fresh state of affairs issue 17

ISSN: 1838-7829

apri

l

172013

Relocation: Doomsday on April 29, and Fresh State Position Paper.

Fresh State CEO:John [email protected] / Advertising:Sonja van [email protected]:Sally Piper [email protected]

Design:Flying Dog Designswww.fddesigns.com.auPhotography:Michael Lamond [email protected] Casamento www.casamento.com.au

Print:King Printwww.kingprint.com.auDistribution:Fresh State of Affairs is produced by Fresh State Ltd and is a free publication.

02 What’s on

03 President’s message

09 Fresh Connections 2013

12 Anzac Day

14 Around the markets

18 Top ten

19 Pitstop

21 Calendar of events

26 Rural leadership update

08 Brady IPS & Data Fresh

20 Lions Golf Day

21 ISS Prorack

23 Alfresco

28 MAB

CONTENTS ADVERTISING

22Tony’s Tomato Sauce: Guide to make Tony’s perfect tomato sauce using Alfresco tomatoes, plus Ida’s recipe.

Published by:

www.freshstate.com.au tel: 03 9689 3233

1610Market History: 1990-2000. The colourful decade that was.

Retailer Focus: Fresh by name, fresh by nature. Family-run business Altona Fresh.

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24Persimmons: The return of one of Australia’s best kept secrets – Persimmons are the perfect treat this season!

27Q&A – Joe Granieri: Enjoys working in the market and being in a successful business with his family.

issue 17 april 2013

what’s on:

president’s message:

03

Welcome to edition 17 of Fresh State of Affairs, and what a start to the year we have had! All the store holders that have a lease and an allocation in Epping have been threatened with losing them, and our livelihood, on 28 March (past) and now Doomsday of 29 April 2013. The Government & MMA have held a gun to our heads to get their white elephant at Epping across the line. However my hat goes off to almost all of you! 94 lease holders have signed documents binding us all together in what no doubt will be a lengthy battle with the Liberal Government. And yes it is a battle for your business investment and survival!

The DBI (Department of Business and Innovation) worked a team of people day and night phoning, texting and leaflet dropping releases almost on a daily basis and demanding we sign their intention to lease form or lose our right to Epping. All this whilst not disclosing true rent numbers, warehouse numbers, alteration costs and the endless list goes on!

Remember those words “the intention to lease form is not binding” … That was 28 March but the signing of Leases on 29 April will mean Doomsday under this Government’s model!

The following message are lines from a famous football club and relates to us and our current position.

Side by side that’s how we go about our business.

On the field, or off the field.

When you’re in need, When your team mate is in need, We turn up.

That’s what side by side is about.

So its not a one way street, Or what’s in it for me.

It’s what can I do today To make your life easier.

The whole team Working as one.

We have a job to do, It’s us against them.

Our relocation article is interesting reading and our history articles are now up to 1990-2000. We cover Anzac day , our young leaders , Tomato sauce , Persimmons and Q&A with Joe Graneri.

Shane Schnitzler President Fresh State Ltd.

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 ac-curacy, 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 respon-sibility for the accuracy or suitability or otherwise of any in-

formation 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 2013

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 EditorFresh State of Affairs MagazineMarket Box 113, 542 Footscray RoadWest Melbourne VIC 3003

Disclaimer:

From the President

Shane Schnitzler

Remember those words “the intention to lease form is not binding”… That was 28 March but the signing of Leases on 29 April will mean Doomsday under this Government’s model!

what’s on:

relo

cati

on:

Is a successful move to Epping just a mirage that

continues to sit on the horizon?

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Now 29 April 2013 looms as doomsday because “If you do not sign the Leasing Documentation by the deadline, you will forfeit your Epping store allocation”.

But as a store holder you know that if you sign these documents under the Government’s current model you will be forced out of business by the burden of costs. So is a successful move to Epping just a mirage that continues to sit on the horizon?

issue 17 april 2013OF AFFAIRS

The State averted its 28 March drop dead date by announcing a last minute change to say that the Intention to Lease document was “not binding”. That is, they backed away from their 1 March statement that said “If you do not submit an Instruction to Lease by this time, you will have forfeited your store allocation at Epping”.

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Why the rush by Government?

The Victoria Auditor General Office (VAGO) report of March 2012 was nothing short of scathing regarding the whole relocation project from day one. One of its pointed comments was that there were no tenants signed up before the project commenced.

The VAGO report said “that tenants still lack the basic information needed for them to make a decision on relocation”. And some eighteen months out from the move, (yes, relocation is now the second half of 2014 not 1 July 2014) there is no

sustainable cost model for tenants in place that would give any comfort to a successful relocation.

Other VAGO comments were that “stakeholder management was not effective” and “a lack of

communication with market tenants contributed to the delay in relocation” – it appears nothing has changed!

However there are a number of things that get conveniently

pushed aside. This is a forced relocation and the State acquired the land to build it. They have built it and they still can’t tell you any of the details needed for you to make an informed business decision – interesting way of doing business!

And everyone seems to forget that while the Government is trying to “sc… over” the thousands of small businesses and their employees in the fruit and vegetable industry, they still sit on a big parcel of land three kilometers from the city worth half a billion dollars or more!

This is a forced relocation and the State acquired the land to build it. They have built it and they still can’t tell you any of the details needed for you to make an informed business decision.

relocation:

Industry Forum …

The market community came together for an Industry Forum on 19 March. The Forum heard presentations from wholesalers, retailers, flowers and growers with the strong, common theme coming through – “we will all be forced out of business under the current Government’s model”! The outcome was that we need to continue working together and that costs need to reflect the current business environment not what happened a decade ago.

FsA EdItIon # 16 wAs rIght …

Fresh State of Affairs was right on the money when it predicted “Baillieu to Oblivion”.

Mr Baillieu joins both Mr Brumby and Mr Bracks who are no longer holding their positions since the relocation project was first announced.

We now have our fourth Premier, sixth Minister and fourth MMA CEO, (not counting two Acting CEO’s), since this project commenced a decade ago.

The market complex is 98% built so what is the Government’s rush to get lease holders signed up when store holders have their allocation and the ballot gave them their position at Epping?

06 OF AFFAIRS issue 17 april 2013re

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Position Paper MArch 2013

1. SToRE REnT RATES:

That rent rates are applied on the same per m² basis that should have been in place at Footscray Road prior to the revenue raising anomaly with the application of an extra 3.3% compounding from 2008 to 2012 inclusive.

For the purposes of clarity, the 2012 per m² rent rate was $273. The 2012 rent rate, less the compounding anomaly of 3.3% (2008-12) is $246 per m² . This rate, including the 4% annual increases for 2013 and 2014, are deemed to be the commencement rent rate on a per m² basis at Epping or $266 per m² in 2014.

2. MoRAToRIuM:

To allow for a period of establishment, adjustment and stabilisation at the Epping Market, a moratorium be placed on rent increases from commencement at Epping for a period of three years (excepting CPI increases).

Prior to the third anniversary, a market rent review is to occur to ascertain rent rates including a business valuation methodology. Rents, as an outcome of this review, may either increase or decrease.

3. LEASE TERMS:

Given the objective of a market rent review, the current model of options for lease terms requires a more consistent approach. Initial lease periods need to be more condensed and consistent with the intent of point 2 above.

4. LEASE ConDITIonS:

The current draft Agreement for Lease and Lease documents for Epping contains many points that require a “normalised approach”. Fresh State shall be permitted to negotiate the terms and conditions of the proposed Standard Store Lease and proposed Standard Agreement for Lease at Epping. This will reduce tenants’ legal costs ensuring the documents are fair and reasonable.

5. PERSonAL GuARAnTEES:

Personal guarantees as a condition of lease signing and holding are not acceptable. Rental bonds as currently proposed as a condition on lease provide sufficient comfort to the MMA.

relocation:07

6. ALTERATIonS:

It is not accepted that leaseholders are liable for the costs of alterations at the Epping Market. The compulsory alterations currently required to be carried out by leaseholders in order to obtain a certificate of occupancy and trade from their store at Epping must be completed and paid for by the MMA and/or the State of Victoria.

This includes, but is not limited to: providing ceilings to stores and offices as well as the required fire sprinkler work and lighting to meet occupancy requirements; providing walls to offices; cool room doors and associated panelling for the rear door area to replace the unusable roller shutter system; the heat exchanger and tenancy glycol system needed to connect the central plant system to tenant usage and the blower system for individual tenant usage within their stores; the framework required to support the tenancy glycol system and blower configuration; provision of a solid dividing wall between tenants of small stores where required (56 m² stores).

To clarify, alterations to be provided by the MMA and / or State are those things that allow the tenant to “turn the key and trade” in a basic form that meets occupancy requirements and cooling provisions. In effect, this should meet our “like for like” objectives.

8. WAREhouSInG:

That the current incumbents of warehousing at Footscray Road have holdings recognised. That is, current warehouse tenants are granted financial recognition of their equity over the course of an agreed period. This includes position of their warehousing at Epping, lease terms and rent with financial recognition applied as a rent reduction or some financial way that derives a similar value.

9. oPERATInG RuLES:

That the operating rules model is revised so as to remove the burden of responsibility being imposed on store tenant lease holders. The fear of removal of leases for events that, at times, could be beyond the control of lease holders creates doubt to the standing of their leases and businesses.

10. CuRREnT RETAIL LEASES:

That current retail lease operators such as cafe operators, hire companies, gas station owners, forklift repairers, industry suppliers and Industry Associations are afforded the same standing as store lease holders. That is, that these leaseholders’ interests in the current market be recognised and the MMA / State complete the required alterations that provide these lease holders with a suitable tenancy to trade.

11. LICEnCE oPERATInG hoLDERS:

That the Licence Operating Holders such as Unloaders are afforded similar “like for like” objectives to store lease holders and current retail lease tenants.

7. FIT ouT:

That the internal configuration fit out, including any internal cool rooms, additional blowers, pallet racking, internal office fit out and down stairs office booths are the responsibility of each store holder.

continued >

08 OF AFFAIRS issue 17 april 2013

• Complete Facility Fit Outs• ‘FM’ Approved Systems• Cool Rooms• Production Areas• Coving Systems• Custom Manufactured Insulated Doors• Controlled Atmosphere / ULO Rooms• Preventative Maintenance Solutions• Ongoing Maintenance

[email protected]

Call: 1300 884 090

Data Fresh is a price reporting service that discloses the wholesale price of fresh produce being sold by Melbourne Market wholesalers and growers on a daily, weekly, monthly or quarterly basis. In fact the system is even more flexible than that and is able to provide a report specific to your requirements depending on regularity, season and can even drill down to the type of produce you require information on.

Data Fresh price reporting is used by a range of businesses from growers, wholesalers and retailers through to government bodies and industry associations.

For further information please contact the Fresh State office on 03 9689 3233.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Position Paper MArch 2013

12. TRADInG STAnD hoLDERS:

Trading Stand holders be offered stand licence space on a “like for like” basis. That is, that the space that you occupy at Footscray Road is offered to you at Epping.

13. LoSS / GAIn ALLoCATIon DISPuTES:

The disputes that remain outstanding from the loss / gain allocation of space be addressed forthwith.

14. GAIn ALLoCATIon: The “gain allocation” and resulting con-tingent liability is flawed. The payment of $3,000 m² by the leaseholder if they sell their allocation after they sign an AFL and within the sunset ten year period is inad-equately described.

The payment needs to include a base where-by the initial $3,000 m² is first achieved before activation of the gain payment liability.

15 SIGnInG oF InTEnTIon To LEASE AnD LEASE DoCuMEnTS:Due to factors beyond store lease holder’s control, they have been unable to make informed decisions in regard to the signing of their Agreements for Lease and Lease Documents. Store lease holders should be able to make informed decisions regarding signing of Lease Documentation. To this end, a proper extension of time be granted from 29 April 2013 until all items are resolved.

09fresh connections 2013:

There is no better excuse to go to Fresh connections 2013 and check out the sites and sounds of Sydney! The options are endless!

So with all these suggestions, you may need to stay in Sydney a little bit longer over the long

weekend in June this year!

For further information and to register your attendance at the Fresh Connections 2013

Fresh Produce Conference go to : www.pmafreshconnections.com.au

1Darling harbour is at the epicentre of Fresh Connections 2013 and boasts an array of entertainment and dining choices as well as the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre. Chillax and enjoy waterside drinks with your colleagues and friends before enjoying the Sydney nightlife.

2For a change of pace, step into another world and experience the natural beauty, architecture and culture of one of the only Chinese gardens outside of Asia. Initiated by the local Chinese community to share their rich cultural heritage and celebrate Australia’s 1988 Bicentenary, the Chinese Garden is the result of a close bond of friendship and cooperation between the sister cities of Sydney and Guangzhou in Guangdong Province, China.

Expand your horizons and jump on the iconic monorail. Stopping at all of Sydney’s best attractions, Sydney Monorail is the perfect combination of easy transport and an essential Sydney experience. The Monorail glides over busy streets and links the City’s top shopping, attractions and hotels with Darling Harbour.

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• AferryridetoManlyorBalmain is a must.

• FamousMasterchefAustraliaChef Adriano Zumbo also has patisseries in both Manly and Balmain which are worth a taste test.

• VisitthehistoricalRocksprecinct.

• StayattheSofitel–outstanding!

• AnimalwatchingatTarongaZoo.

• CheckoutCircularQuayandtheOpera House precinct.

• Goriverrafting.• ClimbtheiconicSydneyHarbour

Bridge.

our rEcommEndAtIons:

Joe Brancatisano from VB Fruit.

10 issue 17 april 2013

Melbourne’s

Other changes were happening as well:

• Namechange–TheVictorianFruit and Vegetable Wholesalers Association Inc changed their name to ‘The Victorian Chamber of Fresh Produce Wholesalers trading as Fresh State’.

• AlogowasdesignedforFreshStatethat is still current today.

• TheAustralianBananaIndustrybrought banana groups together to promote bananas in a big way - with their objective to promote Australian bananas, irrespective of origin. Australian Banana promotion took off with television advertisements, AFL and other sports sponsorships and a catch phrase of ‘Bananas are good enough for me’ that became a household jingle.

The Melbourne Markets Credit Service is born!

The Credit Service began as a Credit Monitoring Scheme and eventually progressed to the Credit Service it is today.

“The Executive Committee has formulated a Credit Monitoring Scheme to make members aware of total amounts owing by debtors in the market. This will act as a guide to alert members to the amounts owing by

Most of us remember the 1990’s well and for those that don’t, here are some pointers to jog your memory: • Fashionwasbighairwithlotsofgelandspray,

mullets,tornjeans-thetighterthebetter,lotsofearringsincludingfeathers,hiphopbrightbaggyclothes,grungerock,looseflannels,preppy:khakis,navyblazersandofcoursetheConverseAllStars!

• ThemostpopularnamesforbabiesduringthisdecadewereMatthewandJessica.

• TheworldmournedthetragicpassingofDianaPrincessofWales.

• ALiberalgovernmentwaselectedunderJeffKennettwhichmadesweepingcutstopublicexpenditure,theclosingofmanyschools,privatisingthetramwaysandelectricityproduction,andreducingthesizeofthepublicservice.KeyMelbournelandmarksbuiltincludedCrownCasino,theMelbourneExhibitionandConventionCentre(Jeff’sShed)andthenewMelbourneMuseum.

1990 - 2000

OF AFFAIRS

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Melbourne’s Market History

people who may not have the business to fund such amounts. The scheme has now developed into a four column layout, each column holding the fixture owed for four consecutive weeks. Rises and falls may be monitored over a period of time.

I urge non participants to tender their debtors ledger each Thursday and Friday as I’m sure the information will be most beneficial … LET’S NOT BE THE CHEAP BANKERS WE ARE NOW!”

Extract from President Frank Prestia’s Report of the 15th Annual Report, 1990 - Victorian Fruit and Vegetable Wholesaler’s Association Inc (now known as Fresh State).

By the mid 1990’s a Credit Service for the then ‘Melbourne Fresh Centre’ had been approved by the Fresh State Board. “The Cooperation of chain stores and independent retailers would be sought for the scheme, designed to simplify credit provision in the market” said Fresh State Manager Secretary of the time (the late) Dizney Crombie.

• MarketBy-Lawswereupdatedtoprovide for infringement notices for many offences that were previously taken to court. The new by laws provided for $100 on the spot fines for 15 offences within the market.

• A$11millionNationalHorticulturalcentre was proposed for Victoria in 1991 which included parklands, potted plants, cut flowers, fruits and vegetables. However the government did not support this concept due to budgetary conditions.

• TheNationalFlowerCentrewasconstructed on the Melbourne Markets site - up until construction, flowers had been traded casually in the fruit and vegetable market three mornings a week.

Melbourne Fresh Centre Market Trust is replaced by MMA

• TheAgricultureMinisterannouncesthat the Melbourne Fresh Centre Market Trust would be replaced by a three member Melbourne Market Authority following the release of a report of the Review of the Melbourne Wholesale Fruit and Vegetable Market by a Parliamentary Committee.

• Thereportrecommendedthatallexecutive management positions at the market be declared vacant, so that the new Authority could establish a new management structure.

• Inrecommendingthecreationofthe MMA, the report was critical of the existing Trust and management structure advising it did not meet the needs of market users. “Maintenance of the status quo would ensure the eventual demise of the market and is, therefore, not an option”, the report said. “The challenge is to put to the Melbourne Market Authority – ensure the relevance of the market, or preside over its eventual demise”.

Hopefully this article has awakened your memory as to other happenings in the Market around this time …What else do you remember that happened in the nineties in the Melbourne Markets that had an impact on your business? Drop us an email at [email protected] and we will publish your comments in the June Edition of the magazine. Images clockwise:

• Buyersfighttogetlimitedproduce.• Activityinthegrower’smarket,

Footscray Road. c.1970.• OfficialOpeningofthenewmarket.

30 October 1969.• FruitInspectorsJackBassandAlfJonescheck

a display for topping in the 1960s at the Queen Victoria Market.

• ExtremeWestWalllookingEast. Total span: 219.46 m.

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day:

OF AFFAIRS issue 17 april 2013

Anzac Day services are held throughout the world and in almost every town and city in Australia. hundreds of thousands of people attend, spanning the world’s time zones from new Zealand to north America.

Overseas a number of Anzac Day service are held at the site of major battles where Australians have fought and died. These include Gallopli, Turkey; Villers-Bretonneux, France; Sandakan, Malaysia; and Hellfire Pass in Thailand.

At the Melbourne Wholesale Markets, many have been involved or have relatives/friends that have taken part in a war, conflict or peace keeping missions regardless of nationality. Scars run deep and memories are still very real for those directly impacted by

the atrocities of war. Silence is often their most preferred medicine and we respect that and honour them for their sacrifice.

In Australia, Anzac Day usually begins with a dawn service, often followed by a gunfire breakfast or sausage sizzle organised by a local RSL branch.

A commemoration march of veterans (retired, reserve and currently serving) takes place during the morning, sometimes ending at a church in time for a commemoration service.

FAST FACTS:• ANZACisanabbreviationofTheAustralianand

new Zealand Army Corps.

• April25,1915,wasthedaytheAnzac’slandedon the Gallipoli Peninsula, now known as Anzac Cove to battle the Turkish army during WWI.

• Morethan11,000Anzac’sdiedontheGallipoliPeninsula, despite only being there for eight months.

• TheoriginalAnzacbiscuitwasknownasanAnzac wafer or tile and was part of the rations given to Anzac soldiers during World War I. They were included instead of bread because they had a much longer shelf life.

• AnzacwasoriginallynamedtheAustralasianArmy Corps. however protests from new Zealand led to the adoption of Australian and new Zealand Army Corps. Administration clerks found the title too long and adopted the abbreviation of Anzac.

• DespitebeingaffiliatedwithAustraliaandNewZealand,AnzacincludedofficersfromBritain,Ireland, India, Zion, Ceylon and the Pacific islands.

• “LestWeForget”isaphrasepopularisedin1897by Rudyard Kipling, which was adopted as the final line of The Recitation along with the “ode of Remembrance”, taken from Laurence Binyon’s “For the Fallen”.

• ThelastsurvivingAnzac,AlecCampbell,diedonMay 16, 2002.

• TheAnzacBridgewasgivenitsnameonRemembrance Day in 1998 to honour the memory of the Anzac’s. An Australian Flag flies atop the eastern pylon and a new Zealand Flag flies atop the western pylon.

In Australia, Anzac Day usually begins with a dawn service, often followed by a gunfire breakfast or sausage sizzle organised by a local RSL branch.

Wholesalers march on Anzac Day

13anzac day:

In 1916, the first anniversary of the Gallipoli landings was commemorated, more formally in Australia, New Zealand and England. Troops awaiting deployment from bases in Egypt also observed the anniversary. In Australia, many women wore black as a sign of mourning. In London, more than 2,000 Australian troops marched along Whitehall to Westminster Abbey for a memorial service.

By the 1920s, Anzac Day ceremonies had become an annual event in Australia and the day had been designated a public holiday. In the 1930s, the focus shifted from mourning the dead to remembrance by the living. Servicemen who had survived the war began to commemorate and celebrate their own experiences, sometimes to the exclusion of women.

A pattern established of quiet reflection and remembrance during the dawn service, followed by a veterans’ march and informal social events in the afternoon.

In 1940s, Second World War veterans joined Anzac Day marches, which later included returned servicemen and women from conflicts in Malaya, Indonesia, Korea and Vietnam. Today the march includes veterans from recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as peace-keeping operations.

During the 1960s and 1970s, attendance at Anzac Day services and marches fell and there was growing debate about the relevance of the day. This was linked to debate about Australia’s role in Vietnam. Vietnam veterans found themselves rejected by society as well as other veterans

on their return, and, as a result, many refused to participate in Anzac Day services or marches.

By the 1990s, Anzac Day attendance experienced resurgence with many younger Australians making pilgrimages to the Gallipoli peninsula itself, often as part of overseas travel to Europe.

Today, Anzac Day commemoration includes all wars, conflicts and peace keeping operations where Australia has played a role, not only the Gallipoli Campaign.

And of course, Anzac Day badges will once again be available to purchase from RSL service member Neil Mays on the market floor from the 22 April.

Many Wholesalers and Retailers from the Melbourne Wholesale Markets will wear either their own medals (worn on the left breast) or family medals (worn on the right breast) and march in an Anzac Day Service on 25 April 2013.

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9. Hayden Tran from Fruitland in Ringwood Eastpicksupsomefreshbeets.

10. Chris Kotsanas and Veli Velisha.

11. Dawn approaches.

12.TheThreeAmigos–Tommy,JoeandSam.

13.JoeTarantofromRichRiverProduce.

14.BrunoRodaandRobertApted.

15.PeterItalianofromGetFreshinGreenvalewith Vince Deagostino from Holmans.

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1. ChinBrothersAlbyandNickgetcosywithEmilioLorenzetto.

2. Its all about the Forklift!

3. Zhno from Vic Market pushes his wares.

4. Lisafrom4EverFresh.

5. BFFNeighboursMofromE&RwithRobertatMelbPear.

6. ForkyAnthonyLiddlefromTullamoreGardens.

7. Freshcrop’sVinceCorroneandJohnnyPham fromNNHFreshProduce.

8. ChrisWalker&FrankBuggefromBigValleyget up close and personal with Michael Manariti from Sandringham Fruit Market.

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“We have a million and one products” says Phillip Palamara, and he is not far off the mark!Altona Fresh Fine Foods is brimming from floor to ceiling with an abun-dance of product ranging from fresh produce that Phil sources from the Markets every day to an amazing fully stocked delicatessen, cheeses, dry goods and even a patisserie!

Phil has been coming to the Mel-bourne Markets since he was 15 years old. “These days there is an abundance of stock available so I can get to the market at around 5am which isn’t too bad”. Phil loves the excitement of coming to the market and describes it as ‘another world’ full of colourful and interesting characters.

“The quality in the markets has im-proved over the years and supply is high so it helps me to on sell only the best quality to my customers”. His hot tip for purchasing quality products is to try before you buy. “I like to sample everything before I buy it and that’s why I am a good size” jokes Phil.

Altona Fresh Fine Foods is a hidden treasure in a small shopping strip sur-rounded by suburbia in Altona North. Only fifteen minutes from the CBD and with affordable housing, Altona has become a popular residence for young professionals as well as the traditional working class. The store has evolved to suit its changing market, stocking bulk continental products as well as new niche products to give customers the choice they want and expect. “We just ran a Facebook campaign on coconut yoghurt which was very popular” says Enzo, Phils brother and self proclaimed ‘gopher’.

It is certainly a family affair originally established by father Onofrio Palamara. “Dad opened Palamara Fruit Supply in Richmond back in 1954 and we went from there” continues Enzo. “We ended

up over Altona way and started this family business in 1990”.

Phil heads up the fresh produce department, sister Sandra is in charge of the delicatessen, sister Diana’s hus-band John looks after groceries and the delicatessen, Enzo’s wife Melissa works in Customer Service and with youngest brother Enzo ‘picking up the slack’.

“We are really fortunate with the depth of talent in our family who can con-tribute to the business and keep us modern and relevant” says Enzo. “San-dra’s daughters have set up a fantastic website and Facebook page, Phil’s son is an accountant and is keeping us up to date with the latest and greatest systems and the list goes on”.

Phil is the face we all know in the markets and his face is also well

Fresh by name – Fresh by nature ….

Right: It’s a family affair with Melissa, Enzo, Phil, John and Sandra.

Far right: Phil promotes his produce in store.

17

known to his customers in the store. “Phil is known as the store spruiker and he creates a great atmosphere” says Enzo. “Customers feel like they are at home”. Phil walks around with produce for tastings and is constantly educating customers on quality and brands.

Sandra agrees. “People don’t know what to do with products. We need to educate customers on combination possibilities”. Sandra says she recently suggested a customer try an orange and fennel salad. “The customer came back the next day and was so happy with the recipe. It’s all about trying the product” she said.

The website’s tagline says it all ‘Food is our Love. Family is our Life. Feed Family Love’. It’s simple and hits the mark. This is a family of natural marketers who have embraced a changing environ-ment and have used it to their advan-tage.

Altona Fresh Fine Foods is a greengro-cer on a mission that is filling a niche and growing market in today’s modern times. It is a thriving family business that is concentrating on its core busi-ness – providing its customers with high quality, well priced produce – and doing it well.

Fresh by name – Fresh by nature ….crEdIt sErvIcE mAkEs lIFE EAsy

Altona Fresh Fine Foods have been a loyal Credit Service user which has made life at the markets easier for Phil together with the strong relationships he has built up.

“I still get great deals in the Credit Service because I have solid relationships with sellers which is the key”. Phil also has the guarantee that he is buying from a repu-table seller in the market.

Enzo says the credit service assists with administration because of four key components:

1. streamlining

2. you know what you have spent

3. you have a two week window to pay

4. Enables you to stay on top of things

JohnRoach,whocurrentlyheadsuptheCredit Service says that with such a large amount of sellers in the Credit Service it is great peace of mind for buyers such as Al-tona Fresh Fine Foods when doing business at the Melbourne Markets.

“It is good to know that you are buying from a reputable seller who has a history and pro-vides good quality fresh produce” he says. “That is a huge benefit of being a member of the Melbourne Credit Service”.

Food is our Love. Family is our Life. Feed Family Love … This is a family of natural marketers who have embraced a changing environment and have used it to their advantage.

18 OF AFFAIRS issue 17 april 2013to

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Everywhere you walk in the Market you are sure to see someone drinking a cup of coffee. “Coffee is our biggest seller of all,” says Wendy at norm’s Café.

Steve from Café 2 agrees “we start selling coffees at 10pm every night until around 9am the next morning.”

A survey was conducted from the four Market Cafes and the Top Ten Coffees rated by popularity are:

1.CAPPuCCinoIt is probably the most famous Italian coffee. Once you have added the coffee and the steamed milk, it is very important to create a very solid milk foam; this is the essence of this coffee.

2.CAFFéLATTEIt is a typical French coffee. It is prepared with an espresso and a generous amount of steamed milk.

3.ESPrESSoIt represents the most intense type of coffee flavour and is served as a shot.

4.MACChiAToMacchiato’ simply means ‘marked’ or ‘stained’, and in the case of caffè macchiato, this means literally ‘espresso stained/marked with milk’.

5.hoTChoCoLATEAlthough not coffee, this humble drink is still a hot favourite (and a great alternative to coffee) with customers at the market.

6.CAFFéMoChAA variant of the Caffé Latte - made with an espresso, steamed milk and chocolate syrup with milk foam over the top.

7.FrAPPéA coffee flavoured milkshake – the Frappe is a blended combination of cold milk with ice cubes, vanilla ice cream, coffee and a bit of chocolate.

8.iCEDCoFFEEDifferent to the Frappe, an iced coffee is made from a combination of chilled coffee and milk. Ice cream and a topping of whipped cream can also be added.

9.GrAniTACAFFéThis is a cold espresso. Once you have prepared the coffee let it cool in the fridge. Once it is cold mix it with a glass of crushed ice cubes and add sugar to taste.

10.TurKiShCoFFEE Roasted and finely ground coffee beans are boiled in a pot, usually with sugar, and served in a cup where the grounds are allowed to settle.

Helen from Café 2 enjoys the ever popular Latte.

19

AFL Port Power player Brett Ebert, MasterChef All Star Callum Hann, Sonny Pineapple and of course Australian Chamber President Shane Schnitzler all turned up to spread the word about good health.

RFDS Central Operations Health Services Program Manager Mary-Jane Honner says the Pit Stop program aims to make a health-check fun, quick and rewarding.

“Studies show that men take their car for a service more often than they take themselves to the doctor for a check-up, even when they know something may be wrong” she says.

The Pit Stop health checks highlight the need for men to look after themselves by keeping themselves roadworthy and are held in partnership with the Australian Chamber of Fruit and Vegetables and GlaxoSmithKline.

“The Australian Chamber was once again really pleased to be a partner in this important event and hopes it continues to spread the message to the guys in the market that they have to look after themselves” said Shane Schnitzler. “We are holding a Pit Stop in Perth next so it will be interesting to see which market is the healthiest in terms of men’s health”.

PerthMarketswillhostthe nextPitStoponThursday 2 May 2013.

The Pit Stop health checks highlight the need for men to look after themselves by keeping themselves roadworthy.

A race to find the healthiest market

pitstop:

of unroadworthy participants were advised

to have a GP checkup.

of participants issued an ‘unroadworthy’

sticker.

of participants awarded a blue registration.

of participants determined a high risk factor.

50% 87%

47%

39%

3%

ofparticipantsofficiallychecked by a scrutineer.

Crunching the Numbers: Adelaide Produce Markets

The Royal Flying doctor Service flew into Adelaide Markets last month to provide a Pit Stop service to wholesalers.


Annual Charity Golf DayLions club of Melbourne Market & Fresh State Limited

An invitation is extended to sponsors, businesses and groups to compete in the 4 ball Ambrose Golf Competition.

At: Kingston Links Golf Course Corporate Avenue, Rowville.

On: Friday 10th May 2013 at 1pm.

All proceeds go to DebRA – working for a life free of pain

On Course Competitions with Prizes Include:

• HoleinOnewithaFiat500Car astheprize(valuedat$29500)

• WinningTeamoftheday

• Nearesttothepin

• Longestdrive

Cateringforallparticipants:

• Sandwichesanddrinkonarrival

• Drinksafterthegame

• 2courseDinnerwithdrinks

Schedulefortheday:

• 12.00noon–Registration

• 1.00pm–Shotgunstart

• 5.30pm–Showerfacilities, predinnerdrinks

• 6.00pm–Dinner&Presentations

REGISTRATIONS BY26THAPRIL

On websites:

www.freshstate.com.au

www.everydayhero.com.au

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The Australian Chamber Pitstop at Brisbane Markets.

05j u n e

25A P R I L

Anzac Day.

25j u n e

Fresh State of Affairs Edition #18 available.

cale

nda

r of

eve

nts

02m Ay

The Australian Chamber Pitstop at Perth Market.

Fresh Connections 2013: Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre. Registrations now open at: www.pmafreshconnections2013.com.au

11j u n e 12

j u n e 13j u n e

22 OF AFFAIRS

Making tomato sauce the traditional way is a dying art in today’s fast paced ‘grab and add’ world. So when we heard Fresh State’s Tony nigro was making his annual tomato sauce from scratch with his family, we tagged along to see how it is done - the Calabrese way!

issue 17 april 2013

Tony’s Tomato Sauce

STEP 2:The tomatoes are washed and graded – these tomatoes were near perfect so not much grading was required.

STEP 3:They are then put through a specialised juicing machine which separates the pulp from the skin. The pulp is collected in large sterilised buckets ready for bottling.

STEP 4:Step 3 is repeated using the skin to make sure that every last bit of the pulp of the tomato is utilised.

STEP 1:“You need the right kind of tomatoes for a perfect sauce” says Tony. These tomatoes (above) are just right – thanks to Charlie at Alfresco Fruits.

Washed basil is put into sterilised bottles ready for the sauce mixture. Tony’s 90 year ‘young’ mother Ida has been

making this sauce, this way for as long as she can remember.

Her mother made it this way and her mother’s

mother made it this way. Ida inspects each process to ensure it is being made correctly.

STEP 5:

IDA’s NAPOLETANA

RECIPE:• sauté garlic and onion

with olive oil

• Add Tony’s Tomato sauce

• Add herbs/seasoning to taste

• Bring to boil on moderate heat

• simmer for 3-4 hours and it

is ready for eating!

• Add to pasta, meat, vegetables

– anything! Delicious!

23

STEP 6:The tomato pulp is poured into the bottles and it is a team effort with Tony’s sister Frances assisting with pouring duties.

STEP 7:Tony’s special job is to seal the bottles using a bottling machine.

Industrial gas burners are fired up ready to cook the sauce! Cut 44 gallon drums are used as giant pots and the

bottled sauce bottles are placed inside – approx 90 bottles per drum. These are filled with water and brought to

the boil. Once boiling the bottles are simmered on a moderate heat for two hours to preserve the sauce.

STEP 8:

Tony says the sauce can keep for even longer than a year but there is usually not much left by this time.

tony’s tomato sauce:

t: 03 9687 9411 e: [email protected]


PersimmonsPersimmonsareaPerfectTreatthisSeason.

AussiefruitloversareinforanincredibleautumnwiththegloriousgoldenglowemanatingfromorchardsacrossthecountrysidesignallingthereturnofoneofAustralia’sbestkeptsecrets–thepersimmon.

Excellent growing conditions fuelled by lashings of sunshine and ample water supplies, thanks to previous wet seasons, have paved the way for a bountiful crop of quality fruit with high sugar levels, excellent flavour and a strong shelf life.

one person who has been impatiently anticipating the harvest of the yellowy-orange orbs is Poh Ling Yeow, persimmon-lover,

presenter of ABC TV’s Poh Lends a hand, best-selling author and MasterChef all star.

“Despite the fact that persimmons have been grown here for decades, many Aussies are yet to try this exotic fruit, so this season I’m challenging everyone to be adventurous and given them a go. Persimmons truly are the perfect addition to your autumn eating agenda offering an almost indescribable subtle, sweet flavour and fantastic textures to boot,” she said.

Poh said she grew up eating sweet persimmons, which are best devoured crunchy and firm like an apple, but now also enjoys the original variety, which is ready for eating when the flesh is soft, jelly-like and sweet.

“I think the best way to enjoy persimmons is fresh. I like to peel and quarter the sweet type as it’s a brilliantly clean, tasty and healthy snack. With the original, I love to tear or cut away the calyx – or the top – then scoop into nature’s little bowl of ready-made, sweet, silky jelly” said Poh.

Along with their flavour credentials, persimmons have double the dietary fibre of apples, are high in anti-oxidants and are an excellent source of Vitamin C and beta carotene.

original persimmons have been grown in Australia for almost 150 years, most commonly as a decorative tree in domestic gardens, and are known for their large, heart-shaped silhouette and colour, which ranges from pale orange to deep red-orange.

In contrast, the sweet persimmon is round, with a diameter of around 10cm, and has a slightly

flattened top. Introduced around 40 years ago, this variety now comprises around 90 per cent of production.

DidYouKnow:

• Australiaproducesapprox2500tonnesofpersimmons annually – less than 1% of world production. however production is on the rise with new plantings in new South Wales and Victoria driving industry growth.

• Queenslandisthemajorproducingstatebutharvesting also occurs in coastal nSW, the Goulburn and Murray Valleys in Victoria and South Australia as well as South West Western Australia.

• Theoriginal(astringent)persimmonhasbeengrown for decades in Australia.

• Commercialproductionoforiginalpersimmonsis generally confined to regions around Sydney and Victoria.

• Sweetpersimmons(nonastringent)wereintroduced to Australia in the late 1970’s and now comprise more than 90% of local production.

• PersimmonsareinseasonfromlateFebruarytomid June (Autumn to Winter).

Persimmons have double the dietary fibre of apples, are high in anti-oxidants and are an excellent source of Vitamin C and beta carotene.

persimm

ons:25

“Next to eating it in its most natural state,

like a fresh apple, this is the next best way

to have a persimmon.

Of course, it is an idea stolen from

the tried and tested combination

of melon and prosciutto, but it

works so well.

The saltiness of the prosciutto

is delicious with the sweetness of the

persimmon. I would always recommend

an Italian or Spanish prosciutto

because they are far

less salty, leaving

the meat soft

and sweet”.

1. Peel and slice four sweet persimmons into wedges.

2. Wrap each wedge with a slice of prosciutto.

3. Squeeze desired amount of lime juice over the top and sprinkle with cracked pepper.

Courtesy of Persimmons Australia Inc.

Poh Ling Yeow’s Sweet Persimmon with Prosciutto

grow

ing

lead

ers:


Growing Leaders 2013 is the National Leadership Program for the vegetable industry designed for people wishing to take up leadership roles at all levels of business and industry leadership. The main focus of the program is for participants to develop an understand-ing of how to have a positive impact in their business and industry.

“We have had five wholesalers in the Melbourne Markets complete the Growing Leaders Course” says John Roach, Fresh State CEO. “It is fantastic to see these wholesalers take the next step in their development and want to be more involved as leaders in the industry … that’s what we want to encourage”.

Fresh State has been an active advo-cate of the Growing Leaders Course hosting the Melbourne arm of the course at the Market as well as being a sponsor of the program.

Past participant, Daniel Scavo from Young Sang & Co said the fantastic relationships formed and networking opportunities were a standout. Avanti’s Mark Lorenzetto agreed “its all about branching out and getting out of your comfort zone,” he said.

The six month/nine day course involves:• Skilldevelopmentsessionsinkey

leadership areas including commu-nication, conflict management, team building, personalities, networking and effective meetings.

• Guestspeakersoncurrentand relevant industry issues.

• Industryfunctions–toursand industry dinners.

The final residential part of the course has become a highlight as participants present their final projects in Canberra. “Representing our industry in front of politicians and senior industry officials was definitely the biggest highlight ” said Callum Cormack from Moraitis.

For more information or to register toparticipateintheGrowingLeaderscourse please contact Jill Briggs at Rural Training Initiatives at: [email protected] or 0409 455 710.

Leading Wholesalers spread the word to . . .

The word is out – a new date has been set for Growing Leaders 2013 and Melbourne Wholesalers are on the hit list!

2013 Course DatesResidential 1: 28 to 30 May

Gold Coast

Residential 2: 27 to 29 August Melbourne

Residential 3: 26 to 28 november Canberra

Callum,DanielandMarkhavecompletedtheGrowingLeadersCourse and invite other wholesalers in the Market to do the same.

grow

Joe G

ranie

ri

“I enjoy working in the market and being in a successful business with my family,” JoeGranieri–Granieri’sFreshProducePtyLtd.

Works:

Business owner and sales manager of Granieri’s Fresh Produce Pty Ltd (selling potatoes, watermelon, onion, pumpkin, garlic and avocado) and Rich River Produce (selling eggplant, chillies, zucchini, tomatoes and capsicum).

Lives:

Rowville.

Most of my day is spent:

Ordering stock and playing golf.

The football team I barrack for is:

Collingwood.

The quality I respect most in a person is:

Honesty, good time management and hard working.

As I have grown older I have learnt:

To be smarter with money.

The qualities I most enjoy about Melbourne Market are:

So many different people that are part of the market culture.

The pets I have are:

A dog called Elly, two cats and a cockatoo.

In my spare time I enjoy:

Playing golf and watching AFL footy – thank god the season has now started again!

My first job was:

I started working at the Melbourne Markets when I was 18 years old and have been here ever since.

My fondest memory is:

Getting married, the birth of my two children (Jessica 22 years old and Michael 20 years old) and of course when Collingwood won the 2010 Grand Final!

The aspect of my job I Iike the most is:

Succeeding in business.

The thing I dislike the most is:

Being burnt by customers.

I am passionate about:

Being successful.

My business associates would say that I:

Am easy going and friendly.

The place in the world I would most like to go is:

Italy.

My favourite fruit or vegetable is:

Mango.

Like so many wholesalers in the Melbourne Markets, Joe Granieri is made out of Italian stock and born into the business of selling fresh produce.

His father and cousins were grower/packers of potatoes in Gembrook and would come to the Market early every morning to sell their produce. “I never had another job besides working in the business.” says Joe.

The family eventually bought a B Stall and became full time agents under the banner of Granieri’s Produce before selling the business to Moraitis. Joe, his father Tony and brother Tommy, then became a team and worked at Big Valley for eight years before starting their own business again on the other side of the market. Sister Maggie came on board and for the last four years the family have enjoyed working together in a successful business.

They now own the adjoining business Rich River Produce and Joe’s daughter Jess is also walking in his footsteps and working full time in the family business.

Known for his easy going attitude, Joe is well liked around the market and always has a smile on his face.

“I enjoy working in the market and being in a successful business with my family,” he says. “Golf makes me happy, even though I am a hacker, and so does my football”.

And now that the football season has started look very closely into the crowd next time Collingwood are playing. See if you can spot a black and white Italian wholesaler flapping his wings and hoping for a win!

[Ed: Next edition we are putting a ban on Q&A Collingwood supporters].

Q &

A:

grow

27

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