This Week in the Market – 8 August 2023

Edition 419

In this week’s Market News:

– Market Trading Hours Update
– Thank you for “buckling up”
– A better choice! job opportunity

Market News

Market Trading Hours Update

Since the Melbourne Market began trading at Epping eight years ago, we have all established ways of working and accessing the Market. However, like all things, Market trading is forever evolving, with some things working well and others that could be improved as we look to the future.

As many of you will have already heard, Market trading hours is one aspect of our operations the MMA is currently reviewing. We have already met with many Market users to gain insight into how they use the Market, trading trends that have evolved, and understand general industry operations, to see what’s possible and what infrastructure and planning need to be in place before any decision is made.

While any potential change to Market hours is yet to be decided, this project is looking at the feasibility and benefits of fundamentally shifting the trading hours to a day-time market. We aim to finalise the consultation and research and communicate a decision by early 2024.

To prepare for any change, we will introduce initiatives over the next few months to ensure that current face-to-face buying only occurs during the prescribed trading hours, with new technology such as digital access cards and changes to market access to be implemented.

As further investigations are underway, we will continue to engage and consult with the Market community and look forward to sharing insights and updates.

Thank you for “buckling up”

Thank you to all Market users for helping us create a safer Market by installing and wearing appropriate restraints in forklifts and buggies. It’s been a big change but an important one! Wearing a restraint while in an electric vehicle reduces the risk of ejection.

Want a reminder so you don’t forget to buckle up every time you jump in your buggy? Ask a Market Relations Officer for a “Buckle Up” sticker and place it in a visible location.

A better choice! Magazine is back

Be sure to pick up a box of the latest edition of the widely popular A better choice! magazine. Currently available for collection from Customer Service, each magazine is full of delicious recipes using in-season produce that will inspire your customers in the kitchen.

These won’t last long, so get in quick! Your customers are sure to enjoy receiving the A better choice! magazine with their next fruit and veg shop!

You can also view the latest edition of the A better choice! magazine here.

A better choice! Job Opportunity – Casual Product Sampler

A better choice! are recruiting product samplers to support local fruit and veg shops. You’ll be setting up brand displays, cutting/presenting fruit, approaching customers, promoting the product, and tracking/reporting on the promotion – all at some of Melbourne’s premier fruit and veg shops.

You’ll be well remunerated above award rates:

$35 per hour + superannuation (Weekdays)
$40 per hour + superannuation (Saturdays)
Travel allowance paid between stores (85c per kilometre)

Work is sporadic, and in either 3.5hr or 8hr shifts – You choose! The perfect candidate is positive, presentable, customer-centric, can work autonomously, and is passionate about promoting amazing Aussie-grown produce and supporting our industry. If you know someone who may be suited to this role please email Zac Egan on zegan@freshmarkets.com.au or call on 0409 733 312.

Zespri Sungold Kiwifruit Promotion

This is the last week to enter the Zespri Kiwifruit promotion, which gives retailers a chance to win a share of $5,000 in prizes thanks to Zespri and A better choice!

Entry is simple:
1. Set up a Zespri display with the provided POS materials
2. Snap a photo and post it to Instagram or Facebook
3. Use the hashtag #shopforsungold so we can see!

Three stores with the best displays will each receive a major prize and 10 additional prize-winning stores will be selected at random!

Register for this year’s Melbourne Market Golf Day

This year’s golf day will be held on Friday, 13 October at Heidelberg Golf Club, and there are a variety of ways to get involved and show your support.

Whether you are a keen golfer, or just looking to show your support, there is a range of ticketing options and sponsorship opportunities available, with all funds raised going toward supporting DEBRA Australia. A charity that supports individuals, families, and carers affected by Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) – a rare disease whereby the skin blisters and peels at the slightest touch.

The Melbourne Market Charity Golf Day is a guaranteed fun day out, including great food, great company, and a variety of prizes and entertainment.

Click here for further information and to register.

Industry News

Hort Innovation releases new investment strategy

Hort Innovation Strategy 2024-2026 provides a roadmap for Hort Innovation investments over the next three years with focus on growth, export and sustainability

Click here to read more.

Melbourne Market Job Board and Community Notices

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