This Week in the Market – 2 December 2019

Edition 249

In this week’s Market News:

– BBQ raises money toward Movember
– Tell us what you think in our Market-wide survey
– A Better Choice moves toward 2020

Market News

BBQ raises money toward Movember

Last Friday we wrapped up our month-long focus on Men’s Health with a market-wide BBQ.
Sausages in bread were sold at Loading North as well as via our own “Melbourne Market uber-eats”, with the MMA buggy delivering breakfast for a gold coin donation across the site (although many people donated much more than a gold coin!).
We’re pleased to say the BBQ raised $1,260 toward the Movember fund.
Thank you to Produce of Virginia who donated loaves of bread and Tasty Chips who donated sliced onions.
If you missed out on a sausage, you can still donate to the Movember campaign by visiting their website.
Movember funds programs and campaigns all around the world relating to men’s health, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health and suicide prevention.
You can learn more about the programs funded by clicking here.
While we didn’t get entries for the best ‘Market Mo’ competition, we hope the Movember campaign raised awareness amongst our Market Community into the importance of Men’s Health issues.

Tell us what you think

Every year the MMA distribute the Market satisfaction survey to get feedback and insights on how we’re going, what’s working, what can be improved and how we can assist your business. The data collected is used to improve the operations, facilities and opportunities for businesses at the Melbourne Market.
The survey for the fruit and vegetable market is now live and you can access it by clicking here.
As a bonus, the first 65 people to complete the survey will receive a $15 voucher to use at participating Market cafes!

A Better Choice 2020

The road into 2020 is an exciting one for A Better Choice members with a busy media schedule ahead.

A Better Choice will be advertising on Channel Nine during the tennis season in both metro and regional locations to increase brand awareness and promote that buying fresh produce from your local greengrocer is A Better Choice.

Over the coming weeks, the market community can expect to see some prominent signage rolled out on the Trading Floor and on the Buyers’ Walk that promotes the campaign and profiles some of our members.

There’s never been a better time to be a part of A Better Choice. Sign up today and check out the A Better Choice social channels below.
And remember, if local greengrocers are doing well, then the whole supply chain involved with central markets benefit.

A Better Choice Feedback
Do you have feedback or questions about the A Better Choice program?
Feel free to send an email to abetterchoice@melbournemarket.com.au.

New flower trader opens today

Polito Flower Farms will begin trading for the first time in the Flower Market this morning, Tuesday 3 December.
Polito Flower Farms specialise in growing Dahlias and will be showcasing some of their many varieties including the sensational Cafe Au Lait Dahlia.
Polito has had a presence in the Sydney Flower Market for many years, and they are excited to be expanding their operations to Melbourne.
You will find Joe Polito from Polito Flower Farms located on stands 695-697 and stands 796-797 in the Flower Market from this morning, be sure to visit, check out their range and give them a warm welcome.

Drug and alcohol testing in progress

Drug and alcohol testing is currently in progress at the Melbourne Market.
Random drug and alcohol testing can be conducted on any individuals on Market Land to ensure a safe working environment for all Market users.
Fit4Duty has been appointed as an external provider to carry out drug and alcohol tests at the Melbourne Market, and they hold appropriate National Association of Testing Authorities accreditations.
If you are selected for random drug and alcohol testing by a Fit4Duty tester, you are expected to cooperate and provide a breath and saliva sample as requested.
For further information regarding random drug and alcohol testing at the Melbourne Market, please visit the website.

A message from Foodbank Victoria

The last day for Market donations in 2019 will be Tuesday 17 December.
We look forward to returning to the Market on Monday 6 January 2020.
We’d like to extend a warm thanks to the Market community who generously supported us in 2019.
We wish you all a safe and enjoyable break and see you in the New Year!

Christmas trading hours

Market trading hours will remain unchanged during the festive season with the Market closing only on the public holidays.

Monday 23 Dec – 3:30 AM – 7:00 AM
Tuesday 24 Dec – 3:30 AM – 7:00 AM
Wednesday 25 Dec – MARKET CLOSED
Thursday 26 Dec – MARKET CLOSED
Friday 27 Dec – 3:30 AM – 7:00 AM
Saturday 28 Dec – 3:30 AM – 7:00 AM (FLOWER MARKET ONLY)
Monday 30 Dec – 3:30 AM – 7:00 AM
Tuesday 31 Dec – 3:30 AM – 7:00 AM
Wednesday 1 Jan – MARKET CLOSED
Thursday 2 Jan – 3:30 AM – 7:00 AM

Industry News

Produce Plus magazine

The latest edition of Produce Plus, the magazine for fresh fruit and vegetable marketing in Australia and New Zealand, is now available to read in all Market Cafes.