This Week in the Market – 4 November 2018

– Diesel station works begin
– Increase to pallet dumping fine
– Weekend trading during Christmas/New Year period

Market News

Diesel station works begin!

Work began yesterday on the new unmanned diesel station with temporary fencing delivered to the site, which is situated near gate 2. Construction will progress throughout December and January with the station expected to open to its first customers early in the new year.
It’s an exciting project and will be a great addition to the Market, allowing you to fill up before during or after trade, meaning less unnecessary stops during your day.

Increase to pallet dumping fine

Pallets are a necessary tool that are used by just about all fruit and vegetable traders and buyers at the Market. The MMA provide pallet cages at various locations throughout the Market where you can pick-up and return plain pallets free of charge. For those doing the right thing this is a great resource, however the instances of pallets being left in the carpark and common areas has increased significantly in the last few months. The penalty for those found to be leaving pallets illegally in the Market will increase from $50 to $150 (and $9.75 for each pallet thereafter) effectively immediately.
Pallet cages have been painted bright yellow, so they can be easily spotted, if your nearest pallet cage (pictured) is full, there are three large pallet re-use sites at loading North, South and West that are always available for pallet drop-off.
We thank you for your cooperation, if you have any questions please see a Market relations officer or call 9258 6123.

Tour group at the Market today

This morning you may spot various groups of people being taken through the Market on tours. The delegates are all members of Melbourne’s North Food Group which is made up of food, beverage and fibre manufacturers and businesses across northern Melbourne.
The tour is an opportunity for food manufacturers in the local area to see the Market first-hand.
If you would like to learn more about Melbourne’s North Food Group, or to become a member yourself, go to melbournesnorthfoodgroup.com.au

Weekend trading during Christmas/New Year

They don’t call it ‘the silly season’ for nothing, Christmas is a busy time of year for everyone, and there will be a need for some buyers to purchase and pick-up stock over the weekends during the Christmas/New Year period. With this in mind, all buyers will have access to the Market on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd December as well as Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th December for the collection of pre-orders.
It is important to remember the buyers’ walk will be closed, as it is not a trading day, but access to stores is available from the rear. If you want to take advantage of picking up produce over the weekends during the Christmas/New Year period, individual arrangements must be made between buyers and sellers.
The Market will be open on regular days and hours through the holiday period, (Monday – Friday, 3:30am – 7:30am) except for public holidays, when the Market is closed.
Tuesday 25 December – Market Closed
Wednesday 26 December – Market Closed
Tuesday 1 January – Market Closed

Fresh Five

This week we talk to Frankie Piccolo.
1. Your role at the Melbourne Market: 
I’m at D & J Fruits at Store 112, I do a bit of everything, sell, get orders ready; I’ve been working in the Market for 17 years. We sell a range of seasonal fruit and then all year round you’ll find citrus, avocados and tomatoes at our store.
2. If you could only take three fruits or vegetables with you to a desert island, which would you take:
Strawberries, avocado and pineapple, just because they’re my favourites.
3. When was the last time you bought flowers for someone (or had them bought for you):
I couldn’t remember to be honest, I think I may have bought them for my wife about 15 years ago when we first started going out – she told me not to buy them again, easy.
4. Tell us something that is on your ‘bucket list’:
I’m actually doing it next year, I’m going to South America, to Machu Picchu.
5. What do you most enjoy about working at the Melbourne Market:
Probably the general atmosphere and the banter between everyone. I’m never really angry about coming to work or the job, I always enjoy the job.

Updated fees

On 1 January each year, general Market fees, including access cards and parking, increase by a fixed 4 per cent.
Click here to view the updated schedule of fees, as of 1 January 2019.
Store leases and warehouse leases increase 31 August or the anniversary of the lease term annually.

A message from Foodbank Victoria

The last day for Market donations in 2018 will be Friday 14 December.
We look forward to returning to the Market on Monday 7 January 2019.
We’d like to extend a warm thanks to the Market community who generously supported us in 2018.
We wish you all a safe and enjoyable break and see you in the New Year!

Industry News

Incoming changes to air freight security begin 1 March 2019

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) intends to introduce new security procedures for air cargo from 1 March 2019, where 100 per cent piece-level examination will apply regardless of destination.
Click here to read more.

Australian veggie exports on the rise

In further exporting news, grower body AUSVEG announced last week that the Australian vegetable industry continues on its growth path towards an ambitious goal of hitting $315 million in exports by 2020, with markets in the Middle East and Asia driving returns.
Overseas fresh vegetable shipments rose by 3% in 2017-18 to reach $262.4 million, while volume was up 9% at 208,000 metric tons.
Strong trading conditions in key export markets, increased demand for Australian-grown vegetables and increased activities and investment in securing the exporting capabilities of growers are highlighted as drivers for the growth.
Click here to read more.

Key Dates

Tuesday 25 December – Christmas Day Market Closed
Wednesday 26 December – Boxing Day Market Closed
Tuesday 1 January – New Year’s Day Market Closed

Ask the MMA

If you’ve got a question for the MMA email it to submissions@melbournemarket.com.au.