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09
december
2011
ISSN: 1838-7829
fresh
connections 2012
Member
Fundraising
Relocation
Update
bumper issue: christmas
messages galore
issue 09 december 2011
what’s on:
4 6 8
Relocation: Market history: Market hours:
A Summary of relocation in Melbourne’s Market history And the clock is ticking for
2011 – the 7th year of the saga! detailed from 1920 – 1939. the Operator!
10 34 37
Tony’s Take: Economic Update: Fundraising: Fresh State
What’s in store produce-wise 2011 in summary – the Market traders donate for
for the Summer season. economic slow down. a good cause.
CONTENTS
2 What’s on
| 33 |
Q&A: Claude Natoli
3 President’s message
| 36 |
Fresh Connections 2012
11 |
Christmas Special Messages 38 | A Very Berry Christmas!
32 |
MMCS
Published by:
Fresh State CEO: Design: Print:
John Roach Flying Dog Designs King Print
john.roach@freshstate.com.au www.fddesigns.com.au www.kingprint.com.au
Editor / Advertising: Photography: Distribution:
Sonja van Eijk Wuttke Photography Fresh State of Affairs is
sonjav@freshstate.com.au www.wuttke.com.au produced by Fresh State
Contributors: Casamento Photography Ltd and is a free publication.
www.freshstate.com.au Sally Piper www.casamento.com.au
tel: 03 9689 3233 sallyp@freshstate.com.au
03
president’s message:
Shane
Schnitzler
From the President
Welcome to the ninth edition of Fresh dark as to whether we were relocating and having a level playing field is not
State of Affairs. Featuring our mem- or staying at Footscray Road. That unreasonable.
bers Christmas wishes, a relocation announcement was finally delivered on
The successful launch of our Young
update, our continuing series on the 20 July. We are moving to Epping in the
market’s history and Tony’s Take! Executive’s Marketing Program for the
2014/15 year, a decade after it was first
announced. independent green grocers in 2012.
2011 – The Year that was
Our members danced the night away The Federal Minister to finally imple-
The year started with the new State ment the Code Committee’s recom-
at our second Gala Ball in September
government reviewing all major mendations to fix the Horticultural
and Sam Kekovich entertained us at
projects including relocation of the Code of Conduct.
our AGM. We ended the year with still
Melbourne Wholesale Markets. The
no details on our relocation from Gov- A successful Australia Chamber Confer-
drought broke in eastern Australia
flooding large parts QLD, ence in 2012 which will be
NSW and Victoria. Brisbane Thank you for all of your support combined with the Fresh
Connections Event in the last
Markets felt the full force
of the floods and the huge through the year … Merry Christmas. week of June. Melbourne is
support that came from the venue and this will be
ernment; no Auditor General’s perfor- our chance to showcase members
our members in Brisbane’s hour of
mance review; and no enforcement of businesses and have the fresh produce
need was humbling to say the least.
operating hours; but with Fresh state in industries of Australia and New Zealand
To cap off these extraordinary events great shape! together in one place.
Cyclone Yasi then flattened the banana
industry. 2012 – The year ahead – Our wish And Fresh State’s third Gala ball is to be
list from Santa! held in mid October in time to appreci-
March saw the Australia Chamber Con- ate the warmer weather.
ference in Newcastle and at Fresh State The full details of the relocation to
we held our second Pit Stop health Epping including equity rights, fit- On behalf of the Board and manage-
checks for the market community. Our out, proximity warehousing, rent per ment I would like to thank you for all
guests included Kevin Sheedy and the m², allocation of store and location, of your support through the year and
Minister Napthine. rules of operation and transitional wish each of you a Merry Christmas
arrangements. and a safe and prosperous New Year.
We commenced the debate on
market hours and the shortcomings of The enforcement of the operating Shane Schnitzler – President
enforcement of operating times from hours at Footscray Rd would be a
refreshing change by the operator Fresh State Ltd.
April. And by June we were still in the
Disclaimer:
Fresh State Ltd makes this magazine available on the un- formation published in Fresh State of Affairs. Fresh State Ltd This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted
derstanding the users exercise their own skill and care with specifically disclaims all and any liability for loss or damage under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced
respect to its use. Before relying on, or altering any business of any nature whatsoever and however arising, whether by any process without prior permission from Fresh State
practices, users should carefully evaluate the accuracy, due to accuracy, error or omission or any other cause. Ltd. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and
completeness and relevance of the information for their In addition, by using the information in this magazine, rights should be addressed to:
purpose and should obtain appropriate professional advice each user waives and releases Fresh State, its staff and The Editor
relevant to their particular circumstances. This magazine agents from any and all claims relating to the use of this Fresh State of Affairs Magazine
contains views and recommendations that do not neces- document. In no event shall Fresh State Ltd be liable for Market Box 113, 542 Footscray Road
sarily reflect the views of Fresh State Ltd. any consequential damages resulting from using the West Melbourne VIC 3003
Fresh State does not in any circumstances accept respon- information in Fresh State of Affairs.
sibility for the accuracy or suitability or otherwise of any in- © Fresh State Ltd 2011
04 OF AFFAIRS issue 09 december 2011
Reloc
relocation:
at
Updat ion
e:
A Summary of Relocation in 2011 – the 7th year of the saga!
• N
ew government elected • A
uditor General’s performance • F ollowing a visit to Epping site Fresh
November 2010. review of relocation project State raises concerns with fit-out.
commences in April.
• M
inister meets with Fresh State • N
umerous attempts made with
board 30 December 2010 and • G
overnment announces on 20 July Minister’s office to meet with the
informs the board that all major 2011 that relocation is to proceed Minister to progress agreed process
projects of the previous government to Epping in the 2014/15 financial of meeting mid / late September
will be reviewed. Minister seeks year. Government blames previous but to no avail.
Fresh State’s view on relocation. government for cost blowout.
• A
uditor General’s performance
• G
overnment undertakes review of • M
inister meets with Fresh State review now to be tabled at the
relocation project and a review of board on 5 August 2011 and agrees end of February 2012.
Footscray Road. Fresh State mem- to the Board’s suggested process in
• M
inister calls for new nominations of
bers’ view is that their preferred going forward (per New Scorecard).
the Advisory Committees after letters
position is to stay at Footscray Road.
• A
uditor General’s performance from Fresh State to the MMA indicate
Industry has no input into Footscray
review originally to be tabled in that they (MMA) appear to have previ-
Road review.
mid September is moved back to ously populated the committees out-
the end of October. side of their legislative requirements.
05
• M
inister asks the MMA to set current tenants at Footscray why visits to the Epping site
up an Epping Market Advi- Road as negotiations with have been terminated since
sory Committee as part of the MMA over the last three the last edition of Fresh State
this process. months reach an impasse. of Affairs? What are they try-
ing to hide?
• F resh State seeks third party • A
nother visit to the Epping
assistance in resolving issues site for the Fresh State board
with the Deed of Variation and management is can-
and Assignment of Lease celled by the MMA for a sec-
transfers between market ond time. One must wonder
One must wonder why visits to the Epping site have been
terminated since the last edition of Fresh State of Affairs?
What are they trying to hide?
DATE
ACTIONS
POSITION ed!
ISSUES 6
Still to be finalis
14. Clause # 2 Third party Immediately.
rd
• July 20 Lease transfers –
ht.
ase terms for • New clause
# 4.3 assistance soug
xtension of le
E
a
ted.
ray Road. Clause now dele
full stay at Footsc
#8
• New clause
C
n g !
i
re
orking
ait
per Now called the w
reviousl
P y agreed equity pa paper.
w
o
in totality.
i l l
st
c
!
S
ehousing m odels. New paper
.
n g
roximity war
P
a iti
n
/
w
Relocatio
What is included
Fit out.
excluded?
st ill
What is includ
ed?
n g !
iti
re).
Rents (per sq met
. Model/s to be
used .
w a
ill
an d lo ca ti on
Allocation of store
. To follow. st
Rules of operation
NEW
ts. To follow.
gemen
Transitional Arran
06 OF AFFAIRS issue 09 december 2011
Melbourne’s
market history:
0 – 1939
192
1.
The Queen Victoria Market became, and remains to this day, the largest
(and most intact) of all Melbourne’s great 19th century markets.
The construction of many public buildings continued in the wholesalers in the Western Market. The Market Square
Melbourne after World War I, including Spencer Street was fenced at either end with ornamental gates into
Bridge in 1929. The entire railway system became electric Queen and Peel Streets. The square could be locked up
between 1918 and 1923 and the conversion of cable trams and it provided some parking space for agents and buyers
to electric trams commenced in 1925. vehicles. Today, a single row of the Agents stores along
Franklin Street is all that remains of the ‘Agents Section’ of
It was during 1929 to 1930 that the Queen Victoria Market
the Market.
also continued its expansion with the construction of an
‘Agent’s Section’. Office accommodation and special facilities such as cool
storage and ripening facilities were left for tenants to install
The council decided
at their own cost if they
that, as recommended
by the Royal Commis-
Office accommodation and special needed them.
sion, it would move the facilities such as cool storage and The store walls were
agents and dealers out of ripening facilities were left for tenants mostly 16 feet high
the growers area (in the and there was room
lower market) and bring to install at their own cost if they for an upper wooden
the wholesalers from the needed them. floor if required. Smaller
Western Market and other buildings between the
parts of the city and establish them in the market in their southern ends of the wings provided accommodation for
own section commonly known as the Market Square. council staff and toilet facilities for store tenants.
The remaining old cemetery site was converted for this The new space was balloted and prioritised and each ap-
purpose (which is now the current car park). This was plicant was allowed 15 minutes to make his choice. Once
made up of 60 brick stores with a total area of 79,000 organised, all tenants were given five year leases subject
square feet – more than three times the area occupied by to payment of rent and good conduct. As time passed,
07
Market History
3.
2.
1. The Queen Victoria market
Square in the 1930s.
2. Founding Fresh State President
Alfred Millis Fruit Merchants
store located at 438 Queen Street
4.
(opposite Queen Victoria Market).
The building is still standing today.
3. Moving bananas around in
Alfred’s banana ripening rooms
inside his Queen Street store
circa 1931.
4. The newly-built Agent’s
Section from the air in 1931,
looking south.
Most store tenants had become merchants rather than After a few years, most
store tenants had be-
agents and were not just confined to the Agent’s Section. come merchants rather
than agents and were not
smaller businesses elected to share stores, while some just confined to the Agent’s Section. The merchants spread
larger businesses took on more stores (to a maximum of into the growers section which allowed buyers to obtain
three) when vacancies occurred due to the great depres- all their fruit and vegetables in the one part of the market
sion. From then on, store leases became a premium. if they wished.
Trading commenced on 1 November 1930.
Growers and agents were again in the same market
More grower stands were still required as there were only providing a full range of fruit and vegetables without
800 grower stands available and an estimated 1000 grow- double handling.
ers attending each day. Shed M was built in 1936 to allow
for pea and bean merchants and then Sheds N & O sheds
were built for growers. These were eventually converted to
Type B stores at Footscray Road.
08 OF AFFAIRS issue 09 december 2011
o f
TickorTcic k e n t
e H, oTuicrks,! tick, tick, tick,
m
nf aTtiic gk, Tick, tick, tick, tick,
pek
tick,
TOic
e n
tick, tick
r tick, tick, tick
, , tick,
, k
k a blind eye!’ tick,
c
k i c t i
tick, tick
c t
i c k T i
ckThis certainly is a passionate issue and no, the Seagull Advisory
,
Thanks to everyone for expressing their views
Ti T following the article – ‘Operator turns
And the
clock is
ticking
for the
operator!
Thanks to everyone for expressing their views following the article –
‘Operator turns a blind eye!’ This certainly is a passionate issue and no,
the Seagull Advisory Committee has not met yet!
Enforcement of operating hours has Most people can live with enforce-
not been addressed – why? Only the ment of the current hours as a starting
MMA Board and management can point. These hours are a 3.30am start
explain their inactions. for all buyers on Monday, Thursday and
Friday, and 4.30am start for all buyers
Most people in the market community
on Tuesday and Wednesday.
feel very strongly that it should be a
level playing field and that enforce- Many buyers have confirmed that early
ment of operating hours is the highest entry is possible because the program-
priority. ming of their access cards allows them
on site before commencement times.
People noted with some pleasure that
summer hours were not introduced Others cited that they walk in at any
thereby stopping an unwanted, earlier time especially through gates 3 and 9
start. and through banana alley!
09
Tick, Tick
market hours:
tick, tick, tick, tic
k, Tick,
k, Tick, Tick, Tick
tick, tick,
tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tic
tick, tick
, tick, ti
ck, Tick,
Tick, Tick
tick, tick,
MMA Advisory Committees – Why are they being
‘refreshed’!
Fresh State had written letters to the MMA Chairman
and CEO in mid 2011 pointing out that the MMA
Advisory Committee membership appeared to
have been populated outside of their legislative
requirements. MMA return correspondence ‘noted’ our Many market users have asked how the
correspondence. problem should be rectified.
The Advisory Committees are part of the Melbourne
Market Authority Act 1977. The MMA is bound by this A suggested, simple solution may be:
Act. As the words imply, the committees are of an
advisory nature only to the board of the MMA.
1. R eview all access cards and program them at the
Enforcement of operating appropriate level, time and gate.
hours has not been 2. Issue a notice that current times will be enforced
addressed – why? Only from ... date (two week notice).
the MMA Board and 3. S tation enforcement personal on gates 3 and
9 as well as banana alley.
management can explain
their inactions. 4.
Direct all others to the permanently manned
gates 1 and 6.
We distributed our information to our members and
they understood why members of the Wholesaler 5. O pen remaining gates at the official buyer
Advisory Committee did not take part in the MMA’s commencement times.
Joint Advisory Committee meeting on 30 August 2011.
On 8 November 2011, the Minister’s department 6. E nsure that the 150 km limit is enforced,
distributed an information sheet to the market
community calling for new nominations for the four (country buyers).
Advisory Committees and creating the Epping Market
Committee. The Epping Market Committee is chaired 7. E nsure that those outside of the 150km limit
by the Chairman of the MMA and comprises the
Chairpersons of the four Advisory Committees. complete their delivers and exit the site until
It is noted that Fresh State has a separate process with opening times.
the Minister and his department and will be continuing
these negotiations. The outcome of these negotiations
is displayed in the New Relocation Score Card on our 8. E nforce the fine / penalty system currently in
relocation pages in Fresh State of Affairs page 4-5 . place.
tony’s take: 10 OF AFFAIRS issue 09 december 2011
‘Tony’s Take’ on
the Summer Season
With Christmas just around the corner, Tony focuses on
trends during the silly season and what is in store for
fresh produce this Summer in the wholesale market.
“There will be a bumper season of levels and probably will be in their The return of La Nina
everything this Summer provided usual glut proportions come January/
weather conditions remain favour- February next year. spells lower than average
able” says Tony Nigro, Reporting
Red, Black and White varieties of
temperatures and a wetter
Services Officer at Fresh State Ltd.
Australian grapes are available and season over large parts
of northern, eastern and
There will be a bumper season of southwest Australia.
everything this Summer provided
Combine this weather pattern
weather conditions remain favourable. with a lot more summer storms
“Ample water and good growing supply will increase as the season
including cyclones and possible
conditions this year means plenty progresses. floods and this, according to
of supply and bumper crops for all
Lychees again should be available the Bureau of Meteorology
mainstream vegetable lines including is the weather prediction for
for Christmas and watermelon,
eggplant, capsicums, zucchini, beans,
chilies, corn etc.
honeydew and rockmelon will have Summer.
good supply right throughout the
Christmas favourites including Summer.
blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, These predications could mean
All stonefruit varieties are in good uncertain times ahead for
blackberries, boysenberries and
supply and will continue throughout
gooseberries will continue to have
the Summer. Cherries will also have supply and demand of local
good supply provided they are not
effected by any heavy storms that
good supply until their season fresh produce at the markets as
ends towards the end of January – storms have the ability to affect
could dent supply for a period of time.
February.”
The ever reliable banana is finally back crops and harvesting.
and quantities should be at normal
To keep up to date with market trends, subscribe to Datafresh
and obtain wholesale prices on a range of fresh produce sold
at the Melbourne Wholesale Market.
Contact the Fresh State Office on 03 9689 3233 or
info@datafresh.com.au for more information.11
Christmas Special
r y o n e
i n g e ve a s
Wish l C h ri s t m
n d e rf u
a w o
Laurie: 0418 366 013
Tony: 0417 112 58812
OF AFFAIRS
KB
Moraitis
G r e e t i n gsa i t i s
ns or
S e a s o F r e s h Te a m a t M
e
from th
Merry Christmas
and a happy new
year from the
Kapiris Family.13
Christmas Special
Vince Brancatisano Mark Brancatisano Dom Brancatisano
0419 582 039 0418 338 757 0417 598 73314
OF AFFAIRS
From all our team at Barkers we thank the
Melbourne Market Community for your custom over
2011 and wish you a prosperous new year.
celebrating
Christmas
Fresh Berry
Co wish our
customers a
happy and safe
festive season.
R Anguey Pty Ltd15
15
Christmas Special
Merryas!
C h r i st m
ick and Ph
illip
From N le Arcade.
at A p p
V.F.S
Produce
wish our
customers and
the market
community a
very merry
Christmas16
OF AFFAIRS
Season’ s G r e e t i n g s
Merry Christmas
to all from
Regal produce.17
Christmas Special
Season’s Greetings
from Louis Melbourne
Season’ss
Greeting18
OF AFFAIRS
Merry Christmas
From the teams at Granieri’s Fresh Produce
and Rich River Produce thank you to all our
customers for your support and loyalty.19
Christmas Special
All the best for the festive season from
BRP Wholesalers
Enjoy Christmas and the
Festive Season more this year
with Great Australian Mushrooms
A Safe and Happy Christmas
to all in the Market Community.
Best Wishes from all at Harris Refrigerated.
The Great Australian
Mushroom Company20
OF AFFAIRS
P r o d u c e
g s f r o m Omega
s G r e et i n
Sea s o n
John, Rocky and all the boys would like to thank their customers
for their continued support and wish everyone a Merry Christmas
and a safe and happy new year. LATORRES21
Christmas Special
To All Our Valued Growers, Suppliers, Buyers & Business Associates in the
Melbourne Market Community
The Team at Fruit Avenue Australia
thanks you for your business and support during 2011 and take this opportunity to extend to you and
your family our best wishes for a
Happy Christmas and a Happy, Safe & Prosperous New Year
We look forward to being of service to you in the New Year 2012
Store 103-105 Melbourne Markets
Contacts: Thomas Lamanna 0418 391160 | Patrick Lamanna 0418 255 255
Pat DiBiase 0418 255 414 | Jemahl Reid 0418 255 610
Accounts & Administration: tel: 03 9846 4664 | Fax: 03 9846 2202
Email: admin@fruitavenue.com.au22
OF AFFAIRS
Thank you to the Melbourne Market Community and our growers
for supporting AMV Fresh in 2011 – See you in 2012 at the Market!
ason ’ s
Se eetings Wishing the
Melbourne Market
Gr Community a Happy
festive season
and prosperous
new year from
Dean and Phil.23
Christmas Special
The team at MMCS
wish you all a joyous
and festive season.
Merry Christmas from the Market City Fruits Team24
OF AFFAIRS
Wishing our customers a happy and safe festive season.25
Christmas Special
Season’s
greetings
to the Melbourne
Market Community
Merry
Christmas
to all our
clients.26
OF AFFAIRS
hri s tma s !
Merry C
from the team at Mumford’s
Merry
Christmas
from the team
at VB Fruit27
Christmas Special
d
Come an ur
at o
visit us d at
n
new sta 6
302-30
A stores
Merry Christmas to our customers
and colleagues at the Melbourne Market.28
OF AFFAIRS
Merry Christmas
to our customers and friends at the
Melbourne Wholesale Market. Looking
forward to a great year in 2012!
SeaS n’s
Greetings
All the best for the festive season.
OPALJADE29
Christmas Special
merr y christmas
u t t h e y e a r.
s s t h rough o
y o u r b u s i n e C o m m u n i ty
c u s t o m e r s for
u r n e M a r kets s o n .
u t o o u r he M e l b o fes t i v e s e a
Thank yo W e w i s h t a n d h a p p y
a very safe30 OF AFFAIRS issue 03 december 2010
OF AFFAIRS
Season’s greetings
Wishing you and
your Family a very
Merry Christmas.31 Christmas Special Directors and staff wish the members, our corporate partners and the extended Market community a safe and happy holiday season.
OF AFFAIRS issue 09 december 2011
melbourne markets credit service:
Buyers line up to register
for Credit Service System
Sellers are not the only ones benefiting from the new Want to Know More?
Melbourne Market Credit Service (MMCS) online system. To become a MMCS User or for more
information jump online at:
Being a registered MMCS User and As a buyer you have the peace of www.melbmcs.com.au or contact
buying fresh produce has never been mind that your entire week’s trade Sara Wiseman the MMCS Customer
easier. No notes flying through the will be accounted for in one simple Liaison Officer on:
air, incorrect counting or wads of invoice. T: 9687 7333 M: 0419 372 980
cash lying around. E: customerservice@melbmcs.com.au
The Credit Service is the only way to do business. We have been Melbourne Market
Credit Service buyers for 14 years and it is the best thing we have done for our business.
As a buyer you are in full control and transactions are streamlined and easy to reconcile.
We recommend all buyers use this system so they can save themselves time, money and
for peace of mind. – Bruno Cozzella from Cozzella Bros.
Buyer Advantages Buyers benefit -
it’s as simple as ABC:
• Enter the market knowing your credit is good
• Confidently purchase from any Credit Service Unique code issued to new users:
Wholesaler or Grower
• Maintain a good credit rating and enhance your
price bargaining power
A. All Credit Service users are given a unique
buying or selling four digit number to
identify them at the time of any transaction
inside the Melbourne Wholesale Market.
• Receive one statement a week covering all credit
purchases from registered sellers in the Credit Service
• Pay once per week by cheque or direct deposit
• Save on banking fees Account sent to Buyer:
• Pay your account at your local branch of the National
Australia Bank and no bank charges apply
B. An account with the weeks trade is sent
to the buyer for payment.
• Increase your office staff productivity by reducing
paper work
• The Credit Service will assist in liaison between Payment of Account:
sellers and buyers as required
• Provides a complete up to date record of all transactions, C. One simple payment made to the MMCS
to distribute to all sellers.
therefore, enabling you to maintain accurate accounting
records.q a
33
Claude Natoli
Q&A:
Claude and Vince Natoli.
The market is in my blood; I love being
here and the whole market atmosphere.
&
Claude Natoli has fond memories
of the Melbourne Wholesale Market.
At just 21 years of age, he started
Works: If I described my business to coming to the market with big
a stranger I would say: brother Vince. They would drive
AMV Fresh.
We sell top quality fruit “where down every morning to stock up
Lives: quality counts”. for their family fruit shop.
St Leonards. “There was more competition back
The qualities I most enjoy about
Melbourne Market are: then so you needed great produce
Most of my day is spent:
picked early. You had to line up for
Fishing (Whiting, squid, snapper) The people. items such as mushrooms which
and relaxing. were only available a couple of days
The pets I have are:
a week.” said Vince. “The earlier you
The football team I barrack for is: None besides the fish I catch. arrived the more produce you could
Richmond – I used to barrack for buy before it ran out.”
In my spare time I enjoy:
Geelong but Vince converted
Claude then started working at the
me just before Geelong won a Richmond Football club and the
Market full time which meant he
premiership. Richmond have been Bellarine Sharks Soccer Club who
could still see his family when they
fantastic and so supportive of me we sponsor.
came to buy fruit and veg.
since my illness. The coach even
allowed one player a week to miss My first job was:
Starting out at Just Fruit, he then
training so they could come and As a butcher. moved to Barkers. Vince soon
visit me. followed in Claude’s footsteps
My fondest memory is: and eventually bought his own
My favourite Melbourne Market
When my first nephew and godson business – AMV Fresh. “As soon as
moment is:
John was born. He is now 21 years Vince opened up AMV Fresh, I came
When my brother Vince opened his old. on board and have been there ever
stand for the first time – everyone since” he says.
said he would never make it and he The thing I dislike the most is:
has proved them all wrong. Since being diagnosed with
Customers that don’t pay. pancreatic cancer Claude doesn’t
The quality I respect most in I am passionate about: work as many hours as he used to.
an employees is: “These days I come into the market
Football and fishing. two to three mornings a week to
Ability to communicate with
catch up with everyone” says Claude.
customers. My favourite fruit or vegetable is:
The market is in my blood; I love
As I have grown older I have Peach or nectarine. being here and the whole market
learnt: atmosphere.”
Fishing is good!economic outlook: 34 OF AFFAIRS issue 09 december 2011
Ready.
Steady.
Grow.
Economic growth slows
2011 was a tough year for fruit and
The prospects for the Australian
vegetable markets. The climatic disas-
ters early in the year severely impacted
economy in 2012 remain beholden
on supplies and led to short term
market distortions. They also had an
to developments overseas.
unforetold impact on the economy.
The mining boom which was under- Policy remained restrictive Aussie dollar appreciates
pinning economic growth suffered
Throughout most of 2011 economic The Australian dollar broke through
temporary setbacks especially in
policy remained restrictive. The Gov- parity with the US dollar. A range of
Queensland.
ernment was reigning in expenditure domestic industries, including fruit and
Economic growth was slower than and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) vegetables, struggled to compete with
expected although the Australian kept interest rates relatively high. cheaper imports.
economy continued to outperform its
These policies were designed to A combination of climatic disaster in
international peers.
prevent undue pressure on labour and the key tourist state of Queensland and
Importantly from a fresh market view- capital resources in the face of massive the high dollar adversely impacted the
point the economy remained close to increases in investment in the mining tourism and accommodation industries
full employment providing consumers sector and a huge boost to national decreasing demand for fresh produce.
with the where for all to undertake income from strong export prices for
expenditure. Australian commodities.35
Consumers remained Raise the
cautious red flag Paying down debt and
Consumers new found love affair
with saving, evident since the Global
China, and to
a lesser extent caution in expenditure
Financial Crisis, continued in 2011 with
saving rates at levels not seen since the
other parts of
Asia, holds the was confirmed as the
1980’s. key to prospects
Paying down debt and caution in
for the Austra-
lian economy
new mantra in 2011.
expenditure was confirmed as the new
mantra in 2011. Consumers demanded
in 2012. While
economic
Consumers demanded
value for money and were willing to
vote with their wallets and purses
growth in
China will slow
value for money.
against retailers who did not deliver.
most econo-
This cautious approach to expenditure mists believe and providing financial markets do not
was reinforced throughout the year by that it will still freeze over the Government has the
two major developments. Firstly, de- remain strong capacity to pump expenditure into the
velopments overseas which led to wild as the Chinese economy without doing damage.
swings in financial markets and raised accelerate their
the spectre of future recession and domestic con- Little change in underly-
unemployment. Secondly, house prices sumption. Australian business believes
fell across the country undermining this story.
ing demand conditions for
consumers’ sense of wealth. fresh produce
After a marked acceleration in invest-
ment expenditure in 2011, the benefits There were signs towards the end
Huge uncertainty going of which will flow through the econo- of 2011 that both retail trade and
forward my in 2012, investment intentions for housing may have bottomed out.
2012 are extremely strong. Australian While this is welcomed news for fresh
The Global Financial Crisis and its produce markets we are unlikely to
consequences have delivered a harsh economic growth is forecast to acceler-
ate as the year proceeds. see any radical change in consumer
touch of reality to Australians that they expenditure patterns.
are part of an increasingly integrated
global economy. The prospects for the Plenty of ammunition in The hedonistic days of constant
Australian economy in 2012 remain policy guns partying and running up debt are most
beholden to developments overseas. likely over. The cut in interest rates in
Opinion remains divided on whether November while boosting confidence
Europe sits on a knife-edge as Govern- the cut in interest rates by the RBA on is unlikely to be a ground breaker.
ments seek to lower debt levels with- Melbourne Cup day was a one off or
the beginning of further cuts in 2012. Consumers will remain cautious and
out devastating the private sector.
seek value for money. While there
The economic situation in the United A one off change in interest rates is are rays of sunshine in the economic
States is better despite the possibil- unusual but if the economic growth sky keep that umbrella close by just
ity of political deadlock in an election forecasts come to fruition this one in case.
year. The US economy has a robustness maybe. Both the RBA and the Govern-
that Europe lacks. While the potential ment, unlike most other economies,
for economic Armageddon lies close have plenty of ammunition to fire if the
to the surface, the fact that it does, world situation worsens.
provides some hope that the advanced Interest rates on a global comparison
economies will muddle through with are high providing room to cut further.
weak economic growth. Government debt is extremely lowfresh connections: 36 OF AFFAIRS issue 09 december 2011
2012
Conference
and Trade Show
The Australian Chamber of Fruit and Vegetable Industries Ltd is
once again a co partner with PMA Australia New Zealand to present
PMA Fresh Connections 2012 which is taking place from 26 to 28
June 2012 at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
PMA Fresh Connections is the major Shane says the best way to be involved Wholesaler Vince Brancatisano from
networking, educational and business is to display products at the trade show Prestige Produce, was impressed
event for the entire fruit, vegetable and which is getting bigger and bigger by Fresh Connections 2011 and
floral industries in the Australia and each year. “It’s a domino effect” he says. will definitely be attending Fresh
New Zealand region. “Last year we had a lot of fresh produce Connections 2012.
from the markets around Australia
“The Wholesale Markets around Vince said the biggest benefit in
on display and in 2012, delegates will
Australia have connections with the attending Fresh Connections was the
whole fresh produce ability to meet with
supply chain so it makes
sense to be supporting a
Its all about doing business with others other wholesalers and
growers in both a formal
conference such as Fresh in the supply chain, to learn new things and social environment
Connections” says Shane plus the many learning
Schnitzler, President of
and to see what sort of produce and opportunities provided
The Australian Chamber products are out in the market place that by the conference
of Fruit and Vegetable sessions.
Industries Ltd. can enhance our businesses.
“The conference is a
“We see this event as not only an expect to see the same kind of thing great opportunity to meet hundreds
opportunity to provide information plus much more. Its all about doing of people at the one time, at the one
exchange and networking but also for business with others in the supply place and do business in one or two
our members and the broader market chain, to learn new things and to see days. If you tried to do that in your own
community to get involved in the what sort of produce and products time it would take weeks” he said.
industry and do some business.” are out in the market place that can “Everyone in the industry should be
enhance our businesses.” involved if they are serious about
growing their business. It’s an
opportunity you just can’t afford to
miss in today’s fast paced, time poor
environment”.
Want to Know More?
Visit www.pmafreshconnections.
com.au for more information
about this event.
Vince Brancatisano, Director of Prestige
Produce with Brett Jackson, Produce
Marketing Manager from Seven Fields
at Fresh Connections 2011. Image courtesy of Good
Fruit and Vegetable Magazine.37
fundraising:
Fundraising
by Fresh State Members
Bake the world
a better place!
Cake stands were set up at the Moraitis stand and at
the Moraitis Warehouse with the Melbourne Markets
community spending up big on the sweet treats.
Organiser Sarah Culhane and the Moraitis team spent countless days
baking and coordinating the massive morning tea which catered for
not only the 80 Moraitis employees but also wholesalers and retailers
at the market who made donations.
“We baked around 40 cakes in total with each employee in the office
asked to bake at least one cake” said Sarah.
The Big Bake Cake was a new fundraising initiative by Red Cross for the
month of October.
From left to right: Billie Jo Jackson, Sarah Culhane and Mary Nguyen from Moraitis.
Market traders donate
for a good cause
Over $21,000 was raised by a
collective Melbourne Markets
community and donated to charity
in October showing that the gift of
giving is well and truly alive coming
into the Christmas Season.
Michael Dennehy from All Produce Traders
recently raised $20,000 for Challenge, the
organisation supporting kids with cancer,
for the MMA Golf Day. All holes on the day
were sponsored by a variety of businesses
including Fresh State.
“I went around and asked businesses in
the market to sponsor a golf hole each
and before we knew it we had reached
$20,000.00” said Michael.
Right: Michael Dennehy, All Produce Traders.38 OF AFFAIRS issue 09 december 2011
A Very
New value adding products continue to make their way into the
Wholesale Market to supplement existing lines and to keep up with
consumer demand and market trends.
John of Balwyn Fruit Supply buys popular yoghurt covered berries from Joe.
followed by the chocolate and yoghurt yoghurt covered berries the most”
berry line. “I said to my wife as a passing he says. “They are getting more and
comment, why don’t I try chocolate more popular as time goes on”.
coated berries, I have nothing to lose”.
After four years Joe says the product is
So Joe sourced a chocolate supplier
now starting to take off. “We sell to the
and the rest is history.
Perth, Sydney and Adelaide wholesale
markets and our online shop
Well known We sell to the Perth, Sydney and has recently gone live,” he says.
Market identity Joe
Pignataro from Fruit Adelaide wholesale markets and our Ultimately Joe would love to
sell a fully Australian made
X has been trading
in the Melbourne
online shop has recently gone live. product but he is unable to
dry fruit here. “There is no
Markets for the last
technology in Australia to dry our own
33 years. His brother and cousins all Berries Online is now a registered
fruit so we import from the USA and
trade in the Market and you could say product with its own online store
New Zealand. It is the next best thing”.
having a Pignataro in the Market is a and growing clientele. It is a range of
long standing tradition. chocolate and yogurt coated berries
Joe has used his experience and together with a range of dried berries.
passion to create a new product which Joe is proud of the product and says
is not only available in the Market but that his clients all give very good
also online – just in time for Christmas! feedback. “They all say the same
Berries Online is the brainchild of Joe thing” he says “that they are very
who saw a gap in the market following addictive!” Want to Know More?
continuous inquiries from clients about Retailer John from Balwyn Fruit Joe Pignataro is an entrepreneur
fresh cranberries. “Australia can’t grow Supply is a client of Joe’s and has and a great example of value adding
fresh cranberries and we can’t import been buying the berries for the last in the industry.
them either because of their short two years. He is at the market today Keep an eye out for his delicious
season” says Joe. to purchase eight boxes of assorted berries in the market, at your local
So the next best thing was to import chocolate and yoghurt coated berries retailer or jump online at
dried cranberries which was soon from Joe. “My customers love the www.berriesonline.com.aur
Me tmas!r y
Ch r i s
Simply Fresh
Australian Orange Juice
• No added sugar
• No added water
0 0 %an • No added concentrate
1 strali
Au %
10at0ural
N
0 0 %
1 uiceJ
100% Australian grown,
owned, picked, crushed,
squeezed, packed and
shipped …
Proudly Distributed in the
Wholesale Market by Moraitis www.curlwaafresh.com.au542 Footscray Road West Melbourne VIC 3003 tel: 9689 6711 fax: 9687 7849 email: kbmail@kapirisbros.com.au
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