This Week in the Market – 11 December 2018

– Tell us what you think
– Zero tolerance to violence
– The fresh five talks to Gabrielle Cutri

Market News

Tell us what you think

Every year the MMA distribute the Market satisfaction survey to get feedback and insights on how we’re going, what’s working, what can be improved and how we can assist your business. The data collected is used to improve the operations, facilities and opportunities for businesses at the Melbourne Market.
Keep an eye out on email and SMS this week where you will receive a link to complete the short survey.
As a bonus, the first 65 people to complete the survey will receive a $15 voucher to use at participating Market cafes!

Zero tolerance to violence

We all deserve to work in a safe environment and make it home in one piece, and this includes not subjected to violence. The MMA have a zero-tolerance approach when it comes to aggression and violence at the Market. Recently a number of Market users have had their access cards suspended for engaging in violent altercations and we remind you that any repeat offenders will be permanently banned from the Market.
We thank you for making the Market a safe and enjoyable place for everyone to work.

Fresh Five

This week we talk to Gabrielle Cutri from AMV Fresh.
1. Your role at the Melbourne Market: 
I’m the manager as well as salesperson at AMV Fresh. I’ve worked at the Melbourne Market for four years now, beforehand I was a retailer at Queen Vic Market.  Going from being a retailer to a wholesaler works out well because now as a wholesaler I know what the retailer wants.
2. If you could only take three fruits or vegetables with you to a desert island, which would you take:
Lemon, if I catch a fish, passion-fruit because I’m a passionate fella and watermelon in case there’s no water.
3. When was the last time you bought flowers for someone (or had them bought for you):
Do I have to answer that..? I like to buy flowers three or four times a year for lovely ladies.
4. Tell us something that is on your ‘bucket list’:
Travel the world again, I love Europe.
5. What do you most enjoy about working at the Melbourne Market:
The people, the interaction, it’s a social event, it’s not just selling fruit. Every day is a different day.

New members joining everyday

A Better Choice has created quite a buzz throughout the industry, with over 100 retailers around the country, registering to be part of the largest marketing program to drive consumers to buy from their local greengrocer. The support by Victorian retailers has been strong, as the industry has been crying out for a marketing program to support local businesses.
The program has been subsidised by the MMA for 2018-2019 to allow retailers to join without financial risk.

Giveaways – your customers can win 

A Better Choice is giving its members the opportunity to have an in-store back-to-school giveaway. This January your customers will have the chance to win one of 10 complimentary MarketFresh Schools program sessions.  That’s right!  When your customers spend $15 or more in store they can go into the draw to win.

The MarketFresh Schools program is a fantastic way to create a relationship with your local school and educate students of the importance of fresh fruit and veggies as well as understanding the journey from paddock to plate.  Plus, the locals will appreciate your business supporting their school.

A Better Choice will provide all members with entry forms, boxes and material to promote this offer in store and online. 10 entries will be drawn at random.

Join today to ensure you can participate in this great back-to-school promotion.

Get your staff qualified with a certificate in greengrocery

Get your staff qualified and make sure they are up to date on all the latest industry know-how by having them enrol in a Certificate II or III in Greengrocery. The Certificate II and III in Greengrocery is the first of its kind that finally gives those in the fresh produce industry a recognised qualification.
The next class intake is commencing in early February, so now is the time to find out more information and get ready to enrol!Contact the School of Food, Plant and Animal Industries at Melbourne Polytechnic on 9269 8926 who can answer all your questions.

Save the date – PropertyLink warden training

On Wednesday 30 January fire warden training will be held for PropertyLink warehouse tenants from 6:30 – 7:30 AM in the conference room in the administration building.
The session is designed to provide wardens with an understanding of how to carry out their duties in compliance with Australian standards and regulations.
It is a mandatory requirement that someone from each PropertyLink warehouse tenancy attend the session.
For more information contact Liam Sullivan on 0401 445 689 or email Liam.Sullivan@cbre.com.au

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!

Weekend trading during Christmas/New Year

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

Industry News

WarraGold pumpkin now selling at Market

The WarraGold pumpkin is a new variety of pumpkin exclusive to LaManna Premier Group. Grown in Far North Queensland the WarraGold is healthy, super sweet, easy to peel and has a smaller seed cavity, meaning its more convenient and has less waste.
The new pumpkin variety was launched at the Market last week, it was served as roast pumpkin and pumpkin soup, and by all accounts it was delicious!

Kaufland to take on Australian retailers

German discount grocery chain Kaufland has lodged plans for six ‘megastores’ in Victoria.
Newspapers say initial plans reveal the six stores have a combined space of 4,000m2, which is almost double that of competing supermarkets in the area.
If Kaufland is given the go-ahead, building will begin as early as next year in Victoria’s Chimside Park, Dandenong, Epping, Oakleigh South, Coolaroo and Mornington, The Daily Mail said.
Kaufland reportedly said it wants to create a “village-like atmosphere” in these areas by sub-letting out the retail space that surrounds the new stores to cafes, sushi shops, restaurants and dry cleaners.
Read more on the Produce Plus website.

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.