This Week in the Market – 7 July 2020

– Social distancing measures still in place
– Shop Local to Veg in this Winter
– Concrete repair works close forklift highway

Market News

Latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) information

With Victoria continuing to experience spikes in COVID-19 cases, particularly in the North and West of Melbourne, we must remain vigilant to help stop the spread of the virus.
We cannot afford to get ‘COVID-19 fatigue’ which could jeopardise the safety and usability of the Melbourne Market.
While we all want to get back to normal as soon as possible, social distancing practices must still be adhered to; we ask that you do not shake hands or hug your market colleagues.
Hand sanitiser units located throughout the Market are requiring less refilling of late, meaning these dispensers are not being used as often as they were at the beginning of the pandemic.  We encourage all Market users to use the hand sanitiser provided as regularly as possible.

Detailed information regarding the Coronavirus and its continuing impacts on Market operations can be found on our website at www.melbournemarket.com.au/melbourne-market-coronavirus-covid-19-response/.

The new “Shop Local to Veg in this Winter!” campaign is now live across Australia, promoting all the delicious winter vegetables found at your local greengrocer.

In Victoria, you’ll see and hear the campaign for yourself on metropolitan and regional radio stations, on social media and in-store as point-of-sale material at A Better Choice greengrocers.

Free point-of-sale merchandise is now available for A Better Choice retailers to collect from Art and Style, but hurry, stocks are limited. 

Get involved in this great campaign by trying a ‘Veg-in’ recipe for yourself.
We’re giving Melbourne Market users the chance to win a $100 visa card simply by cooking a delicious dinner.
All you have to do is try out one of the five new veg-in recipes for yourself at home, take a photo or video of your creation and post it to either your business or personal Facebook or Instagram account.
Remember to tag @abetterchoice, @melbournemarket and @freshstate so we can share your finished product.
Members of the A Better Choice team will judge the most delicious looking recipe to choose the winner.
Click below to decide which ‘Veg-in’ recipe you’ll cook.
Broccoli and Spinach Pasta
Potato Corn Chowder
Chinese Winter Soup
Cinnamon Baked Pears
Roasted Eggplant with Zucchini Salad and Tahini Yogurt

Free donuts and coffee!

If the thought of getting your public liability insurance renewal organised puts you to sleep, we have a sugar and caffeine incentive that might perk you up!

Members of the MMA property team will be set up outside the Customer Service Centre on Friday 17th and Tuesday 21st of July to collect each tenant’s public liability insurance renewal documents. Those who provide their updated certificates of currency on the day will receive free coffee and donuts!

Remember, your Public Liability of Insurance Certificate of Currency must reflect the following items:
– Insured name must be the name of the Tenant
– Minimum public liability coverage of $20 million for any single event
– The Melbourne Market, Cooper Street, Epping VIC 3076 noted as a situation of risk
– The Melbourne Market Authority and the State of Victoria noted as interested parties

If you have any questions about public liability insurance, please email property@melbournemarket.com.au

Concrete repair works

Essential concrete repair works will be undertaken on the forklift highway that runs directly behind the customer service centre on the Trading Floor (pictured).
The cross over will be barricaded and closed at each end between Friday 10 July and Sunday 26 July.
Forklift operators and electric buggy drivers who use this crossover will need to find an alternate route during this time. It also means that electric vehicles will not be able to drive between the Trading Floor and Buyers’ Walk via the roadway by the historical mural.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused as we carry out this essential repair and maintenance work.

Industry News

Australians need more vegetables

Ausveg is urging the Australian public to buy more vegetables to give themselves the best opportunity to meet the guidelines for vegetable intake.
The call from the peak industry body for Australian vegetable growers follows the release of a report from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) that indicates Australians are only buying enough vegetables for 2.3 daily serves, well short of the recommended five or more daily serves.
Read more on the Produce Plus website.

COVID-19 trade impact on fresh vegetable exports

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an uncertain start to the year for levy-paying vegetable grower-exporters.
Market closures, supply chain disruptions and air and sea freight services being ceased or heavily reduced are examples of some of the challenges exporting growers have faced in the first quarter of 2020.
Read more on the Ausveg website.

Ask the MMA

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