Melbourne Markets provides significant support to a range of groups to deliver seasonal promotions and to support sales throughout Victoria. This work includes co-ordination of the delivery of point of sales materials through the markets state-wide retail networks, co-ordination of product tastings and promotions at major food events, provision of in-store demonstrations, handling and storage tips for retailers and development of seasonal recipes for the public.
Retail Development Program
There are 700 fruit and vegetable retail outlets registered with this program. Retailers receive point for sale materials promoting seasonal product and product handling tips to assist sales. Shops are also mystery shopped and provided with confidential feedback as to their performance compared to the industry average. This business feedback which covers customer service, product quality, variety and a range of merchandising issues is highly valued by retailefinalists and winners in the prestigious Retailer of the Year Awards.rs and, based on average scores for the past 10 years, has assisted retailers to improve retailing standards across Victoria. As part of the program, monthly awards are made, based on performance. Results are also used to select finalists and winners in the prestigious Retailer of the Year Awards.
Food safety and Security
Industry training and Accreditation. Melbourne Markets provides Food Safety and Templates and accredited food safety training for growers, wholesalers and retailers to assist businesses to meet Victorian Food Safety requirements. Over 1,000 businesses have accredited through the Melbourne Markets Food Safety program.
Residue Testing and Food Security. Melbourne Markets works with relevant industry and government bodies to facilitate monitoring and compliance with chemical usage in accordance with good agricultural practice and food safety standards. In addition, Melbourne Markets is represented on the National Fresh Produce Watch Committee. The body plays a key role in working with industry to ensure safe practices and accurate advice on chemical use, food safety and environmental matters.
New Business and marketing initiatives
Orientation Service for new Businesses. Customised conducted tours are offered to assist new businesses to become familiar with the Melbourne Markets site layout, operations and services of the Market. These one to one tours assists new businesses to quickly adapt and operate within the Market environment.
The Flower Market Business Support
The Melbourne Markets supports traders with targeted promotional campaigns for major trading days. Evaluations from these campaigns indicate that the point of sale and media promotions play a key role in supporting sales for the industry. Promotional campaigns include:
Spring racing Carnival
Valentines Day
Mothers Day
Flower Export Council
The Australian Flower Export Council (AFEC) has its offices in the NFC. The Melbourne Markets works closely with AFEC to support the promotion of flower export and domestic sales of Australian natives.
Apprenticeship Training
The Melbourne Markets provides ongoing support to floristry students and apprentice flowers growers. This includes regular formal lectures at training institutes as part of the curriculum, training visits to the Market and provision of information to assist trainees to understand the operation of the NFC.
