This Week in the Market – 23 June 2020

– Victoria experiencing Coronavirus spike
– Dom Dimattina awarded OAM
– Rapid roller doors being installed on the trading floor

Market News

Latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) information

With Victoria experiencing a recent spike in COVID-19 cases it is essential that we remain vigilant to help stop the spread of the virus.
Temperature screening at Gate 1 entry will continue over the coming weeks. Any decision on changing the temperature screening process will be based on the latest advice from health and government experts.
While temperature screening is a great tool to prevent anyone with an existing fever entering the Market, it does not mean we are free from risk, with reports of some COVID-19 infected individuals displaying no symptoms at all.
This means we all must continue to play our part in preventing the spread of the virus
– Wash and sanitise hands regularly
– Do not shake hands or hug other Market users
– Keep a distance of 1.5 metres between yourself and others wherever possible
– If you are feeling unwell in anyway, stay home, do not attend the Market for work or to purchase produce.
Detailed information regarding the Coronavirus and its continuing impacts on Market operations can be found on our website at www.melbournemarket.com.au/melbourne-market-coronavirus-covid-19-response/.

Dom Dimatinna awarded Order of Australia Medal in Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Congratulations to Dom Dimattina who was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in the recent Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Dom was given the prestigious award for “service to the community of Melbourne through a range of roles.”
Dom Dimattina has spent his career within the wholesale fruit and vegetable industry and is well known in the industry for his philanthropy work.
Dom, together with his friend Pat Lamanna, founded the Lions Club of the Melbourne Markets back in 1972. Dom was not only the inaugural president of the club but took on the role again in 2009, where he is still president.
As well as his work with the Lions Club, Dom was a founder of Fresh State where he was the inaugural president from 1975-77. He has been a supporter and volunteer of Fareshare and was the Wholesale representative for the Market Trust from 1978-80 (Now the MMA).
Through his tireless efforts and work within the Lions Club, Dom has raised vast amounts of funds for many worthwhile recipients and charities.
The Melbourne Market Community congratulates Dom on this very deserving award, and we offer our sincere thanks for all you have done in representing the Market community.

A Better Choice is getting ready to launch a new marketing campaign next week, “Shop Local to Veg in this Winter!”.
The campaign will promote winter vegetables found at your local greengrocer, inspiring people to use in-season produce to cook delicious meals at home.

Throughout July and August advertisements will be rolled out throughout Australia on radio and social media. There will also be point of sale materials and recipe cards available for you to use in-store to complement the campaign.
Make sure to jump on board with the “Shop Local to Veg in this Winter” message.

Substantial money raised for FightMND

We’re happy to report that 583 beanies were sold to Market users, raising vital funds for the FightMND campaign. A total of $11,660 was raised through the sale of the beanies with and additional $300 raised in donations.
It shows yet again the enormous generosity of the Melbourne Market community, thank you to everyone who contributed.
Find out more about how you can support Fight MND by visiting https://fightmnd.org.au/.

Rapid roller doors to be installed on the trading floor

As part of the breezeway upgrade project, which will make the area between the trading floor and flower market a pedestrian safe area, rapid roller doors will be installed at the entrance to the trading floor.
The installation of the three large-scale rapid roller doors will take place sometime in early July.
The project will significantly enhance safety in that area of the Market, and we look forward to sharing more information about the installation next week.

Produce Plus launches new app

Produce Plus have released a brand new mobile app, now available on a 14-day free trial on the Apple app store and Google play store.
The winter edition of the Produce Plus magazine can be read via the app, which also features the latest news from the Australian and New Zealand produce industry.
Take advantage of the 14-day free trial by clicking the links below to download the new Produce Plus mobile app.
Produce Plus App (Apple)
Produce Plus App (Google Play)

Children in the Market cancelled

While COVID-19 restrictions are still in place, the ‘Children in the Market‘ event will be cancelled these upcoming July school holidays.
Access to the Market continues to be limited to those only carrying out essential core operations, and we ask that all Market businesses only invite any visitors on-site that are here for business-critical needs.

Industry News

Increase of export fees and charges postponed

Late last year, the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) had proposed 1 July 2020 to introduce increased export certification costs for the horticulture industry.
However, the implementation has now been shelved and the current charges for phytosanitary certificates, audits and inspections will remain unchanged.
Read more on the AUSVEG website.

The times they are a-changing: how Coronavirus has changed the world

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed most aspects of our lives – how we live, how we work and how we interact with our friends and family.
But what has been made abundantly clear is the essential nature of the agriculture industry – particularly those who supply fresh vegetables.
The ongoing pandemic has caused a seismic shift in the domestic supply chain, with the true extent of the impact becoming clearer the longer the pandemic lasts.
Click here to read how the industry responded to the pandemic’s impacts to supply chain, exports, wholesale markets, labour, the food service sector, processors, access to fertiliser and much more.

Ask the MMA

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