This Week in the Market – 21 November 2023

Anti-social behaviour within the Melbourne Market is harmful to the individuals involved and the businesses they work for or frequent. The ripple effect from racist, sexist or discriminatory comments and violent and threatening behaviour can lead to the following:

– Decline in buyers attending the market
– Businesses struggle to employ and retain quality staff
– Family businesses reluctant to bring family members into their business
– Legal consequences – no longer being able to trade at the market

Nobody deserves to come to work in an environment where they are subject to any form of anti-social behaviour. The language you use and your negative interactions can have a lasting impact on individuals and your business or workplace. Being more conscious of your words and actions can help lead to a more inclusive market with positive working relationships, benefiting everyone’s business in the market.

Let’s work together to ensure the Melbourne Market is an inclusive, respectful and welcoming environment where everyone feels safe and is treated with respect.

If you or someone you know has experienced unacceptable behaviour such as racism, sexism, discrimination, harassment, violence or bullying, you can seek support and make a report via email to strongertogether@melbournemarket.com.au or by telephone 0448 413 098.

The Melbourne Market, including the Flower Market, will be closed on public holidays during the Christmas – New Year period.

To accommodate buying demand during the busy festive season, buyers will be able to access the site to collect orders that have been pre-arranged. It is important to remember the Buyers’ Walk, Trading Floor, and Flower Market will be closed, as these are not mandatory trading days. Some wholesalers, growers and warehouse tenants may allow access to their premises for buyers who have made individual arrangements to collect produce.

Devastating bushfires in Australia have become an all too familiar headline over recent years, and with the Bureau of Meteorology predicting one of Australia’s hottest summers, it is time to start thinking of fire safety.

Just like any other risk within your business, it’s important to prepare for the possibility of a bushfire in your region to ensure the safety of your property, your staff, and of course, your home, family and animals.

AUSVEG have collated some important fire safety information and tips about the horticulture industry, which will help you prepare yourself and your business for the upcoming fire season.

We encourage everyone to read more here.

The four Market Advisory Committees are scheduled to meet on Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th of November. In the lead-up to these meetings, you can ask your advisory committee members to raise questions or ideas with the MMA.

Advisory committees work with the Melbourne Market Authority to advise on Market operations and the fresh produce industry matters. Committee members are a great source of information and advice for Market users. To find out who the members of the advisory committees are, please visit the MMA website.

A better choice! have partnered with Aussie Apples to help promote Aussie Apples in your store. Sampling sessions are being held, and merchandise is being provided to stores to help promote Aussie Apples.

Just for participating, your store will go in the draw to win 1 of 5 $1000 Visa debit cards. Find out how you can enter by clicking the image.

If you would like to participate in the promotion, please email abetterchoice@melbournemarket.com.au.

Australian Macadamias have partnered with A better choice! to help encourage Aussie shoppers to purchase more Macadamias. A better choice! merchandisers have been visiting stores to provide merchandise and POS collateral with posters and recipe cards to encourage more shoppers to choose Australian Macadamias in-store.

Winners will be announced on 30 November. Click the image for full terms and conditions.