This Week in the Market – 28 February 2023

– International Women’s Day
– International Chilli Day
– WorkSafe Vehicle Restraints

Market News

International Women’s Day shoutout

We look forward to celebrating International Women’s Day in the Market next Wednesday, 8 March.

As part of the day, we’d love to acknowledge and celebrate as many Melbourne Market women as possible.

Send a shoutout to the women you work with by submitting a few words about why they are great and what makes them as asset to our work environment by emailing submissions@melbournemarket.com.au.

Let’s fill the Market TV screens with positive messages about the women who help make our industry so great!

International Chilli Day – How hot can you handle?

Last Thursday, we celebrated International Chilli Day and put the Melbourne Market community to the test.

Five people took on the Carolina Reaper at a whopping 2.2 – 2.5 million on the Scoville scale!

Many people took on the other varieties, including the Padron, Jalapeno, Birds Eye and Habanero chillies.

Check out the video to see some hilarious reactions, and keep an eye out on our socials for part two!

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more content from the Market.

Restraints required on all market vehicles

WorkSafe Victoria advised that all market-approved vehicles must have an appropriate restraint/s fitted. This requirement applies to all electric vehicles, such as golf buggies, Taylor Dunns and forklifts, regardless of the year of manufacture.

Once restraints have been fitted to your vehicle, you must complete the full MMA vehicle registration process, this requires:

• The vehicle passing an MMA Vehicle Examination Checklist by an MMA-approved qualified repairer
  • Carts’n’Parts – 0423 724 548 or 0447 741 674
  • Damoli – 1300 326 654
• The vehicle must be registered with VicRoads
• Once you have completed both the VicRoads Registration and an MMA Vehicle Examination Checklist, these are required to be submitted along with your MMA Approved Forklift & Vehicles Registration Form,  in person to the MMA Customer Service Centre

Visit the MMA website to attain a Vehicle Registration Information Pack.

WorkSafe expects all market-approved vehicles to be fitted with appropriate restraints by 30 June 2023. For any queries regarding the restraint requirement, please contact WorkSafe Victoria on 1800 136 089.

International Women’s Day

A better choice! are wanting to celebrate and recognise women in local fruit and veg shops and feature them on our social media as part of International Women’s Day on Wednesday, 8 March.

We would love to share your story about how you’ve contributed to being a leader in your industry, please contact Zac to discuss more.

Vale David Bitmead

The MMA and Market community offer condolences to the family of David Bitmead, who sadly passed away last Friday, 24 February.

David was a valued employee of Mildura Fresh and a veteran of the Melbourne Market, with over 50 years in the industry. He will be greatly missed by his colleagues, customers and anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him.

Rest in Peace, David.

Trading Floor stand availability

Are you or someone you know looking to grow your stand presence for 2023?

The Melbourne Market has stand availability on the Fruit and Vegetable Trading Floor.

This is a fantastic opportunity for any small to medium Victorian growers.

To register your interest, please fill out the Stand Enquiry form, and a property team member will be in contact with you.

Annual PA System Testing

A staged progression plan for testing each zone has been arranged for Tuesday, 28 February, from 10am – 3pm. ‘Classical Elevator Music’ will be played through all speakers in each zone until a physical site walk-through has been completed.

The last zone to be tested will be the Buyers’ Walk, and to ensure minimal disruption to the Market community, music will only be played from 12pm onwards.

Premier Fresh Australia Sales Academy Program

Premier Fresh Australia (Premier) is excited to formally announce the launch of their newest development program, the ‘Sales Academy’.

Forming part of Premier’s enriching ‘Growing You’ program, the Sales Academy evolved from the need to grow and engage the next generation of talent who will continue to lead the sales success of Premier.

The program aims to engage prospective candidates by offering a hands-on development experience and the opportunity to be fully immersed in the Premier Trading division with the goal of becoming a high-performing Salesperson.

A selection of value adding support components intertwined throughout the program, will support individuals in building an all-encompassing skillset by giving them different avenues and platforms to learn.

If you are interested in submitting an expression of interest, Premier would love to hear from you! Please email careers@premierfresh.com.au with your resume, cover letter and any further queries.

Learn more about the ‘Growing You’ Sales Academy program here.

Industry News

Entries open for MOYA 2023

Now in its twelfth year, MOYA continues to recognise outstanding achievement in the field of marketing within the Australasian fresh produce and floral industries.

Previous MOYA winners include the ‘A better choice!’ marketing team for the ‘Shop & Win’ campaign (2021).

Self-nominations and nominations by third parties are welcome and must be received by 28 April 2023.

Click here to read more.

Global Market Overview: Pineapples

There has been an influx of pineapples hitting the Australian market late in the summer season, with consumers urged to buy up big to prevent crops from going to waste.

The nation’s pineapples are worth more than $45 million annually, with 100% of fresh pineapple supply coming directly from Australian growers.

Click here to read more.

Melbourne Market Job Board and Community Notices

Tenfarms

Tenfarms is seeking an administration person to join the team.

Working from 6am Monday to Friday, you will assist with all the necessary processes involved in managing customers and suppliers, as well as keeping accurate records and managing inventory.

Click here to view the full job ad.

Please submit your application to gm@tenfarms.com.au and let’s work together to bring fresh, healthy produce to our customers!

Ask the MMA

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