fresh state of affairs issue 30

Bayford Volkswagen Epping 350 Cooper Street, Epping LMCT8954 Tel. 9409 9000 Email. [email protected]

Your Volkswagen Partner

Market employee discounts available Fully equipped workshop with factory trained technicians Loan vehicles available, including vans & utes - Booking Required On-site finance Full range of Commercial Vehicles available Specialist Commercial Vehicle consultants

Your New Vehicle Partner

Bayford VolkswagenDirectly Opposite the New Market

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dec

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM THE MARKET COMMUNITY

MARKET HOURS UNDER THE

MICROSCOPE

PRODUCE TRENDS FOR THE SILLY

SEASON

BUMPER CHRISTMAS EDITION

2EDITOR / ADVERTISING:Sally Piper [email protected]

DESIGN:Flying Dog Designsfddesigns.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHY:Sally Piper [email protected] Oswald eoimages.com.au

PRINT:Revolution Printrevolutionprint.com.au/

DISTRIBUTION:Fresh State of Affairs is produced by Fresh State Ltd and is a free publication.

PUBLISHED BY:

freshstate.com.au tel: 03 9408 6627

CONTENTS 02 Whats on03 Presidents Message04 Market Hours08 Vale Banana Jack09 Calendar of Events10 Melbourne Wholesaler

leads the way in greenhouse technology

31 FSL Gas Station32 Top Ten Christmas

Produce

34 Q&A: Connie Roda

ADVERTISING09 Epping Plaza11 Young Sang33 Stanley Welding

35 Valet Car Wash36 Bayford Volkswagen

Epping

12 Perfection Fresh / Ferrinda Fresh

13 Brescia / Sheren Electrics14 MMCS / Fresh Max15 Produce Time /

Louis Melbourne

16 Toyota Material Handling17 Lions Club / Kelly Citrus18 Fresh Cut Processors /

Melbourne Insurance Brokers / Biodynamic Marketing

19 Lattores / Opaljade20 Prestige Produce

21 VB Sculli / Gramco / Oakville22 Costa Farms / Piedimonte23 Tripod Farmers /

Premier Fruits

24 Roda Fruits / Mildura Fresh25 Veli Velisha /

Medici Wholesalers / Ten Farms

26 Barkers Melbourne27 ASD / Coolibah Herbs28 Flavorite / Fresh Berry29 VFS Produce / AMV Fresh30 Fresh State

whats o

n

CHRISTMAS MESSAGES

issue 30 dec 2015

ISSN: 1838-7829

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3Fresh 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 2015

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 MagazineStore 36, Melbourne Market 35 Produce Drive Epping VIC 3076

DISCLAIMER:

Shane SchnitzlerPresident Fresh State Ltd.

PRESIDENTS MESSAGEWow, what a year it has been! In a few weeks time we will all be breathing a big sigh of relief and raising our glasses to a new year and new opportunities. 2016 here we come But before this happens, we are right in the middle of our busiest trading season of the year, stocking up on our most popular produce and making sure our customers are getting exactly what they have asked for. It is full steam ahead.

This popular Christmas Edition is full of Christmas cheer and messages and it is great to see so many happy faces in the magazine.

We also take a deeper look into market hours and where we can go to from here. We have been debating this topic for decades but things have certainly changed since we have moved to Epping. It is time to think about how the current hours are affecting our work/life balance and if this is

something we want to continue into the future.

We remember John McNish who worked with Fresh State and within the market for many many years. It is

always sad to say goodbye to such a popular and iconic member of our community but I am sure his name and the memories will live on for a long time yet in the market.

Businesses in the local area around Epping are keen to engage with the market and it is never too late to develop new relationships especially at this time of year. There is a plethora

of shops, restaurants and services at our doorstep which makes life easier for the last minute Christmas rush and party or two, so make sure you take advantage of our location!

On behalf of the Fresh State Board and management, I would like to wish you all a happy, safe and healthy festive season.

WE ARE RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF OUR BUSIEST TRADING SEASON OF THE YEAR, STOCKING UP ON OUR MOST POPULAR PRODUCE AND MAKING SURE OUR CUSTOMERS ARE GETTING EXACTLY WHAT THEY HAVE ASKED FOR.

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In this edition, we think it is timely to once again put market hours under the microscope and let you be the judge

1. THE FACTS:

The market is a different beast now compared to Footscray Road. There is less store space and more warehouse space, there is more peak hour traffic on the arterials resulting in shorter trading hours and of course we are in a new shiny clean facility!

WHAT ARE THE BUSINESS DEMANDS AT EPPING COMPARED TO FOOTSCRAY ROAD?

The way wholesalers are doing business has changed as well. With the increased warehouse capacity, business models are geared towards owning a store and a warehouse (in a lot of cases both here at the market), which has advantages insofar as smarter business practices. However it also has disadvantages with some pseudo trading apparently taking place from the warehouses which, as we are all aware, is not permitted on the market site.

Demands have also arisen from a much shorter (or longer/earlier depending on which lens you are looking through) trading time. Although the market trading hours range from 3.30 - 4.30am Monday to Friday, buyers are pushing the boundaries and making transactions with wholesalers earlier and earlier in some cases 11pm the previous night! This has opened up a can of worms and has resulted in the following:

Trading taking place earlier and earlier into the morning (and previous day)

Trading finished by 7am which has on flow effects on auxiliary businesses such as cafs and other tenants

Wholesalers starting their working day earlier and earlier

The Melbourne Wholesale Market is already the only market in Australia not only Government owned and run, (Perth market is currently in tender process) but also with a major difference in trading hours compared to its counterparts in other States.

The Melbourne Market commences trade (on paper and apparently in the Rules of Operation) a good two and a half hours before most other central markets in Australia! Why are we so different?

HOW EARLY IS TOO EARLY?

With the new location comes a flood of other problems more than likely not anticipated in the planning stages. Logistics seem to be at the epicenter with the Melbourne traffic making life difficult for retailers leaving the

issue 30 dec 2015

UNDER THE MICROSCOPE

MARKET HOURS

It has been debated, it has been surveyed and it has been cross exam-ined, but the problem has still not been solved. Melbourne Market trading hours. Are they sustainable? Are they functional? Are they relevant in todays world and as we move into 2016 and beyond

Limited warehousing

More room to store/display produce in stores

Located within 4-5km to Melbourne

Uncongested freeway access for logistics

Longer trading hours on the floor into the morning

Old tired facility

Ample space for warehousing

Located 20km + from Melbourne

Limited room to store/display produce

Freeway congestion

Shorter trading hours on the floor

New updated clean facility

FOOTSCRAY ROAD Vs EPPING

5market. It is common knowledge now, four months in, that if you havent hit the road by 7am (at Epping) youre toast. After 7am the market is a ghost town.

HOW WILL THE 24/7 TREND EFFECT THE WHOLESALE MARKETS?

24/7 is the buzz word of the new millennium and has been creeping its way into our lives for a while now. It all started with the Seven Eleven chain in the eighties and has now gone viral with 24/7 petrol stations, gyms and supermarkets as we become a busier and busier society.

This is not surprising with the internet boom, where you can buy anything in the world, any time of the day and it makes sense businesses on the ground have to follow suit to remain competitive. But have we lost our sense of self and the ability to turn off the clock in our rush to the finish line?

The question is whether the market will ultimately become a 24/7 trading floor or are we going to dictate the hours of trade? Is there an actual requirement for fresh produce to be provided 24/7 or if we streamline our processes and do things a bit differently can we achieve a more realistic work/life balance?

WHAT ABOUT THE ALLEGED BLACK MARKET HOURS?

There is also the unwanted underground movement that is pushing hours earlier and earlier into the morning and previous night. The Melbourne Market Authority

(MMA) have systems in place to start addressing this and hopefully it will have a positive outcome, but in the meantime the following issues are occurring causing more sleepless nights for the community:

Retailers signed up under wholesaler access cards allowing carte blanche access

Trade taking place from warehouses Lack of market hours policing from

landlord

But there is no use pointing at any one particular group as it is the wholesal-ers who in fact allow the retailers early

IS THERE AN ACTUAL REQUIREMENT FOR FRESH PRODUCE TO BE PROVIDED 24/7 OR IF WE STREAMLINE OUR PROCESSES AND DO THINGS A BIT DIFFERENTLY CAN WE ACHIEVE A MORE REALISTIC WORK/LIFE BALANCE?

MELBOURNE MARKET HOURS Vs THE REST OF AUSTRALIA

BRISBANE WHOLESALE MARKET: 6am (7am Tue)

NEWCASTLE WHOLESALE MARKET: 5am

ADELAIDE WHOLESALE MARKET: 4.15am (Mon, Wed, Fri)

& 4.55am (Tue, Thu, Sat)

PERTH WHOLESALE MARKET: 6am

SYDNEY WHOLESALE MARKET: 6am

MELBOURNE WHOLESALE MARKET: 3.30am (Mon, Thu, Fri) & 4.30am (Tue & Wed)

Market hours based on Summer timetable

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6 issue 30 dec 2015

entry. If we want a solution to this issue we all need to be on the same page and have a desired outcome for the majority.

SUCCESSION PLANNING AND YOUNG TALENT IS THIS IMPORTANT TO YOUR BUSINESS?

We have seen many businesses con-solidate or close with the move to Ep-ping which has not been unexpected. In fact, it was a foreseen reality as we followed in the historical footsteps of relocation from the Queen Vic Mar-ket, as well as the price increases and changes that a new market brings.

However, there is also the concern that some businesses have closed because they have not had family to continue the line. Silk Bros is a classic example with three sons and none willing to work the market hours that are current-

ly in place (not to mention the current earlier pseudo hours!). Generations Y & Z of today value their work/life balance and this is widely documented. It can be difficult to find and retain staff in a standard 9 to 5 workplace from this generation yet alone the required night hours that the market currently offers. Added to this is the fact that we are now losing young talent in the industry due to market hours who want to (and rightly so) spend more time with their growing families.

Without experience and passion com-ing up the line who is going to sell our fresh produce in the future?

REFINING BUSINESS PRACTICES

But it is not all doom and gloom in the hours debate. Hours could be reined in and issues addressed by making some simple yet effective changes to your business such as:

1. Clearer trading business hour bound-aries for buyers.

2. Streamlining processes to be more efficient such as store displays, point of sale software and methodical work practices.

3. Offering incentives for working within your business hour guidelines including specials if relevant.

4. Restructuring business models to align with the new market site and its constraints and opportunities.

WORK/LIFE BALANCE

In order to do this you need to ask some pertinent and honest questions about your current work/life balance appetite such as:

Is a work/life balance important to you and your business?

How do the current (and pseudo) market hours affect your quality of life and the flow on effect with your family and networks?

Is family time and social/sporting ac-tivities important?

Can you employ more reliable hard-working staff to pick up the early morn-ings or not?

2. THE SOLUTION:

The market hours are currently on a slippery slope to a 24/7 model how-ever it is up to the market community as a whole to band together and fight for a work/life balance if that is some-thing that is important to you. At the moment Melbourne is the only central market with early hours and has been for decades will we move in line with our counterpart market models in other States and open later in the morning or will we continue to wake up with the owls and risk our work/life balance?

The MMA confirmed that they would readdress market hours twelve months after moving to Epping. Lets take a front foot on this issue and answer these curly questions and hopefully this time, be at the solution end of the problem before government tell us what to do once again.

WITHOUT EXPERIENCE AND PASSION COMING UP THE LINE WHO IS GOING TO SELL OUR FRESH PRODUCE IN THE FUTURE?

For the opportunity for your voice to be heard regarding market hours please email [email protected] to provide feedback, address any of these questions or be part of a further discussion group.

7DEMANDS HAVE ALSO ARISEN FROM A MUCH SHORTER (OR LONGER/EARLIER DEPENDING ON WHICH LENS YOU ARE LOOKING THROUGH) TRADING TIME. ALTHOUGH THE MARKET TRADING HOURS RANGE FROM

3.30 - 4.30AM MONDAY TO FRIDAY, BUYERS ARE PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES AND MAKING TRANSACTIONS WITH WHOLESALERS EARLIER AND EARLIER IN SOME CASES 11PM THE PREVIOUS NIGHT!

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8

He will be well remembered as the Manager of Star Fruit and his tireless work in banana promotions. In his later years he worked for Fresh State as the Banana Liaison Officer working closely with Tony Nigro.

John quickly became known as Banana Jack which was a fitting tribute. Jack was very passionate about the banana industry remembers Tony. He was very widely known, and highly regard-ed because of his manner and ability to communicate with all involved in the banana industry.

Jack started out as a retailer before moving to the Melbourne Market as a wholesaler in a banana business. The Banana Growers Federation (BGF),

bought the business Jack was working in, to complement their already established banana whole-saling business (Star Fruit).

Mick Sgro worked with Jack at Star Fruit and says Jack was the nicest person he has ever worked for. He was always caring and helpful to the growers even those not sending him any fruit, he said. Anything to do with bananas, Jack was always at the forefront and made a lot of friends over the years. They put him on every committee they could because he was always fair and never put his business first but spoke on behalf of the industry.

Mick ended up working with Jack for ten years before eventually buying the business from BGF. I have never forgot-ten how Jack treated people. He would say we are not the only ones selling bananas, so be nice to your customers. I adopted that philosophy and passed it onto my staff, continues Mick.

Jack retired from wholesaling but his skills were soon made use of by the Melbourne banana wholesalers, with the Victorian Chamber (now known as Fresh State) creating the position of Banana Liaison Officer to take full advantage of Jacks vast knowledge and expertise in the industry.

Jack was also a long time member of the Market Diners Group and President up until a few years ago when he had to retire due to health reasons. Jack absolutely loved the dining experience with his colleagues, remembers Tony.

Banana Jack will be missed by the whole industry Australia-wide, but his trademark name and reputation will remain for a long time to come.

issue 30 dec 2015

VALEBANANA JACKJohn McNish affectionately known as Banana Jack sadly passed away on the 28 October aged 86 years. He was a valued member of the market community and a Life Member of the Victorian Chamber of Fresh Produce Wholesalers (now known as Fresh State).

JACK WAS VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT THE BANANA INDUSTRY HE WAS ALWAYS FAIR AND NEVER PUT HIS BUSINESS FIRST BUT SPOKE ON BEHALF OF THE INDUSTRY.

When Jack left the Market the Market never left Jack.

Mick Sgro, Tina Turner impersonator and Banana Jack enjoying the banana promotions.

9Epping Plaza Hotel Cnr High & Cooper Streets, Epping Ph: (03) 9408 9309 www.eppingplazahotel.com.au

BANANA JACK

save the date(s)

2016 FebruaryCHINESE NEW YEARS D

AY:

MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2016

Year of the Monkey! For people born in the

Year of the Monkey (1920, 1932, 1944, 1956,

1968, 1980, 1992, 2004 ).

2016 is considered an auspicious year.

Monkeys are witty, intelligent and have

a magnetic personality.

AprilMELBOURNE MARKET CHARITY GOLF DAY: FRIDAY 15 APRIL 2016

Taking place at the Heidelberg Golf Club the Melbourne Market Charity Golf Day is a market tradition with all funds raised donated to Debra Australia www.debra.org.au. For more information, to sponsor a hole or to register a team of four, go to www.freshstate.com.au or contact Sally Piper at Fresh State on 03 9408 6627.

MayFRESH CO

NNECTIONS

TUESDAY 17 - THU

RSDAY 19 MAY 201

6

Brisbane Convention

& Exhibition Centre

The fresh produce ind

ustrys annual

conference and trade

show.

For more informatio

n log onto

www.pmafreshcon

nections.com.au

ADVERTISEMENT

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10 issue 30 dec 2015

Members of Fresh Markets Australia (FMA) operate and/or are chambers within the six Central Wholesale Markets Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Melbourne (Fresh State), Adelaide and Perth.

Each year, through these Central Markets, more than 400 FMA member wholesalers on-sell fresh produce from more than 90% of Australias commercial fruit and vegetable growing establishments.

A TOUGH BUSINESS

While fruit and vegetable wholesaling is a significant contributor to the Australian economy, it is a tough business.

The Regulatory Impact Statement commissioned by the Federal Government prior to the Horticultural Code of Conducts introduction, reported findings from ABS data that the profit margins of the fruit and vegetable wholesale sector (4%) were lower than the average profit margins in the economy (6.5%).

It also reported that wholesalers profit margins were lower on average than that obtained by the retail sector (4.5%).

Despite these sobering statistics, the Mandatory Horticulture Code of Conduct was introduced and has added layers of bureaucracy to wholesalers operations and increased the costs of running their businesses.

MULTI BILLION DOLLAR INDUSTRY

The economic contribution of the Central Markets directly and indirectly is enormous.

The Central Markets and the food related industries they support, turnover a staggering $28 billion every year and provide employ-ment for about 175,000 people.

On their own, the six Central Markets turn-over $7 billion a year (at wholesale prices). They are also significant employment hubs with more than 17,500 people employed directly or working on-site to buy fresh pro-duce every day.

Across Australia, more than 2,700 indepen-dent fruit and vegetable retailers and 18,700 food service businesses (IBIS World, 2015) di-rectly or indirectly rely on Central Markets for

their fresh fruit and vegetables. These figures do not include the economic and employ-ment benefits of product supplied by Cen-tral Market wholesalers to retail chains, food processors and exporters.

Part two in the next edition of the Fresh State of Affairs Magazine will explore the Horticultural Code of Conduct in depth and why wholesalers want wholesale changes under the review.

CENTRAL WHOLESALE MARKETS ESSENTIAL TO SUPPLY CHAIN

FAST FACTS:1. FMA WHOLESALERS

ON-SELL FROM 90% OF AUSTRALIAS GROWERS.

2. THE SIX CENTRAL MARKETS TURNOVER $7 BILLION ANNUALLY (WHOLESALE PRICES) AND EMPLOY 17,500 PEOPLE ON-SITE.

3. THE SIX CENTRAL MARKETS SUPPORT F&V RETAILERS AND FOOD SERVICE BUSINESSES.

4. MORE THAN 50% OF ALL FRESH PRODUCE CONSUMED IN AUSTRALIA IS HANDLED BY A MARKET WHOLESALER.

Without properly functioning Central Wholesale Markets, Australias fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain would collapse. This is especially poignant in the month of December the busiest season in the Central Wholesale Markets calendar.

Fresh State is a member of FMA, advocating on behalf of its members regarding industry issues. For more information on FMA or the current status of the Horticultural Code of Conduct go to: www.freshmarkets.com.au

MEMBERS OF FRESH MARKETS AUSTRALIA (FMA) OPERATE AND/OR ARE CHAMBERS WITHIN THE SIX CENTRAL WHOLESALE MARKETS BRISBANE, NEWCASTLE, SYDNEY, MELBOURNE (FRESH STATE), ADELAIDE AND PERTH.

THIS IS THE FIRST ARTICLE IN A TWO PART SERIES ON THE HORTICULTURE CODE OF CONDUCT WHICH IS CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW.

11

Melbourne Market Wholesaler Young Sang have launched their new brand Brella Fields together

with their new state of the art greenhouse built in North Gregory, south of Bundaberg.

The $3 million polyethylene roofed structure is currently growing its first crop of Roma tomatoes together with specialty tomato varieties and capsicum.

The greenhouse is the first of its kind in Australia showcasing a retractable roof that can take advantage of the best of Australias weather conditions as well as mitigate risk.

It will use 70% less pesticide and save 70% on water while using an integrated pest management system. says Daniel Scavo, General Manager at Young Sang.

It is an exciting time in our business and could be a game changer in terms of supply in the fresh produce industry. Daniel is keen for all wholesalers to join together and grow

under glass to increase the quality of produce and lift the price per kilo. If the technology becomes standard there will be less seconds.

The 4.3 hectare greenhouse will be an umbrella providing natural soil and the growing conditions the plant needs says Young Sang.

Seasons Greetings from the Ferrinda Fresh team

FerindaFresh_half2.indd 1 27/11/2015 1:25 pm

www.perfection.com.au

WISHING EVERYONE A

HAPPY HOLIDAY AND PROSPEROUS

NEW YEAR.

PerfectionFresh_half_2015.indd 1 23/11/2015 10:18 am

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from our family to yoursMerry Christmas

All of us at Sheren Electrics would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support throughout the year and wish you and

yours a very Merry Christmas, and best wishes for 2015










All of us at Sheren Electrics would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support throughuot the year and wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas, and best wishes for 2016.

Sheren_half_2015.indd 1 19/11/2015 3:02 pm

Thank you to our custome

rs for your business throug

hout the year.

We wish the Melbourne

Markets Community

a very safe and happy fes

tive season.

Brescia_half_2015.indd 1 27/11/2015 12:18 pm

Seasons Greetings from the Ferrinda Fresh team

FerindaFresh_half2.indd 1 27/11/2015 1:25 pm

www.perfection.com.au

WISHING EVERYONE A

HAPPY HOLIDAY AND PROSPEROUS

NEW YEAR.

PerfectionFresh_half_2015.indd 1 23/11/2015 10:18 am

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The team at MMCS wish you all a joyous and festive season

Open Monday to Friday between 6am and 2pm for your convenience, excluding public holidays.

Located at Store 36 in the heart of the Melbourne Market, Epping T: 9408 6627 F: 8405 3746 W: melbmcs.com.au

MMCS half.indd 1 30/11/2015 9:45 pm

FRESH MAX

half page

Wishing everyone in the Epping Market a very Happy Christmas

Fresh Max half.indd 1 26/11/2015 1:14 pm

Wishing you health and happiness. Merry Christmas.

LOUIS MELBOURNE

Louis Melbourne half.indd 1 1/12/2015 3:08 pm

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Wishing our customers, suppliers and the market

community a merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year.

Ho Ho Ho

ProduceTime_half_2015.indd 1 20/11/2015 12:22 pm

Wishing everyone in the Epping Market a very Happy Christmas

Fresh Max half.indd 1 26/11/2015 1:14 pm

Wishing you health and happiness. Merry Christmas.

LOUIS MELBOURNE

Louis Melbourne half.indd 1 1/12/2015 3:08 pm

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Trevor, Ray, Scott, Russ & Teddy would like to wish all the Fresh State members a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Thank you for your ongoing support and we look forward to assisting and servicing you in the new market in 2016.

Ph: 9689 9422

TMH_full.indd 1 26/11/2015 10:26 am

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Seasons Greetings to all our customers and growers

KellyCitrus_half_2015.indd 1 24/11/2015 10:04 am

Our Market Lions Club has been a beacon of assistance for thousands of needy over the past 40 years. The Club thanks the ever-generous market community for its constant support and wishes you all the joyous experience of family reunions over the Festive Season.

Lions club half.indd 1 24/11/2015 1:55 pm

Trevor, Ray, Scott, Russ & Teddy would like to wish all the Fresh State members a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Thank you for your ongoing support and we look forward to assisting and servicing you in the new market in 2016.

Ph: 9689 9422

TMH_full.indd 1 26/11/2015 10:26 am

17

Fresh Cut Processors 1/4

Best wishes to the market community for Christmas and the New Year

Biodynamic_half_2015.indd 1 26/11/2015 1:21 pm

to our customers and colleagues at the Melbourne Market

FreshCutProcessors_qtr.indd 1 26/11/2015 2:07 pm

Call 9686 0688

melbourneinsurancebrokers.com.au

Sandi FulcherOffice Manager

Mark PerreePrincipal

We will be closed from 24th December and will reopen

on the 4th January.

MIB_quarter_2015.indd 1 26/11/2015 2:10 pm

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Rocco, John and all the boys at Latorres would like to thank their customers for their continued support

and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and

happy new year.

Latorres half.indd 1 26/11/2015 1:32 pm

ALL THE BEST FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON

SEASONSGREETINGS

Opaljade_half_2015.indd 1 20/11/2015 12:08 pm

Best wishes to the market community for Christmas and the New Year

Biodynamic_half_2015.indd 1 26/11/2015 1:21 pm

Call 9686 0688

melbourneinsurancebrokers.com.au

Sandi FulcherOffice Manager

Mark PerreePrincipal

We will be closed from 24th December and will reopen

on the 4th January.

MIB_quarter_2015.indd 1 26/11/2015 2:10 pm

19

melon

onion

potato

pumpkin

garlic

ginger

Vince Brancantisano0419 582 039

Mark Brancantisano0418 338 757

Stores 307-310 Melbourne Markets, 542 Footscray Road, West Melbourne 3011 T: 03 9687 6449 F: 03 9689 7134 E:[email protected]

Dom Brancantisano0417598733

Vince Brancatisano0419 582 039

Mark Brancatisano0418 338 757

Dom Brancatisano0417 598 733

PrestigeProduce_full4.indd 1 30/11/2015 9:32 pm

20

To all our valued customers, wishing you all a happy Christmas and a safe new year.

VB Sculli half.indd 1 9/12/2015 2:17 pm

Gramco 1/4

We wish you a Christmas full of joy and a prosperous New Year

GRAMCO_qtr.indd 1 26/11/2015 2:04 pm

Seasons Greetings from the fresh team at Oakville Produce

20151119_FreshState_Oakville_qtr.indd 1 27/11/2015 1:48 pm

melon

onion

potato

pumpkin

garlic

ginger

Vince Brancantisano0419 582 039

Mark Brancantisano0418 338 757

Stores 307-310 Melbourne Markets, 542 Footscray Road, West Melbourne 3011 T: 03 9687 6449 F: 03 9689 7134 E:[email protected]

Dom Brancantisano0417598733

Vince Brancatisano0419 582 039

Mark Brancatisano0418 338 757

Dom Brancatisano0417 598 733

PrestigeProduce_full4.indd 1 30/11/2015 9:32 pm

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www.costagroup.com.au

Management and staff at Costa Farms would like to thank you for your valued custom. We take this opportunity to wish you and your families a

Merry Christmas and a happy, safe and prosperous New Year.

PIEDIMONTESL I C E N S E D S U P E R M A R K E T S

NORTH FITZROY37-49 BEST STREET

TELEPHONE 9481 1600FAX ORDERS 9482 2117

TRADING HOURS Mon-Sun 7.30 am to 9.00 pm TRADING HOURS Mon-Sun 8.00 am to 9.00 pm

PASCOE VALE366 BELL STREET

TELEPHONE 9354 7257 FAX ORDERS 9350 2810

WE SERVE TO SERVE AGAIN*Meat * Service Delicatessen * Liquor

*Produce *Bakery Kodak DigitalPhoto Centre

North Fitzroy Store Only

TattsLottoAgency

Pascoe Vale Store Only

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to the

whole market community

Piedemonte half.indd 1 26/11/2015 1:26 pm

22

Tripod 1/2

www.costagroup.com.au

Management and staff at Costa Farms would like to thank you for your valued custom. We take this opportunity to wish you and your families a

Merry Christmas and a happy, safe and prosperous New Year.

PIEDIMONTESL I C E N S E D S U P E R M A R K E T S

NORTH FITZROY37-49 BEST STREET

TELEPHONE 9481 1600FAX ORDERS 9482 2117

TRADING HOURS Mon-Sun 7.30 am to 9.00 pm TRADING HOURS Mon-Sun 8.00 am to 9.00 pm

PASCOE VALE366 BELL STREET

TELEPHONE 9354 7257 FAX ORDERS 9350 2810

WE SERVE TO SERVE AGAIN*Meat * Service Delicatessen * Liquor

*Produce *Bakery Kodak DigitalPhoto Centre

North Fitzroy Store Only

TattsLottoAgency

Pascoe Vale Store Only

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to the

whole market community

Piedemonte half.indd 1 26/11/2015 1:26 pm

M E R R Y CH R I S T M A S

TripodFarmers_half_2015.indd 1 26/11/2015 1:29 pm

Wishing you and your families a Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.From the team at Premier Fruits Group.

PFG half.indd 1 26/11/2015 2:01 pm

23

Mildura Fresh 1/2

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Mildura Fresh half.indd 1 9/12/2015 2:12 pm

Thanking you all for your loyalty and

support over the years. We wish you and your

loved ones a joyous festive season and

keep safe while enjoying your holidays.

Bruno, Giulio & Connie

BUON NATALE

Roda fruits half.indd 1 26/11/2015 12:27 pm

24

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Mildura Fresh half.indd 1 9/12/2015 2:12 pm

Thanking you all for your loyalty and

support over the years. We wish you and your

loved ones a joyous festive season and

keep safe while enjoying your holidays.

Bruno, Giulio & Connie

BUON NATALE

Roda fruits half.indd 1 26/11/2015 12:27 pm

MERRY CHRISTMAS

FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS

Store 113, Warehouse 4/3 Melbourne Market Epping VIC 3076 www.tenfarms.com.au

Ten Farms half.indd 1 9/12/2015 2:10 pm

to all our valued customersMe

rry Christmas

Veli qtr_2.indd 1 2/12/2015 12:30 pm

Seasons Greetings

Medici qtr.indd 1 27/11/2015 12:27 pm

25

The team at Coolibah Herbs wish the Melbourne Market Community a Merry Christmas

CoolibahHerbs_half_2015.indd 1 9/12/2015 2:14 pm

Merry Christmas from

Joe, Rocky and Mark and all the ASD boys

ASD_half_2015.indd 1 20/11/2015 12:17 pm

27

Thank you to all our retailers and growers for supporting us in 2015.

Looking forward to bigger and better things in 2016!

AMV_half.indd 1 19/11/2015 1:51 pm

VFS Produce wish our customers and the market community a very Merry Christmas

VFS Produce half.indd 1 2/12/2015 11:55 am

Merry

Christmas

To all our valued customers & suppliers

Flavorite_half_2015_final.indd 1 25/11/2015 10:40 am

Wishing everyone a joyful Christmas,

and a prosperous New Year

FreshBerry_half_2015.indd 1 25/11/2015 10:43 am

28

Thank you to all our retailers and growers for supporting us in 2015.

Looking forward to bigger and better things in 2016!

AMV_half.indd 1 19/11/2015 1:51 pm

VFS Produce wish our customers and the market community a very Merry Christmas

VFS Produce half.indd 1 2/12/2015 11:55 am

Merry

Christmas

To all our valued customers & suppliers

Flavorite_half_2015_final.indd 1 25/11/2015 10:40 am

Wishing everyone a joyful Christmas,

and a prosperous New Year

FreshBerry_half_2015.indd 1 25/11/2015 10:43 am

29

Fresh State

wish the market

community

a safe and happy

holiday season

freshstate.com.au

Open Monday to Friday between 6am and 2pm for your convenience,

excluding public holidays.

Store 36, Melbourne Market35 Produce Drive Epping VIC 3076

T: 9408 6627 | F: 8401 3690 | W: freshstate.com.au

FreshState_full_2015.indd 1 30/11/2015 10:01 pm

30

Fresh State

wish the market

community

a safe and happy

holiday season

freshstate.com.au

Open Monday to Friday between 6am and 2pm for your convenience,

excluding public holidays.

Store 36, Melbourne Market35 Produce Drive Epping VIC 3076

T: 9408 6627 | F: 8401 3690 | W: freshstate.com.au

FreshState_full_2015.indd 1 30/11/2015 10:01 pm

Where

the mo

ney you

spend co

mes back to benefit you

GAS STATION

GAS STATION

GAS STATION

GAS STATION

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

FILL UP YOUR FORKS AT THE FRESH STATE GAS STATION AND SUPPORT YOUR INDUSTRY

4 Competitive prices4 Industry service4 Easily accessible

4 Friendly operators4 Open 24/74 Card or Cash accepted*

FRESH STATE GAS STATION Market Box 36, Melbourne Market

Adjacent to Southern Truck Loading Zone Badalya Road Epping VIC 3076

T: 03 9408 6627 F: 03 9408 5463 W: freshstate.com.au

* Cash service open from 3am to 9am Monday to Friday

FS_GasStation 3.indd 1 27/11/2015 1:43 pm

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1. Cherries A Christmas favourite that once again tops the list this Christmas.

2. Berries Fresh State veteran Alan Dykes says berries are by far the most popular berry lines always go crazy.

3. Avocado Robert at Kelly Citrus shares many wholesalers opinion that the avocado is the most popular produce at Christmas.

4. Mangoes Mangoes are fast becoming the must have item for Christmas day with a wide variety now in season.

5. Fresh dates Try our Plum Pudding recipe! A popular item on the market floor, fresh dates give this plum pudding the winning edge.

6. Sweet Potato The reds taste like sweet chestnut and the gold like pumpkin. They are becoming more and more popular in the Christmas roast, E & R Produce.

7. Bean shoots No matter how many bean shoots we get in, we sell them all at Christmas time! says Ray at Fresh Cut Processors.

8. Beans Beans are a Christmas specialty and the demand triples Stephen Wirtz from Anguey.

issue 30 dec 2015

TOP 10 CHRISTMAS

PRODUCE

1. Chop raisins and dates into small pieces. Mix with sultanas, currants, mixed peel, rum and brandy. Set aside for as little or as long as you like. I let the fruit soak for a week or two, giving it a shake every now and then.

2. Sift flour and then rub in butter until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

3. Add fruit mixture, along with brown sugar, breadcrumbs, lemon rind, nutmeg and salt.

4. Beat eggs lightly with milk and add to the mixture and mix well.

5. Spoon into well greased 2 litre pudding basin (I use my late Nanna Joyces pudding basin, which is very dear to my heart). Cover top of pudding with foil, then place the lid on top, securing it with string if required.

6. Place pudding into a large saucepan, on top of an upturned saucer. Fill saucepan until water comes half way up the pudding basin.

7. Bring to the boil, then simmer for five hours. Place a very loose lid over the saucepan to prevent evaporation. Check the pudding every 30 minutes or so and top up water if required.

8. Once steamed, allow the pudding to cool down in the saucepan.

9. Keep in the fridge for weeks, until you are ready to serve.

10. Serve with brandy custard and/or thick cream.

Thank you to Pauline Budge, a regular FSA Maga-zine subscriber, for providing this recipe. Please forward your favourite tried and tested fresh produce recipe to [email protected]

Prepare this pudding a week or two before Christmas. Grab the fresh dates and lemon from your favourite wholesaler or local greengrocer and enjoy the fruits of your hard work on Christmas Day!INGREDIENTS

METHOD

PAULIS PLUM PUDDING

250 g sultanas 250 g raisins 250 g currants 125 g mixed peel 125 g fresh dates

1/4 cup brandy 1/4 cup rum 1 cup plain flour 60 g butter 1 cup brown sugar

2 cups fresh breadcrumbs

1 tablespoon grated lemon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt 3 free range eggs 1/2 cup milk

1.

2.

3.

We conducted a vox pop on the market floor to find out the most popular produce at Christmas time and these are our results

9. Watermelon This is the perfect fruit on a hot Summers day and rolls out the door at Christmas, Frank Bugge, Big Valley Produce.

10. Mushrooms A favourite all year round, swiss flats and exotics as are a treat at Christmas and are popular with consumers.

PIctures from left to right:

1. Robert at Kelly Citrus

2. Karl & Michael from E&R Produce

3. Stephen Wirtz, Anguey

4. Frank Bugge from Big Valley Produce

33

4.

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A popular and well respected face in the market community, Connie has served on the Fresh State Board for ten years, and now manages her time between the office at Roda Fruits, and minding her three Grandchildren.

WORKS:At Roda Fruits and as a Roda Home Economist.

SUBURB WHERE I LIVE:Essendon.

MOST OF MY DAY IS SPENT:As the Home Economist in the office with cup in hand.

THE FOOTBALL TEAM I BARRACK FOR IS:

Melbourne.

MY FAVOURITE MELBOURNE MARKET MOMENT IS:Setting up our new office at the Epping Market.

THE QUALITY I RESPECT MOST IN AN EMPLOYEE IS:Honesty, punctuality and communication.

AS I HAVE GROWN OLDER I HAVE LEARNT:Wealth is my health take life one day at a time.

IF I DESCRIBED MY BUSINESS TO A STRANGER I WOULD SAY:

We supply high quality fruit and vegetables to our customers and our suppliers do the same with us.

IN MY SPARE TIME I ENJOY:Walking, gardening, football, spending time and having coffee with family and friends.

MY FIRST JOB WAS:As a milliner at Ultra Hats in Exhibition Street, Melbourne.

MY FONDEST MEMORY IS:Going on a cruise overseas with my mother when I was 21. We visited Argentina, Rio, Italy and Switzerland.

THE ASPECT OF MY JOB I IIKE THE MOST IS:Travelling catching up with suppliers and sometimes one or two hours shopping and of course coffee!!

THE THING I DISLIKE THE MOST IS:Lying, dishonesty and people taking advantage of your good nature.

I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT:Leading a healthy lifestyle you are the only one that can do that!

WHEN I WAS A CHILD I WANTED TO BE:A hairdresser to the stars!

THE PLACE IN THE WORLD I WOULD MOST LIKE TO GO IS:Tonga Island in the South Pacific Ocean and Alabama, USA.

THE THING A LOT OF PEOPLE DONT KNOW ABOUT ME IS:I was filmed by Sam Newman in Street Talk on the Footy Show on Puckle Street, Moonee Ponds!

MY FAVOURITE FRUIT OR VEGETABLE IS:Pumpkin, because you dont have a roast without it!

Connie Roda has worked in the fresh produce industry for the last 28 years and has impressive credentials having been involved as a grower, retailer, wholesaler and Fresh State Board member during this time.Connie was born in Sicily and moved to Australia with her family when she was two.

Connie came from a strict Italian Catholic family and in those days it was common for marriages to be ar-ranged by the family. After some close calls, fate intervened and Connie was able to choose her own destiny, meet-ing Bruno at the age of 23 years while selling tickets at a picture theatre in Ascot Vale.

They married and opened up a fruit shop in Strathmore with Connie

working in the shop doing everything from front of sales to back of store and everything in between.

They then decided on a change and moved to a farm at Swan Hill, growing stonefruit and grapes. We were on the farm for five and half years says Connie. Bruno would bring down the fruit to the market and I would help out as much as I could, picking stone fruit and hanging off fruit trees as well as raising our two girls.

In 1987 they returned to Melbourne and went straight into the market at Footscray Road. Bruno bought a cage store before eventually transitioning to the growers floor trading as Roda Fruits. Meanwhile, Connie used her Swan Hill connections and started in the market working as a book keeper with Sang Goon and then Pignataro Bros.

Connie became a popular and well re-spected face in the market community

and was asked to join the Fresh State Board in 1996. She served on the Board for ten years during the Melbourne Markets Credit Service roll out and the commencement of the relocation to Epping.

Connie loves her sport especially her AFL football. She has been heavily involved in the Melbourne Football Club organising catering and fundrais-ing events over many years. She has worked with the greats of the game including Ron Barassi, Jim Stynes, Garry Lyon, and is still involved in the club, sponsoring a player and going to the games religiously.

Life at the new Epping Market sees Roda Fruits Pty Ltd now owning a store on the Buyers Walk and a warehouse, with Connie managing the office in between looking after her three grand-children that are the apple of her eye Isabella, Rocco and Jesse.

CONNIE RODAQ&A:

35

Propertylink Warehousing Businesses Warehouse 1 to 4 September 2015

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Bayford Volkswagen Epping 350 Cooper Street, Epping LMCT8954 Tel. 9409 9000 Email. [email protected]

Your Volkswagen Partner

Market employee discounts available Fully equipped workshop with factory trained technicians Loan vehicles available, including vans & utes - Booking Required On-site finance Full range of Commercial Vehicles available Specialist Commercial Vehicle consultants

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fresh state of affairs issue 30

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