This Week in the Market – 17 March 2020

– Update regarding Coronavirus
– Golf day a success
– Strong demand for fruit and veg

Market News

Update regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has now been declared a global pandemic.
The MMA is closely monitoring advice from Australian Government Departments and the World Health Organisation to provide you with up-to-date information concerning your work or business at the Melbourne Market.
Yesterday the MMA released a Market-wide communication outlining the current advice for Market users and businesses. The communication included the latest information on access to the Market as well as what you can do to help stop the spread of the virus.
Click here to read the communication in full.
The critical piece of advice for Market users is, if you are feeling unwell, you should stay at home and seek medical advice. We ask that you do not attend the Market for work, or to purchase produce, if you are feeling unwell in any way.

Children in the Market cancelled

The Melbourne Market Authority has decided to cancel the ‘Children in the Market’ days these upcoming school holidays.
For the health and safety of Market users, and their children, it is in all our interests to limit non-essential people in the Market.

Charity Golf Day another success

Another Melbourne Market Charity Golf Day has been a huge success with great weather, a bundle of funds raised, and an enjoyable day had by all.
The team from Prestige Produce took home the trophy for overall golf winners on the day, but there were many other winners with various golf competitions played, like ‘longest drive’ and ‘nearest to the pin’ as well as the major prize raffle.
Once calculated, the golf committee will be able to announce the final figure raised for DEBRA Australia.
Thank you to all Market users who supported the cause by buying raffle tickets or attending on the day.

Vale Stan Bonney 28/3/1928 – 16/3/2020

The MMA and Melbourne Market community offer condolences to the family of Stan Bonney who passed away yesterday at the age of 91. While Stan had not had contact with the Market for some years, he spent his working life involved in the industry.
Click here to read a tribute written by Stan’s daughter about his life working in the produce industry.

Australia Post delay

If you used the red Australia Post box located at the front of the Melbourne Market admin building, between 14 February and 6 March, your mail might have been delayed.
Australia Post failed to collect any mail from the post box for approximately three weeks.
After noticing mail was not being collected, the MMA notified Australia Post of their oversight.
The issue has now been fixed, and mail from the red post box is being collected daily. The MMA will continue to monitor to ensure mail is picked up each day.

Are your hands as clean as they could be?

Industry News

Coronavirus pandemic driving strong demand for local fruit and vegetables

As humanity’s most pressing health crisis plays out across the globe, Australian consumers appear to be rushing to boost their immunity with locally grown vegetables.
Read more on ABC News.

Coronavirus is causing panic buying, but what does that mean for Australia’s food security?

Empty supermarket shelves have become a common sight in the past few weeks since coronavirus sparked widespread panic buying.
After initial limits on toilet paper and hand sanitiser purchases, major retail chains have started to impose restrictions on purchases of some foodstuffs including pasta and rice.
Retailers have suggested the current level of stockpiling is potentially unprecedented in Australia’s history.
One of Australia’s national strengths is that it is a major food producer, and much of what we eat is homegrown.
About two-thirds of Australia’s produce is exported, meaning we make plenty more than we consume.
Read more on ABC News.

Ask the MMA

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