Meet your advisory committee members
Over the coming weeks, we will be profiling each of our advisory committee members for you to get to know a little more about them.
This week we spoke to Tony Mecca, from the Retailers Advisory Committee.
Your role at the Market:
I’m a third-generation greengrocer. I own Mecca Brothers in Fitzroy North with my brother Joe.
What do you think are important issues for the industry and Market itself?
I believe that Market hours are the least important issue here – nobody should interfere between a buyer and a seller. A buyer and seller should be able to conduct their business as they see fit. We accept that fresh produce doesn’t happen in the middle of the day because of the nature of selection, transport, storage and loading into stores – it is what it is!
I think our biggest issue at the Market is credit, as in the use of credit and the relevance of the credit service to buyers. If everyone paid their bills in a timely manner, the place would run a lot smoother.
I also believe the MMA should always be looking at initiatives to save Market users money so the industry can be more competitive at street level.
What are you positive about for the future?
The industry is changing, and we have more products available than ever before – from produce to other food offerings and packaging; new people are working in the industry, different generations, different nationalities and cultures.
We need to continue to show innovation and respect. I’d really like to see think-tanks take place with innovative people where we can drive change for the benefit of the entire Market community and industry.
Why did you want to be a member of the advisory committee?
I generally don’t say no to many things, and I like to get involved, I encourage my children to do the same – get involved and help out in areas they’re passionate about. I strongly believe that by getting together and sharing ideas, we can all have a better understanding of what goes on and find better solutions to issues that affect us all.
What’s something most people wouldn’t know about you?
Frank Pompei is my favourite brother-in-law!
Advisory committees work with the MMA to advise on matters relating to Market operations and the fresh produce industry, and committee members are a great source of information and advice for Market users. To find out who all the members of the advisory committees are, please visit the MMA website. |