This Week In The Market – 26 March 2019

Edition 220: Warehouse 7 modules snapped up

In this week’s Market News:

– Warehouse 7 modules snapped up
– Meet your advisory committee members
– Printed fruit, vegetable and herb guides for A Better Choice members

Market News

Warehouse 7 modules snapped up

Last Friday warehouse 7 modules were allocated which attracted a large amount of interest from the Market community.
At the end of the initial allocation process there are now only two of the 292 sqm modules left, and eight of the 55sqm internal + 60sqm module warehouses.
Allocation of the remaining warehouses will be done on a first come first serve basis and demand is expected to be high.
Entering into a warehousing lease agreement can allow businesses to consolidate operations at the Market to enhance efficiency; as well as providing 24/7 access to the Market.
For further information about Warehouse 7 please click the link to access the information pack or contact Matt Elliott from the MMA on 0448 908 821 or matthew.elliott@melbournemarket.com.au

Meet your advisory committee members

Over the coming weeks we will be profiling each of our advisory committee members for you to get to know a little about them.
First to be profiled is Vince Doria, who is a member of the growers advisory committee.
Your role at the Market:
I’m the joint owner of Freni and Doria located at 523 – 527 on the trading floor. Our farm is based in Devon Meadows, just outside of Cranbourne, I’ve been in the industry for about 45 years now.
What are you most passionate about in the industry?
I love this industry, working together with other growers, wholesalers and retailers. I think it’s important to get the right people in this Market, people who really want to be here not the people who have to be here. You’ve got to want to be here to make it work.
What do you think are important issues for the industry and Market itself?
I’m a big advocate for having grower certification for every grower in the Market, to ensure the safety of the product that leaves the Market for consumers.
Why did you want to be a member of the advisory committee?
I wanted to be involved to have some input on what’s best for the industry, not just for my own business but for the next generation coming through into this Market.
What advice would you give to young people starting out?
Look forward to the good times and accept the tough times, because you’re going to have both of them.
What’s something most people wouldn’t know about you?
I love my cars, particularly mustangs (although a lot of people would know that!)

Advisory committees work with the MMA to advise on matters relating to Market operations and the fresh produce industry and committee members are a great source of information and advice for Market users. To find out who all the members of the advisory committees are, please visit the MMA website.

Printed guides are coming

A Better Choice is always looking for the next initiative to support our greengrocers and we have some exciting new promotional materials hitting our retailer stores soon.
A Better Choice member greengrocers will soon receive three guides, one for fruit, one for vegetable and the other for herb, which they can make available in-store for customers.
The guides provide easy to understand information about produce seasonality as well as storing tips and recipes.
It’s not too late to sign up to become A Better Choicemember.
Let us come out to you to walk you through the program and how it can work in conjunction with your own business branding.
Click the button below to book an appointment to learn everything you need to know about the program.

Click here to book an in-store appointment

Mobile phone use while driving

If you drive a vehicle on Victorian roads you are well aware that using a mobile phone whilst operating a vehicle is prohibited.
The same rules apply when driving or operating a Market vehicle. Operating rules state that; A Person on Market Land must not operate or drive a forklift or Market approved vehicle while using a mobile telephone or a hand held electronic device.
Using a mobile phone while driving is distracting and increases your chance of being involved in a crash.
Market users found using mobile phones whilst operating a vehicle will incur one demerit point.
Remember, ensuring you do not use a mobile phone whilst driving is not about work at all, but about us all being able to go home safely after each workday.

Easter and Anzac Day trading hours

The Market will be closed on public holidays during the Easter and Anzac Day period as follows:

Thursday 18 April – normal trading hours
Friday 19 April, Good Friday – market closed
Monday 22 April, Easter Monday – market closed
Tuesday 23 April – normal trading hours
Wednesday 24 April – normal trading hours
Thursday 25 April, Anzac Day – market closed
Friday 26 April – normal trading hours

If your parking permit only allows access on a day that falls on one of the public holidays, and you would like to come to the Market on an alternative adjacent day, you will not be charged for parking and can enter the Market. However please note, your regular bay may not be available. Please see a Market Relations Officer on arrival for instruction.

Industry News

New alliance for Australian produce

Fourteen of Australia’s leading fresh produce companies have joined together to create the Australian Fresh Produce Alliance (AFPA).
The high-powered association is focused on providing a prominent and respected voice on major issues involving the production, supply and sustainability of fresh produce for Australian consumers as well as export markets.
Read more on the Produce Plus website.

Public comment sought on protection of Melbourne’s farmland

The Victorian State government is seeking public comment on ways it can better protect Melbourne’s green wedges and agricultural land, against over-development.
The government has asked communities, councils, farmers and agricultural industries, around Melbourne’s green wedge and peri-urban areas to help identify and protect what it says is vital agricultural land.
Read more on the Good Fruit & Vegetable website.