This Week In The Market – 30 March 2021
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| In this week’s Market News: – Farewell, Joe and Tony Mecca – Easter Trading Hours – Focus on forklift safety Market News Farewell, Joe and Tony Mecca After 28 years at the helm of Mecca Bros Fruit City, brothers Joe and Tony Mecca handed over the keys to their business to its new owners on Friday last week. Before the boys finished up, David Whitchelo and Lauren Kitchener from the MMA made a surprise visit to the retail store to wish them well, thank them for their commitment and hear them reflect on their time in the industry. When asked what they’ll most miss about visiting the market each day, both agreed it’s the people. “There’s a real sense of community in this place, and the people make it what it is,” said Joe. While there’s no doubt the brothers will miss running the business and coming to the market after 28 years, they’re both looking forward to spending quality time with their families, and funnily enough, even each other. “We’re looking forward to a few quiet lunches at the pub together,” said Tony, a luxury they’ve never been able to experience with the demands of running the business. During his 28 years in the industry, Tony has been involved in several Market initiatives and committees. Tony was a director of the credit service and part of VFM Limited. He also leaves a vacant spot on the retailers’ advisory committee, where recently he took on an active role in helping create the Certificate III in Greengrocery. Tony has also been a keen supporter of the national retailer program ‘A better choice!’ with Mecca Bros. being one of the first stores merchandised. While it’s goodbye, for now, the brothers both believe the produce industry hasn’t seen the last of either of them, as Tony said, “when one door closes, another one opens”. The MMA and market community wish Joe and Tony all the best and thank them for their many years of commitment and service to the industry. We hope to see them in the market again when they embark on their next adventure.  Pictured above: Tony and Joe Mecca and David Whitchelo Easter Trading Hours The Market will be closed on public holidays during the Easter period as follows:  Thursday 1 April – regular trading hours Friday 2 April, Good Friday – market closed Saturday 3 April, Easter Saturday – Flower Market to remain open Monday 5 April, Easter Monday – market closed Tuesday 6 April – regular trading hours If your parking permit only allows access on a day that falls on one of the public holidays, 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, please note, your regular bay may not be available. Please see a Market Relations Officer on arrival for instruction. Focus on forklift safety While forklifts are essential for work at the market, when they are not being used safely, they have the potential to cause serious injury and even death. Remember…   Don’t forget to tell your customers about the Shop & Win campaign! With the Shop & Win campaign underway, now is the time to share the message to your customers that they can win prizes by shopping at their local greengrocer. To help you share the message, we have included a couple of social posts and example texts for you to post across your social media accounts. Click on the images below to download the pictures. All entries made within each month are valid until the final prize draw for that month, so don’t forget to incentivise your customers with every purchase they make. Suggested caption: If you haven’t, then what are you doing? Be rewarded for shopping local- enter each time you shop with us! See @abetterchoiceaus for more details Suggested caption: The more you enter, the more chances you have of winning, it’s that simple! Every entry lasts for the whole month giving you as many chances as possible to rewarded for shopping local! Get ready for Easter with these Eggtastic recipes! Need an excuse to indulge in eggs early? Our new Coconut Easter Egg Cocktail is an eggcellent excuse! If you’ve got a bit of a sweet tooth you do not want to miss this. Click here to view the recipe! Carrot cake, in an energy ball? We aren’t kidding! Relish in the taste of carrot cake nostalgia while reaping the benefits of a nutritious, energising snack. Click here to view the recipe! A Better Choice feedback Do you have feedback or questions about the A Better Choice program? We’d love to hear from you, send an email to abetterchoice@melbournemarket.com.au. The Fiat Ducato has long been the class leader in loading capability and payload, but the New Ducato just made a good thing better. You can now option a 9 Speed Automatic Gearbox to be paired to your 2.3l Turbo Diesel engine, letting you take full advantage of 450Nm of torque. Not only can you get more cargo there in one run, but also do it safer than ever with a suite of new features. Standard safety features include Lane Departure Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking and Reverse Camera. For ultimate peace of mind, you can upgrade to include Blind Spot Assist, Rear Cross Path Detection, Dusk and Rain sensors and Traffic Sign Recognition. To learn more visit fiat.com.au/ducato This is an advertisement. To find out how you can advertise here contact us at marketing@melbournemarket.com.au Daylight Saving Time Ends  Industry News Harvest to Home COVID-19 trends  As part of the Hort Innovation-funded Harvest to Home project, global information and measurement company Nielsen has produced a comprehensive wrap-up of the trends on the fresh produce industry following the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. AUSVEG presents a summary of the report. Click here to read the report. Farmer groups get access to $20,000 grants to share new ag technology  AgriFutures Australia invests in research, leadership, innovation and learning to support industries that don’t have their own research and development function as well as new and emerging industries. Eligible groups can obtain grants of up to $20,000 to deliver a bespoke technology uptake program. To find out more click here. Melbourne Market Job Board  Do you have a vacancy to fill in your business? Email submissions@melbournemarket.com.au for the position to be placed on our online job board. Looking for a new role? Check out the online job board via the button below. View full online job board Ask the MMA If you’ve got a question for the MMA email it to: submissions@melbournemarket.com.au. Follow us  |
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