This Week in the Market – 21 January 2020

Market News

Over $30,000 raised so far for Melbourne Market bushfire appeal

To support those who have been affected by the recent bushfire disaster, we have set up a bushfire appeal fund, to allow the Market community to come together with a combined donation.

To kick off the appeal, the MMA and Fresh State have pledged $10,000 each.
With donations already rolling in from across the Market, the combined total is currently at $32,050.

Please visit melbournemarkets.com.au/Melbourne-market-bushfire-appeal if you would like to contribute.

Chinese New Year Celebrations

January 25, 2020, will mark the start of the Chinese year of the rat.
To celebrate Chinese New Year, the Chinese Lion and dancers will be coming through the Market on Thursday 23 January from 4 am – 6 am.
For those businesses wanting a blessing during the dance, please email submissions@melbournemarket.com.au and be sure to have your offering for the dragon ready on the day!

TV commercial now live

The first TV commercials in Victoria promoting A Better Choice retailers and the supply chain associated with the Melbourne Market are now live.
If you’re a tennis fan, you will see the series of four ads playing on Channel 9 throughout the Australian Open tennis tournament.
Below is an extended version of the ad for the Market community – check it out and you may see some familiar faces.

Drug and alcohol testing

During 2019 random drug and alcohol testing was rolled out in the Melbourne Market for the first time, which will now continue on an ongoing basis.

Alcohol breathalyser installed at Gate 1 security office

As part of the induction process, persons without an access card, wishing to enter the Melbourne Market, are required to undertake an alcohol breath test.

A person must return a zero-alcohol reading before being able to enter the Market. This includes contractors, visitors and truck drivers without an access card. This process also applies to those Market users who have forgotten their access card and require temporary entry access through the gate 1 security office.
The MMA will not take any disciplinary action for positive alcohol readings taken at the gate 1 security office breathalyser; apart from refusing access to the Market.

You can read more about drug and alcohol testing on the Melbourne Market website.

Australia Day BBQ

To celebrate Australia Day, the MMA is hosting a sausage sizzle for the Market community on Friday 24 January.
This year during the BBQ, we will be collecting gold coin donations to go towards the Melbourne Market bushfire appeal.
Representatives from the Charity Golf Day Committee will also be onsite selling raffle tickets to support DEBRA Australia. 
Make sure to head to Loading Bay North from 5:30 am where you’ll find David Whitchelo and the team personally cooking your breakfast!

We’re looking for multi-generational retailers

Are you a multi-generational retailer?
We’ve got an exciting project happening in the Market which will celebrate retailers and we would love to hear from you!
Click here to email us your details, and we will be in touch!

Golf day registrations now open

On Friday 13 March the annual Melbourne Market Charity Golf Day will run with funds raised going to DEBRA Australia, who support people living with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a rare disease where the skin blisters and peels at the slightest touch.
Registrations are now open, book your team before 1 February and receive two free drink cards per player.
Visit the Fresh State website to secure your spot on the course today.

Can’t make it to the event, but want to support a great cause?
The team from DEBRA Australia will be selling raffle tickets at the Australia Day BBQ this Friday.

Fire Warden training – DATE CHANGED

Business principals can nominate themselves or a representative from their business to attend a fire warden training course, free of charge.
Those who attend the training will gain the skills needed to be a fire warden for their business in the event of an emergency.
When: Wednesday 12 February, 5.30 – 6.00 am
Where: Conference Room, Ground Floor, Administration Building
Cost: Free of charge

Industry News

Veggie makeover: Changing consumer perceptions to deliver growth

The notion of ‘eat your vegetables’ has been drummed into the minds of Australian families for generations. And it’s with good reason: we need vegetables in our diet to thrive. Yet, despite the incredible health benefits of vegetables, growers are yet to reach the full growth potential in consumption with many Australian households still falling short of the recommended dietary intake.
Results from consumer surveys commissioned by Hort Innovation and conducted by Nielsen over 21 waves of research between 2017 and 2019 has revealed that three key reasons are stopping Australians from buying more vegetables.
Click here to read more.

Export Fees and Charges

The Department of Agriculture is currently consulting with industry of its intention to revise and increase the costs charged to exporters of horticultural products.
AUSVEG will make formal representations and submissions to the Department of Agriculture on behalf of the vegetable industry.
Click here to read more and have your say.

Key Dates

• Thursday 23 January – Chinese New Year Market celebration
• Friday 24 January – Australia Day celebration BBQ
• Monday 27 January – Australia Day Public Holiday MARKET CLOSED

Ask the MMA

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