World market operators set to converge on Melbourne this October

11 September 2017

Australian markets are set to shine when they host the World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM) Congress from 23 to 27 October 2017.

This event – rarely held outside of Europe and for the first time hosted in Melbourne – will see market operators from around the world converge on Melbourne to explore the notion and impact of market modernisation.

The successful bid by the Melbourne Market Authority (MMA), Queen Victoria Market and Sydney Markets will put the new wholesale Melbourne Market at Epping and its world class infrastructure, as well as the $250 million renewal of the iconic Queen Victoria Market, on show. The Paddy’s Market and Flemington Market experience is also on the global agenda.

“The markets are an important gateway for Australian grown produce. With globalisation and digitalisation, the landscape of wholesale and retail markets is changing.  Markets around the world are looking to how they can maximise their relevance for their customers in the best possible way,” says Peter Tuohey, Chairman of the MMA.

The WUWM Congress is held every two years and attracts around 300 overseas and local delegates from the fresh produce industry.  With its unique host partnership, this year’s congress has opened its doors to include retail market operators.

The event will host a strong line-up of local and international speakers exploring key issues including the changing retail landscape, infrastructure renewal or redevelopment, the digital revolution’s impact on the customer experience and customer expectations, sustainability challenges and solutions, as well as leadership through rapidly changing times.

The congress will include technical visits to see the inner workings of the Melbourne Market and Queen Victoria Market. Delegates are also able to spend the last day of the congress exploring Sydney’s Flemington (wholesale) and Paddy’s Market (retail), thus being immersed in the Australian market life.

For more information on the congress program and speaker profiles, visit www.wuwmcongress.org.

Media Contact

Hannah Jonkers

Communications Advisor, Melbourne Market Authority

E: hannah.jonkers@melbournemarket.com.au

P: 03 9258 6188