This Week in the Market – 29 October 2019

Market News

Drug and alcohol testing to commence in the Melbourne Market

As communicated in previous editions of the e-news, Market users will soon be subject to random drug and alcohol testing in the Market.

Market users were given the opportunity last week to ask MMA management any questions they may have at a pop-up consultation desk. If you still have questions about drug and alcohol testing, you’ll find a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the MMA website.

When individuals are affected by drugs or alcohol, it can influence their fitness for work and can be a contributing factor in workplace incidents and injuries.
We all have a duty of care to provide a safe working environment for ourselves, our fellow employees and every Market user, and we ask for your support on this vital safety issue.

A Better Choice Victorian committee

The MMA and Fresh State are working together on the A Better Choice program, and we are now looking for two existing A Better Choice retailers to join a Victorian committee.

This committee will have input and make decisions concerning both directional and financial aspects of the A Better Choice campaign and will represent all Victorian retail members of the program.

The two retailers who join the committee will work closely with the Melbourne Market Authority and Fresh State and provide input from a retailer’s perspective to help ensure the overall success of A Better Choice.

It is a requirement that the retailers expressing an interest in joining the committee, are already members of the program, and have a good understanding of marketing with a particular focus on digital marketing.

If you are interested in joining the committee, please submit your expression of interest by Thursday 31 October to submissions@melbournemarket.com.au including your name, business name, contact details and a brief outline of why you are interested in joining the committee.

A Better Choice Feedback

Do you have feedback or questions about the A Better Choice program and how it benefits the entire supply chain?
Feel free to send an email to abetterchoice@melbournemarket.com.au.

Weekly words of wisdom

Our visit to Watts Fresh

Last week David Whitchelo and Lauren Kitchener from the MMA, along with Rahul Salvi from Art and Style travelled to Kyneton to visit retailer Dean Lamb at his re-developed store, Watts Fresh.
Watts Fresh has been a feature in Kyneton since 1944, but when an opportunity came up for Dean and his wife Sheryl to purchase an unused car yard just up the street, they saw the potential to redevelop the site and jumped at the chance to move the business to a larger location.
Watt’s Fresh moved to its new home just over two weeks ago and now boasts a deli, in-house kitchen, juice bar and cafe. The ample space has also provided room for seating for customers as well as toilets and baby-change, so locals can do their shopping and stick around for a snack and coffee. The large car park is also a bonus of the new site with room for about 15 cars, and during our visit, the car park was always full.

New electronic speed sign

A new electronic speed sign has been installed on Badalya Road by the forklift crossover between the Fruit and Vegetable Market and warehouses 5 and 6.
The speed limit for the forklift crossover is 20km/h, and this sign will indicate to drivers when they are travelling too fast.

Full site emergency evacuation drill

On Monday 18 November at approximately 10:00 am, we will be conducting one of our twice-yearly full site emergency evacuation drills.
The drill will evacuate all tenants on Market land, including all administration building tenants, Buyers’ walk tenants, warehouse tenants, visitors, and subcontractors on site.
Upon hearing the site evacuation tones, everyone will need to follow site evacuation procedures and follow the directions of Market Relations Officers.
The drill should take approximately 15-20 minutes.
We look forward to your participation.

Support Men’s Health – Join our Melbourne Market Mo’s team

Get on board today! Click here to set up your profile and join the Melbourne Market Mo’s team.

Each week during Movember, we will be focusing on a different men’s health issue while we watch all the market moustaches progress.

The event is supporting a serious issue, but we can all get involved in some fun, particularly at the conclusion of the month where we will judge the best moustaches at a Market-wide fundraising BBQ.

Melbourne Cup Public Holiday

The Market will be closed on Tuesday 5 November for Melbourne Cup public holiday.
If your parking permit only allows access on a day that falls on a public holiday, and you would like to come to the Market on an alternative adjacent day, you will not be charged for parking and can enter the Market. However, your regular bay may not be available. Please see a Market Relations Officer on arrival for instruction.

Industry News

Sustainability sells for Millennials

Millennials now account for almost one-third of the dollars spent in the Australian economy. This generation has quickly become the new powerhouse driving both the Australian economy and grocery sector.  Millennials are more demanding and more likely to purchase products with organic cues, sustainability claims, and environmentally-friendly packaging.

When it comes to fresh produce, Nielsen research has uncovered four key trends driving growth: transparency, convenience, health, and snacking.
Read more on the Produce Plus website.

Plastic reduced as hort industry looks at compost wraps

Waste packaging could be reduced within the horticulture industry with the release of fully compostable shrink-wrap for cucumbers. The product has been developed in South Australia and is set to be launched on international markets.
Read more on the Good Fruit and Vegetable website.

Key Dates

• Melbourne Cup public holiday – Tuesday 5 November
• Emergency evacuation drill – Monday 18 November

Ask the MMA

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