This Week in the Market – 11 September 2018

Edition 196: ‘A Better Choice’ set for launch

In this week’s Market News:

– ‘A Better Choice’ set for roll out
– Learn more about Melbourne’s North Food Group
– Indonesia boost for Australian Exporters

Market News

Packing up fruit and veg stands after trade

At the end of trade each morning when stand holders head home to get some well-deserved rest, the next group of people start work at the Market, our cleaners.
Having a clean Market is essential for business and the trading floor cannot be effectively cleaned unless it is completely empty.
All produce and pallets must be removed from the trading floor by no later than 9:00am each morning. Those stand licence holders who do not comply risk incurring associated removal and disposal costs.
Thank you for helping us provide a cleaner Market for everyone, if you have any queries, please speak to customer service or a market relations officer.

A Better Choice

The new national retailer program designed to encourage consumers to shop for fresh produce at their local greengrocer is being rolled out next week across Victoria.
Officially launched at Hort Connections, ‘A Better Choice’ aims to unite the fruit and vegetable industry and buy back consumer loyalty.
You will soon see two new smiling faces on the billboard advertising the program as you drive through gate 1.
Keep an eye out for more information over the coming weeks on how to participate and visit www.abetterchoice.com.au for a sneak peek.

Melbourne’s North Food Group launches

Thursday night saw the official launch of Melbourne’s North Food Group (MNFG) hosted here at the Melbourne Market. MNFG is an active and dynamic industry group, delivered by NORTH Link, that represents food, beverage and fibre businesses across northern Melbourne. Thursday night’s launch was attended by a range of people from state MPs and local council officials to food and beverage manufacturers and suppliers.
What’s in it for Melbourne Market businesses?
The purpose of MNFG is to elevate the local industry and help businesses improve productivity, competitiveness and opportunities. They do this by providing access to business reviews, group buying, best practice systems, export advice, training, trade shows/missions and more. Advocacy is also key to their role and they work to influence senior decision makers and government policy in the best interests of partners and industry. To learn more about MNFG and to become a member visit melbournesnorthfoodgroup.com.au

Market Fresh Schools Program

Last year the MarketFresh schools program reached 12,694 students across Victoria but we are always wanting to educate more children on the health benefits of fresh produce. Has the MarketFresh Schools program visited your son or daughter’s school lately? Imagine how proud your kids will be when they can tell their mates that the fresh fruit and vegetable samples came from Mum’s/Dad’s/Pop’s work at the Melbourne Market. Make sure to tell the relevant teachers at school to Google ‘Market Fresh Schools Program’ to book a visit and thank you to all our generous businesses who donate produce to the program.

Children in the Market

During the upcoming school holidays, you’ll have the opportunity to bring your children to spend a day at the Market on either, Wednesday 26 September and/or Thursday 27 September. It is essential that you register each child attending prior to the event.
Registrations will close on Tuesday 25 September and are limited to the first 100 registered children.
Download the registration form here, then complete and return to the Customer Service Centre as soon as possible.
Contact the MMA on 9258 6100 for more information.

Public Holiday closure

The Market will be closed on Friday 28 September for the AFL Grand Final eve public holiday.
Market trading hours before and after the public holiday will remain unchanged.
Dreaming of finals glory from days gone past? The AFL has an interactive webpage where you can relive some of the best finals highlights.

Emergency warning system test

Tomorrow, on Wednesday 12 September, the emergency warning and intercommunication system will be tested during trading hours. The test is being carried out whilst the Market is open so volume levels can be assessed over normal trade noise. You will first hear an announcement alerting you that testing is about to occur. No action is required, however as the system is being tested in multiple locations it may be loud and cause a short period of disruption.

Worksafe visits

Worksafe Victoria have notified the MMA that they will be conducting ad-hoc site visits at the Melbourne Market. The first visit commenced last Tuesday, and random visits will run through to November. Click here for more information.

Industry News

NZ reopens to Aussie melons

In a year of generally bleak news for the industry, Aussie melon growers have had a win with the reopening of the export route to New Zealand.
New Zealand had essentially banned Australian cucurbit fruit from entering after detections of Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus (CGMMV) earlier last month. In a statement on 31 August, the Australian Melon Association said it had worked closely with the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) to negotiate a speedy resolution to meet New Zealand’s concerns about the CGMMV-status of Australian cucurbits.
New Zealand’s Ministry of Primary Industries confirmed that it is satisfied with Australia’s proposal to certify export consignments of cucurbit fruit as CGMMV free. Read more at goodfruitandvegetables.com.au

Indonesia boost for Australian exporters

Australian farmers and produce exporters will have tariffs reduced and be able to export more agricultural products to Indonesia, after the coalition government signed the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA). Key agricultural outcomes of the IA-CEPA include immediate tariff cuts on mandarins, potatoes and carrots as well as increased duty-free access for oranges and limes. Read further details about the agreement here.

Would you eat a buddha-shaped pear, or a heart-shaped watermelon?
Check out this unusual video where a company can grow fruits and vegetables in a range of weird and wacky sizes.