 03 9408 6627

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

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s ’ t n e Presid MESSAGE

IN THIS ISSUE WE HAVE A LOOK AT THE ARGUMENT FOR FALLING IN LINE WITH EVERY OTHER CENTRAL MARKET IN THE COUNTRY BY PRIVATISING THE MELBOURNE MARKET.

Welcome to the 41st edition of Fresh State of Affairs.

The festive season has been and gone and it’s full steam ahead for 2018. A brand new year brings a new set of business challenges for most of us. Hopefully there will also be plenty of room for growth and commercial success for wholesalers, with Fresh State leading the way by providing advocacy and support for our members.

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N this issue we have a look at the argument for falling in line with every other central market in the country by privatising the Melbourne Market. When you consider the success of Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, and even the smaller Newcastle markets in the hands of industry management, it’s hard to make a case for continuing government ownership.

We also feature our 2017 Buyer of the Year and thriving success story, Yarra Valley Farms. From humble beginnings this business has gone from strength to strength and is about to branch out into a whole new venture.

Check out page 10 to learn more.

Our Market spotlight in this issue features Flowerdale Farm’s new range of native vegies on page 24, and we have a timely feature on forklift safety and maintenance. Now is a good time to check your equipment and have everything working smoothly and safely.

And for a bit of a challenge we’ve included a football competition.

It’s not an easy task but get your entries in by March 31st and you never know, you just might come away a winner at the end of the 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 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 2018 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 41 feb 2018

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100% of proceeds raised go directly to DEBRA Australia

MELBOURNE MARKET CHARITY

CHANCE TO WIN

THREE

MAJOR HOLE IN ONE PRIZES

GOLF DAY AT HEIDELBERG GOLF CLUB

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

Registration includes 18 holes of golf, carts, lunch, dinner and Melbourne Market Golf day t-shirt.

Golf Registration 11.00 am, Shotgun start 12 noon

Gold Sponsors

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FRIDAY

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16 MARCH

2018

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

• All proceeds donated to DEBRA Australia.

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

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

• Full catering on the day.

• Raffle and major prize auction.

• After game dinner and enterainment with AFL Legends.

Silver Sponsors

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

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS MELBOURNE MARKET CHARITY GOLF DAY FRIDAY 16 MARCH

FRESH STATE MID YEAR MEETING TUESDAY 3 APRIL

HORT CONNECTIONS IN BRISBANE 2018 MON 18 – WED 20 JUNE

2018 FRESH STATE GALA BALL SATURDAY 1 SEPTEMBER

FRESH STATE AGM TUESDAY 9 OCTOBER

Fresh State of Affairs is the bimonthly online and print magazine of Fresh State Ltd. The Fresh State of Affairs magazine is produced by Fresh State for all involved in the fresh fruit and vegetable industry.

It contains news and information relevant to the market place and the industry.

Fresh State offers companies who service the industry, the market place and related businesses the opportunity to advertise in this publication and reach a core target audience of the wholesalers, retailers, growers and associated groups that utilise the Melbourne Wholesale Market.

FRESH STATE MEMBERS RECEIVE 15% OFF ALL ADVERTISING 2018 ADVERTISING RATES: Issue

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2018 ADVERTISING DEADLINES: Issue

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ONLY A MATTER OF TIME ‌

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Over the past three decades, the Australian central market system has been steadily undergoing a transformation. One by one, market facilities once run by government have been privatised and grown into competitive, profitable enterprises, with industry professionals driving and underpinning innovative and forward-thinking operations.

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HE revolution began in 1987, when Adelaide growers, wholesalers and retailers formed a private company. The enterprise built a new complex and opened the South Australian Produce Market in 1988.

come almost exclusively from within the industry.

This brings a management focus that delivers the best outcomes for not only shareholders but the wholesaler tenants, growers, retailers and ultimately the consumer.

In 1997, Newcastle did the same, followed by The people making the decisions hold an innate, Sydney and Brisbane in 2002. When Perth’s Market big-picture understanding and passion for the City was acquired by industry that simply industry-based consortium cannot be matched Perth Markets Limited in by a governmentAS FAR AS THE FRESH 2016, Melbourne Market run organization.

PRODUCE INDUSTRY AND became the notable A vested interest exception. in cost efficiency, THE CENTRAL MARKET profitability and The ownership changes superior management INDUSTRY IS CONCERNED, have proved to be a accountability is positive step. In every PRIVATISATION HAS naturally cultivated case, the shareholders of when those at the PROVEN TO BE A WINNER. these private companies helm hail from within.

issue 41 feb 2018

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Fresh State’s Chief Executive Officer, Jason Cooper, thinks it’s only a matter of time. ‘While the state government are the current custodians of the market, at some point in the near future, like every other central market in the country, we will see a transfer of ownership and privatisation of the Melbourne Market. In every other instance this has led to a more successful and thriving market, which is in everyone’s best interest, the state government, wholesalers and retailers alike,’ he says.

Across the country, the benefits of private central-market ownership have been clearly demonstrated.

Brisbane Markets, Sydney markets and South Australia’s net operating profits have consistently increased. In less than two years of operations, Perth Markets Limited has already recorded over 7 million operating profit, with over 3 million dollars distributed to shareholders.

The figures tell part of the story, with expansion of assets, increased utilization, tenant and customer satisfaction and consumer perception highlighting the rest. As far as the Fresh Produce industry and the Central Market industry is concerned, privatisation has proven to be a winner.

Melbourne, the second largest wholesale facility in Australia, is lagging behind. Perhaps the time has come to get serious about the direction and best interests for the Melbourne Wholesale Central Market.

With an election looming later this year, the issue is one that an astute political party might want to pay attention to.

A VESTED INTEREST IN COST EFFICIENCY, PROFITABILITY AND SUPERIOR MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTABILITY IS NATURALLY CULTIVATED WHEN THOSE AT THE HELM HAIL FROM WITHIN.

PRIVATISED OPERATIONS

GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Clockwise from left to right: Brisbane – Brisbane Markets Limited, Sydney – Sydney Markets, Newcastle – Newcastle Markets, Melbourne – Melbourne Market, Adelaide – SA Produce Market, Perth – Perth Markets Ltd.

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issue 41 feb 2018

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HOW DO YOU LIKE THEM APPLES? KISSABEL – NEW APPLE VARIETIES When it comes to Apples, Montague have long been known as market innovators.

In an ever growing range of exciting and flavorsome new apple varieties to delight consumer taste buds, Montague’s latest apple venture may just be the most significant so far.

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ONTAGUE have entered into a partnership with Ifored, an international consortium marketing red fleshed apples under the brand name of Kissabel. The kissable story began twenty years ago when a team of French apple breeders crossed wild red flesh apples with high quality varieties. The results are a selection of apple varieties with red flesh inside, with variations in flesh shade, skin colour, flavour, and harvest timing.

The total Kissabel range includes over 30 varieties. Four breeding generations later, apples became available commercially in Europe for the first time in 2017.

Here in Australia, Montague’s first trees are out of quarantine. 100 trees each of seven varieties have been selected and test growing is being carried out in four

different sites, with different climatic conditions, in Northern Tasmania, Southern Victoria, Central Victoria and Batlow in NSW. Seven more varieties will be introduced over the next two winters. For Montague, it’s been a 15 year exercise to get to this point, and now the company is on track to have Kissabel apples available to consumers post 2020.

The range has been developed using natural techniques, and the flavours range from mainly sweet to tart.

Depending on the variety, flesh can be anywhere from 30% red to solid red, and skin colours may be bi-coloured, orange, yellow, or red.

In developing the brand, Ifored’s mission is to offer ‘a range of innovative, completely natural, tempting apples,

astonishing in both appearance and taste.’ Worldwide, there are 14 partners who will have a collective output of 3 million tonnes of apples from 55,000 hectares of orchards.

“We are honoured to be partnering with international breeders, Ifored, on the Kissabel® launch”, says Rowan Little, General Manager of Intellectual Property at Montague. “Having the rights to planting, growing and selling the Kissabel® Range in Australia will be one of the latest successes from the team at Montague who have been growing fresh produce since 1948.

We are in the process of reinvigorating the Australian apple market and are very excited about this opportunity.”

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The New Year is well truly underway and two important deadlines loom on the horizon for all industry participants.

February 22 – Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) Scheme April 1 – Hort Code NDB Scheme

MARK PERREE

This will impact most if not all businesses on the basis you either: Turnover more than $3.0m Retain Tax File Numbers i.e. staff Serious fines and penalties apply up to $1.8m for business and up to $360k for individuals if you fail to comply.

A Cyber Liability policy will protect you in this scenario and many others. Ask us how.

Hort Code You would all be well aware that the transition period ceases on 1/4/18, and that there are penalties including fines that may apply if you do not comply.

A Management Liability policy will help protect you for breaches of the code, as well as protect you in important additional areas which face in running your business.

WE HAVE A SOLUTION FOR BOTH OF THESE ISSUES SO CONTACT ME OR MY TEAM WHEN CONVENIENT TO FIND OUT MORE:

mark@mibrokers.com.au

0412 707 701 03 9686 0688

BY INDUSTRY FOR INDUSTRY FreshTest™ is the largest and most comprehensive testing program in Australian Horticulture.

DEDICATED AND EXPERIENCED TEAM • personalised service • we know the industry and we know you

COMPETITIVE PRICING • substantial savings due to volume testing • savings are passed on to you

Find out how you can save money and quickly, easily and conveniently have your produce tested.

CONVENIENT, SIMPLE AND QUICK • • • • • • •

we are at the Markets one phone call for all your testing we do all the hard work an easy process to follow easy to read results quick turn-around Wholesalers can access results online (including historical data)

freshmarkets.com.au/freshtest

Adelaide

08 8260 3866

Brisbane

07 3915 4222

Melbourne

03 9408 6627

Perth Sydney

08 9455 2742 02 9764 3244

9408 6627

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issue 41 feb 2018

FIRM FOUNDATIONS OF AFFAIRS

THE KEY TO SUCCESSFUL GROWTH

In 2001, Bill Kollatos was a rising star in the information technology industry with no plans to enter the fresh produce arena. When an immigrant family member arrived in Melbourne in need of employment, Bill thought he could help out by purchasing a couple of small businesses for his cousin to run.

Bill quickly discovered how important it was to develop excellent relationships with customers.

‘It’s not workable for customers to swap and change.

Trust that they can rely on suppliers to do the right thing is vital. It was easy to grow a business with one or two vans but when growth extended beyond that point, the lack of an integrated system let businesses down. Without the close contact the larger businesses began to detach from customers.’

Bill felt that the answer was to become a big business in the back but stay small at the front line. He felt that there was room to consolidate using economies of scale. Franchising with trusted owner-operated partners would provide close contact with customers, with integrated back-end systems in place to sustain a large scale operation.

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ILL bought 2 small home delivery runs and a providore business to create Yarra Valley Farms. He gave his cousin a job, then headed off to Sydney to complete an MBA for what he thought would further his own career in IT. He soon realized he’d underestimated the level of business acumen required to manage the business, and that he would have to become involved. For 18 months, while he was in Sydney studying full time, he was also offsite managing a new business.

During his MBA, Bill did a lot of work researching the market, using Yarra Valley Farms as a case study wherever he could. With daily changes to quality and price,

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‘IT WILL BE AN EVOLUTION, NOT A REVOLUTION … THERE WILL BE NO AGGRESSIVE CHANGES THAT COULD AFFECT OUR CUSTOMER AND SUPPLIER BASE.

Instead of going back into IT after his MBA, Bill returned to Yarra Valley Farms. For the next year and a half, he lived and breathed work, working from dawn to dusk and even going so far as to move in to the Coburg warehouse, where the forklift drivers soon learned to keep an eye out for Bill in his bathrobe stumbling his way from bed to the shower in the mornings.

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In that time Bill utilised his MBA and his skills in IT to develop systems that would provide the foundation needed in order for the business to grow.

‘There were a couple of things I wanted to achieve, said Bill. ‘I wanted to create a significant difference in an old and incumbent industry and I wanted to offer an opportunity for people who wanted to work for themselves. Money was never the driver.

If I could achieve the other things I knew that success would come.’

I WANTED TO CREATE A SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE IN AN OLD AND INCUMBENT INDUSTRY AND I WANTED TO OFFER AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE WHO WANTED TO WORK FOR THEMSELVES. Clockwise from left: Franchisee Lina delivering an order to head chef, Tom. Yarra Valley Farms’ trucks line up to load the days’ orders.

A franchisee checks an order at the warehouse.

From its humble beginnings, Yarra Valley Farms has gone from ‘half a van’ in Victoria, to a fleet of 45 trucks across the eastern seaboard.

‘It’s been a fantastic journey,’ Bill says.

‘There has been a lot of growth but also a lot of trials and tribulations. They may have been painful at the time, but the bad experiences have been where we’ve learnt the most.’

And the growth continues! Along with T&F All States, Brizfresh, and Inspired Food Solutions, the business has just been purchased by South African company, In2Food, to create In2Food Australia.

Bill will remain, both as a shareholder and as CEO of the group. For now all companies will continue to operate as usual.

‘It will be an evolution, not a revolution,’ says Bill. ‘There will be no aggressive changes that could affect our customer and supplier base. The new company will be entering into the ready-made meal market with the goals of improving synergies in supply chain, customer base and infrastructure while consolidating people and culture.

At the 2017 Fresh State Gala Ball last September, Yarra Valley Farms was presented with the Fresh State Buyer of The Year award.

With a model that embraces streamlined systems and face-to-face customer service, the award brings some well-deserved recognition of a strong and sustainable business.

Franchisees checking invoices on the Yarra Valley Farms integrated system.

Franchisee uses a hand held picking device with finger scanning technology.

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issue 41 feb 2018

FORKLIFT

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SAFETY & MAINTENANCE

SAFETY:

STAYING ALERT IN THE MELBOURNE MARKETS Despite several Industry improvements and increased governance, statistically forklifts remain amongst the most dangerous pieces of equipment in the workplace. Every year, an alarming number of forklift operators are involved in workplace incidents.

Despite technological advancements and increased awareness, forklift tip-over and loads falling from height remain a genuine risk in some operations. Such situations may occur when a forklift takes a corner too sharp or too fast, increasing the lateral gravitational force of the forklift and pushing it into a dangerous zone.

Loads falling from height may also occur as a result of inadequate or poor conditioned pallets, no strapping and/or inadequate strapping of product, and/or incorrect placement of product in racking or trucks.

DRIVING SAFELY • If a load blocks your vision, consider reducing the load and/ or operate the counterbalance units in reverse using caution. It is also recommended that you have a “spotter” guide you where there is increased risk (e.g.) shared zones between forklifts and pedestrians.

Ensure functional mirrors are fitted and watch out for other people and equipment.

• Do not drive with the load raised.

Keep the load close to the ground to ensure stability, particularly on sloped or unstable surfaces.

• Only handle loads within the rated capacity of the forklift.

• Never lift a load above people or allow anyone to stand under raised forks.

• Never use a forklift without a load backrest and overhead guard.

• Watch rear-end swing. Use care in aisles and other tight places.

• Remember the rear end swings wide when the forklift turns.

Forklifts typically have the counterweight fitted at the rear, which can cause serious injury and/or damage.

• Ensure adequate clearance space above and at each side of the forklift. Keep hands and feet clear of the mast assembly. Never reach through the mast for any reason.

• Always drive at a safe speed (or at the prescribed site speed limit, if one applies) and watch out for slippery or uneven ground or other dangerous conditions that may affect the operation of the forklift.

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WITHIN THE MELBOURNE MARKETS, OWNERS AND OPERATORS NEED TO ENSURE THAT ADEQUATE DAILY FORKLIFT INSPECTION, PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND FAULT REPORTING SYSTEMS ARE IN PLACE.

This article is for informational purposes only.

It should not be construed as advice.

Forklift owners and operators should seek their own independent advice and training relevant to their particular circumstances prior to using equipment.

MAINTENANCE:

KEEPING YOUR FORKLIFTS IN TIP-TOP CONDITION Lack of regular maintenance may lead to operational faults such as: • Ineffective brakes • Loss of safety feature functionality (e.g. seat belt and interlock mechanism) • Hydraulic hose leaks • Low and/or contaminated hydraulic fluids • Non Serviceable and/or worn tyres • Non Serviceable and/or worn suspension seat • Operator controls that are not marked correctly or working properly • Lights and warning devices that are not working Within the Melbourne Markets, owners and operators need to ensure that adequate daily forklift inspection, periodic maintenance and fault reporting systems are in place, including but not limited to the following: • Nomination of an owner/ Manager to be responsible for (in conjunction with preferred supplier) the implementation and ongoing delivery of maintenance for the forklifts.

• An effective system for scheduling inspection and maintenance work and keeping adequate records.

• Implementation of a “Daily PreOperational Check” to inspect key safety feature functionality and report any maintenance works requirements.

• Engaging trained and competent Technicians to repair and service the forklifts in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.

• Provide a safe work environment and adequate supervision for the maintenance works to be undertaken, including the provision of adequate information, instructions and training for the inspection and safe work procedures with written procedures, hazard identification check sheets and relevant safe operating procedures.

• An up-to-date maintenance register for each forklift in the workplace should: > detail the people responsible for undertaking the inspection and maintenance work > identify the frequency and type of inspection or maintenance to be carried out (for example, a database/system with relevant equipment on a “maintenance recall system” > keep up to date records of the date and nature of inspection and maintenance tasks carried out, including the name of the person who performed the inspection and/or maintenance, and any recommendations made.

Adhering to these procedures will assist you to ensure your forklift is compliant and maintained in line with the relevant manufacturer’s recommendations, ensuring safe, efficient and reliable operation.

For more information on forklift safety and maintenance please contact the friendly team at Toyota Material Handling on freecall 1800 425 438 or visit: toyotamaterialhandling.com.au/

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AROUND THE MARKET 09

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01. Mark Kramer (Flavorite) 02. Rikki Kirwan (Tripod Farmers) 03. Anthony (Flowerdale Fresh) 04. Mathura (Priest Bros) 05. Raphael (Melba Fresh) & Mehul Patel (Ozgrow) 06. Sandra, Shelley and Rita (Costa Group) 07. David & Hitesh (Market City Fruits) 08. Sister Mary Galea with Marcello, Matt and Peppe (Medici Wholesalers), and Michael (Signorelli) 09. Carlos (ARC) & Phil (Mildura Fresh) 10. Ahmad (Fruit Fanatics) 11. Sam (MMA Operations) 12. Nick Conidi (Apple Arcade) 13. Charles Chan (Opal Jade) 14. Melissa (CueBR Plastics) 15. Tony Arena (Velisha Wholesalers) 11

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The program will focus on key messages using words and phrases such as variety and choice, value, fresh, trust in produce/ seller, customer GAS STATION service, hand-picked, and farm fresh, to promote locally O ownedM and grown R U Y F L U R L by produce Osold OCA independent retailers.

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The program will encompass a national website, retailer engagement and point of sale, consumer engagement, and administration and management of the M program, with ‘A Better E YO RE G R Lbe Choice’ Uto used as the OCAL key marketing phrase.

BUY

With a whole new brand, a rollout of a new national retailer program is already underway and set to hit greengrocer stores in June 2018.

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After a long process of consultation between states, a national approach to branding and marketing is finally looking like becoming a reality.

Each state will contribute to funding, with retailers identified universally as ‘greengrocers.’

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NATIONAL RETAILER PROGRAM COMING SOON!

GAS STATION

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Where Ithe money you spend comes back to benefit you U YO U R FR

4 Competitive prices 4 Industry service 4 Easily accessible 4 Friendly operators 4 Open 24/7

GAS STATION 4 Card or Cash accepted* * Cash service open from 2am to 10am Monday to Friday

FILL UP YOUR FORKS AT THE FRESH STATE GAS STATION AND SUPPORT YOUR INDUSTRY 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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FRESH STATE WELCOMES A NEW TEAM MEMBER

ANASTASIA ITSINES ADMINISTRATION MANAGER ana@freshstate.com.au

ADVERTISEMENT

It’s so exciting to join Fresh State and to become a part of the Melbourne Market community. My previous working background has been in corporate, government and the arts, specialising in management accounting and always people management. I firmly believe that success is measured by people involvement.

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UTSIDE of work my spare time is spent at home with my husband and 18 year old son, who keeps my urban dictionary up to date. I’m also kept busy as a volunteer supporting cultural visual artists and performers and organizing charity events.

I’m not a complete stranger to the industry, however, as my parents were market gardeners in the 70s and 80s in Port Pirie in South Australia. I can still remember the sound of the market report twice a week on ABC radio and the way it would determine the mood for the day.

I CAN STILL REMEMBER THE SOUND OF THE MARKET REPORT TWICE A WEEK ON ABC RADIO AND THE WAY IT WOULD DETERMINE THE MOOD FOR THE DAY.

FREE AUDIT

for all Fresh State members

The wholesalers and growers here in the market are performing a vital service to society and I am pleased to be able to assist them in my capacity here at Fresh State.

Through open communication and working together, I would like to make maintaining and expanding the core values and service to the members a strong focus. I am looking forward to eventually meeting everyone and continuing to develop healthy relationships with Fresh State and the MMCS.

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issue 41 feb 2018

THE FRUIT, ENCASED IN A DELICIOUS, ORANGE, EGG-SHAPED SKIN HAS BEEN DESCRIBED AS ‘DELICIOUS, REFRESHING, EXOTIC, TANGY, AND EFFERVESCENT!’ OF AFFAIRS

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Achacha In the southern part of the Amazon Basin, deep in the Bolivian jungle, the locals have been keeping a delicious secret for centuries.

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ANY a backyard orchard in that part of the world will be growing a Garcinia Humilis or two for the family table. The fruit, encased in a delicious, orange, eggshaped skin has been described as ‘delicious, refreshing, exotic, tangy, and effervescent!’ The Bolivians call this culinary delight, ‘achchairu’, meaning ‘honey kiss’ in the local native language.

A cousin of the mangosteen, the fruit does not ripen in storage and should always be picked mature. Unlike most produce, it is best stored at 15 to 20 degrees Celsius with a high relative humidity. Under those conditions it will last four to six weeks but the shelf life will be much shorter if refrigerated.

Paradoxically, the flavor is enhanced if kept in the fridge or freezer for an hour or two before eating. It can be kept in

and then strained to remove all of the solids. The liquid is diluted and sweetened to taste, then chilled for a refreshing summer drink.

The fruit is rich in antioxidants, folate, potassium and vitamin C, while the drink made from the skins contains beta carotene, amino acids, and a natural substance called hydroxycitrate, which has unique properties that help Only in recent history has this obscure to reduce appetite. In Bolivia the skins fruit come are used as a hunger to light on a suppressant and in skin ACHACHAS ARE LOW IN SUGAR AND A GREAT commercial repair, while honey from scale. In the plant pollen is used SOURCE OF NATURAL ENERGY. THIS MAKES THEM Australia, medicinally.

AN IDEAL SNACK CHOICE FOR THAT MIDDLE OF THE it is grown Achachas are low in in North AFTERNOON SLUMP EXPERIENCED BY SO MANY. sugar and a great source Queensland in of natural energy. This the Burdekin makes them an ideal area, by the Achacha Fruit Group, who snack choice for that middle of the the freezer for many months, but must have shortened the name to make it afternoon slump experienced by so be eaten immediately once thawed. easier to pronounce, and taken out a many. It can be used in many ways, patent to ensure the fruit cannot be An achacha is encased in a firm, from salads and salsas to desserts grown or propagated without a license protective skin which will split and and sauces, and adds a zesty finish to agreement. come away from the fruit easily once cocktails and sorbets. pierced and squeezed in the opposite The tree is a small evergreen. In the The Achacha is in season from direction, revealing pearly-white flesh wild it grows anywhere from 5-12 December to mid-March in Australia. around a coffee-coloured seed. metres high. The leaves are glossy, Enjoy the fruit while it’s here and see darker green on top but lighter The glossy orange rinds are full of page 20 for the recipe to make a drink underneath, thick, leathery, and brittle. nutrients and may be consumed once from the skin.

The flowers are cream or white. put in a blender with water, pureed

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IN BOLIVIA THE SKINS ARE USED AS A HUNGER SUPPRESSANT AND IN SKIN REPAIR, WHILE HONEY FROM THE PLANT POLLEN IS USED MEDICINALLY.

When available, Achacha can be found in the Melbourne Market at All Aussie Farmers

THE FRUIT DOES NOT RIPEN IN STORAGE AND SHOULD ALWAYS BE PICKED MATURE. UNLIKE MOST PRODUCE, IT IS BEST STORED AT 15 TO 20 DEGREES CELSIUS WITH A HIGH RELATIVE HUMIDITY.

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IN BOLIVIA THIS DRINK is considered a hunger OF AFFAIRS suppressant. According to recent studies of skin and flesh at the University of Western Sydney (M. Wu and P. O’Doherty) not only is the pulp and skin very low in sugars but the skin is also rich in hydroxicidtrates, betacarotene, arginine and alanine and could aid weight loss by preventing fat building up in cells.

Achacha THIRST QUENCHER

INGREDIENTS Use as much skin infusion as needed, add (according to your taste) a combination of the following: Skin Infusion Sugar syrup or stevia or honey or coconut sugar, to balance the sweet/astringent taste Also add mint, fresh sliced or grated ginger, lemon slices or mineral water Drink throughout the day. It is a good accompaniment to spicy food.

Recipe courtesy of: achacha.com.au

TO MAKE SKIN INFUSION: Soaked Skins: 6-8 skins only per Litre, 1-2 litres of water, sugar syrup, caster sugar, 1 cup water Save Achacha skins after eating the white pulp Fill a jug with 1 litre of water (make more but using same proportions – 6 to 8 skins per litre) Crunch skins into the water and leave to infuse at least overnight, preferably longer Once the water is quite orange, strain off the skins and discard or compost. Use this infusion as a base for the Achacha Thirst Quencher SUGAR SYRUP: Bring sugar and water to a simmer for 5 minutes, leave to cool Keep in a jar and use as desired There are alternatives to the sugar syrup, stevia, honey, ginger syrup, vodka, mint, mineral water, use your imagination!

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HORTICULTURE CODE OF CONDUCT CUTTING THROUGH THE HYPE

SETTING THE TEMPLATE SCENE

Months of work with solicitors, fresh fruit and vegetable wholesalers and growers have gone into Australia’s Central Markets producing accessible, flexible and competitive Horticulture Produce Agreements (HPAs) for its suppliers.

In 2017, the national organisation representing wholesalers in each of Australia’s six Central Markets, Fresh Markets Australia (FMA) was concerned that a new Horticulture Code of Conduct was in place but no guiding documentation to assist their wholesalers and suppliers trade.

The HPAs are a key element of the 2017 Horticulture Code of Conduct, released in April 2017, and grower GROWERS AND TRADERS groups have been slow off the mark to produce the MUST HAVE AN ACCEPTED documents or educate their HPA IN ORDER TO TRADE OR members.

Growers and traders must have an accepted HPA in order to trade or they could face monetary penalties.

THEY COULD FACE MONETARY PENALTIES.

It set about working closely with solicitors, growers and wholesalers to finalise standard format templates.

These included Horticulture Produce Agreements (HPA), a Schedule to the HPA and Terms of Trade, so that wholesalers could be confident that they, and the growers they dealt with, were Code compliant.

From mid-2017, wholesalers across Australia were invited to workshops and information was distributed widely – but growers were being missed in the information loop.

However, after months of inaction, a Queensland grower organisation has released its own templates and taken a major swipe at wholesalers along the way.

FMA set about adding an education plan for its suppliers as well, to fill the gap left by their Member grower associations, including mail outs, wide template distribution and advertisements in the national Good Fruit and Vegetable magazine.

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This feature examines the templates on offer to help make sense of the truth beneath the political hype.

A GROWER OR TRADER NOT UNDERSTANDING THEIR 2017 HORTICULTURE CODE OF CONDUCT OBLIGATIONS COULD BE MAKING AN EXPENSIVE MISTAKE, WITH POSSIBLE PENALTIES OF UP TO $63,000 FOR BREACHING THE CODE.

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TO CLAIM OR NOT TO CLAIM, THAT IS THE QUESTION Wholesalers in Australia’s six Central Markets say they have been unfairly targeted by grower representative organisations who are suggesting its traders should not be entitled to basic protection when conducting business transactions.

FMA director Andrew Young said that these claims have not been clarified and no detail has been provided to justify what the actual concerns are.

“The HPA functions as a supply agreement between grower and wholesaler (trader) that is to be negotiated with input from both parties,” THE HPA IS TO Mr Young said. “The REFLECT GOOD HPA is to reflect good commercial practice.”

COMMERCIAL

The concerns come after Growcom, a Queensland grower group says Fresh Markets Australia’s (FMA) “However, some PRACTICE. template merchant grower representative Horticulture Produce organisations believe Agreement (HPA) may that standard commercial practice not be consistent with the objectives should not apply where wholesalers of the Code. are concerned.”

In short, Growcom is saying that Mr Young said under wholesalers have no right to claim a Growcom’s claims, a trader refund when defective, wrongfully had no right to claim a refund described or noncompliant produce or return produce that: arrives at the trader’s door to sell.

WHOLESALER’S LEGAL ADVICE Wholesaler representative organisation, Fresh Markets Australia (FMA) said it was proactive in obtaining extensive legal advice in developing standard format Horticulture Produce Agreement (HPA) documents.

FMA began the consultation immediately following the implementation of the new Horticulture Code of Conduct in April 2017.

The HPAs were developed by FMA’s solicitors to ensure they reflect the requirements of the Code and include the terms and conditions concerning: > the supply of produce; > the quality specification of that produce; > the acceptance and/or rejection of that produce by the wholesaler; > dispute resolution; and > terms of payment by the wholesaler.

WHOLESALERS TRADING ON THE BRISBANE PRODUCE MARKET FLOOR. THERE ARE 60 MILLION TRANSACTIONS AUSTRALIA WIDE OVER FIVE YEARS.

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE CODE? Visit: https://www.accc.gov.au/business/industrycodes/horticulture-code-of-conduct

> does not comply with its specification, > is not as described by the grower, > or has an inherent quality defect.

“It is disappointing that these claims have been made despite ongoing requests for more information over a long period,” Mr Young said.

“It remains concerning that there are views being expressed that the same standard commercial terms of trade, commonly seen across any number of other industries, should not be available to wholesalers.”

Article courtesy Fresh Source magazine

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NATIVE VEGIES

GO LARGE SCALE Round Leaf Mint has a strong, aromatic flavor.

River Mint combines well with red meats and is refreshing in desserts and beverages.

Native Celery (Sometimes called Sea Celery or Sea Parsley) is excellent in soups, with seafood and in dressings for salads.

Food, the most basic human need, has become more than just nutrition, it has become synonymously linked with entertainment.

Scroll through television stations and at any given time you’re likely to see at least one cooking show. Open a newspaper and there’ll be a write up of the latest restaurant reviews or the next celebrity chef. Not to mention the ever growing list of industry buzzwords.

Words such as local, sustainable, natural, fresh and organic are bandied around like fruit platters at a kindergarten.

T

HE nation’s chefs are constantly sourcing fresh produce for our collective plates, but with all the diversity and variety available, the commercial production of this country’s truly native varieties of edible produce has been a significant gap in the market, a gap that wholesale grower

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Native Lemongrass can be used to create an Asian-Australian fusion of flavours.

Cut Leaf Thyme combines brilliantly with meats, breads and savory dishes.

Top: The commercial herb production facility at Holla-Fresh in South Australia.

Middle: Nadia Keily (Red Centre Enterprises) and Kimberley Ferguson (Holla-Fresh) inspect the commercial production of Native Round Leaf Mint.

Left L-R: Ian Lines (Holla-Fresh), Lily Rattray (Flowerdale Farm), Kimberley Ferguson (Holla-Fresh), Nadia Keily (Red Centre), Paul Keily (Tribal Name Yuandamarra of Red Centre), Gary Bedford (Flowerdale Farm).

and supplier, Flowerdale Farm, is looking to fill.

“Chefs like to know a product is going to be available every day if they put it on their menu, and they need a food safety certificate too. It’s difficult to achieve these things without a commercial setup,” says Lily Rattray of Flowerdale Farm.

“Flowerdale Farm has been growing and sourcing native food from around Australia for nearly a decade.

Indigenous communities wild harvest bush foods, but until now it has been difficult to meet food safety and quality standards and maintain a consistent supply.”

And that’s where the power of collaboration comes in. Flowerdale Farm has joined forces with Red Centre Enterprises, an indigenous community group, and South Australian herb grower, Holla-Fresh, to commence commercially growing Australian native herbs.

The first offerings will focus on five varieties, including Native Lemongrass, Native

at the Melbourne and Sydney Wholesale Markets and its national network of agencies.

The collaboration with Red Centre enterprises means that Flowerdale Farm will be able to share the knowledge and heritage of indigenous communities at the heart of the product offering, whilst ensuring a portion of the profits from every product sold, is returned to the communities.

Long before white settlers came, our indigenous people were utilising and caring for the land. Wide scale appreciation of native food offerings

FLOWERDALE FARM HAS JOINED FORCES WITH RED CENTRE ENTERPRISES, AN INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY GROUP, AND SOUTH AUSTRALIAN HERB GROWER, HOLLA-FRESH, TO COMMENCE COMMERCIALLY GROWING AUSTRALIAN NATIVE HERBS. Celery, Round Leaf Mint, Rivermint, and Cut Leaf Thyme. These lines were launched at the start of December as co-branded Flowerdale Farm and Red Centre products. They are distributed

by Flowerdale Farm through its stores

has been slow to catch on, but with fresh ways of thinking and new initiatives such as this one, we might all soon be enjoying more and more of Australia’s native bounty.

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Fill in below and send in this page to enter.

Winners announced after the Grand Final in September.

Entries must be in by March 31.

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