This Week in the Market – 10 March 2020

– Update regarding Coronavirus
– National radio campaign begins
– Last chance to join golf day

Market News

Update regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The situation regarding the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve in Australia and across the world.
The best way to prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) is to practice good hygiene; this includes:

• Frequent handwashing with soap and water
• Regular use of alcohol-based hand sanitiser
• Covering your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when coughing or sneezing (discarding tissue immediately), or coughing or sneezing into your elbow
• Wiping down shared equipment such as forklifts, phones or laptops with a sanitising wipe
• Avoiding contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness

It is recommended that if you are not feeling well, you should stay at home. This helps stop the spread of viruses and infections.

The MMA is in the process of rolling out several initiatives in response to COVID-19, including:

• Increased cleaning schedules around the Market
• Displaying signage reminding market users to wash their hands regularly and thoroughly
• In addition to the hand sanitiser dispensers already installed throughout the Market, additional units will be installed in bathrooms, meeting rooms and high pedestrian traffic areas

The MMA continues to monitor the World Health Organisation website and the Department of Health website for the most up to date information regarding COVID-19.

Are your hands as clean as they could be?

With the spread of Coronavirus, Governments and the World Health Organisation are continuing to remind people that the best way to help stop the spread of viruses is by regular handwashing.
But did you know to effectively kill any viruses on your hands, it will take more than a quick splash of water?
Washing your hands properly takes about as long as singing “Happy Birthday” twice.
The diagram below, released by the World Health Organisation, displays how to wash your hands effectively – so don’t look strangely at your workmate if you start to hear the hum of “Happy Birthday” at the wash sink next to you.

National radio campaign live

An Australia-wide, national marketing campaign is currently being rolled out across the country.
In Victoria, you’ll hear A Better Choice greengrocers promoted on major Melbourne radio stations.
The short promo is being played in the popular slot just after the news is read.
If you happen to catch the promo you’ll hear:

“Go to those who know, look for A Better Choice at your local greengrocer or independent supermarket for the best service, quality and expertise when it comes to fresh produce.”

The theme of the national campaign is an extension of the Victorian campaign, where TV commercials ran through January and February, on the 9 Network.

A Better Choice Feedback
Do you have feedback or questions about the A Better Choice program?
Feel free to send an email to abetterchoice@melbournemarket.com.au.

Last chance to join Golf Day

It’s your last chance to book your spot on the golf course at the Melbourne Market Charity Golf Day with tee off this Friday.
Funds raised from the day go toward supporting DEBRA Australia, helping individuals, families and carers affected by Epidermolysis Bullosa.
There are two types of tickets available.
1. Keen golfers can register a team of four and spend the day playing a round in the magnificent surrounds of Heidelberg golf course. Golf ticket prices also include dinner and entertainment, a show bag and the opportunity to play the round with a celebrity
2. If you’re still keen to support a great cause, eat a great meal and see some hilarious entertainment, then you can purchase a dinner-only ticket for just $50!.
Visit the Fresh State website to grab your tickets today

Back of stores free from pallets and waste

The MMA would like to thank storeholders for their work in keeping back of stores free from pallets and waste.
A few weeks ago the MMA advised storeholders that the excessive storage of pallets behind stores was causing an OHS issue and limited our ability to clean the area, potentially attracting rodents.
All stores have taken the feedback on board and have worked to keep these areas clean – we thank you for your cooperation.

Industry News

ABARES Outlook 2020 says work needed to keep hort exports up

There is work to be done if Australian nut and fruit exporters are to make the most of international opportunities in the medium term.
That’s one of the pieces of caution issued by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences’ (ABARES) March 2020 quarter Agricultural Commodities Outlook released last week.
Its overall forecast for the horticulture industry was for a 4 per cent increase in value, to $11.3 billion in the 2020-21 year.
But drought, water availability and access to international markets will be the major determining factors in reaching that figure.
Click here to read more.

Veg grown in space could take off

Astronauts and space tourists could soon enjoy fresh tomatoes, cabbage and, yes, even rocket that’s quite literally out of this world, after a new study found that the first-ever leafy vegetables grown in space were as tasty, safe and nutritious as anything produced back on terra firma.
Read more on the Produce Plus website

Key Dates

• Friday 13 March – Melbourne Market Charity Golf Day

Ask the MMA

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