This Week in the Market – 9 June 2020

Market News

Latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) information

Several COVID-19 restrictions are still in place for the health and safety of all Market users, these include:

• All persons will continue to undergo temperature screening before entry. Any person registering a temperature of 38C or above will be denied entry.
• Market cafes can now provide dine-in facilities for up to 20 seated patrons. Limits are being placed on entry to comply with the density requirements allowed within a single space.
• Access to the Melbourne Market is still limited to only those carrying out essential core operations.
• Cash payments at the Customer Service Centre are still suspended.
• Market users must continue to adhere to social distancing guidelines wherever possible, keeping a distance of 1.5 metres from others.

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 critical piece of advice for Market users remains that; if you are feeling unwell in any way, you should stay at home and seek medical advice. Do not attend the Market for work, or to purchase flowers or produce if you are feeling unwell in any way.

ight MND – Buy a beanie

The Melbourne Market is supporting FightMND this year by selling the famous Big Freeze beanies at the Market.
Beanies are still on sale for the remainder of this week or until stocks run out.
You can purchase your beanie from a stand set up outside the Customer Service Office on the Buyers’ Walk from 4 am each morning. We want to thank those people who have donated their time to sell the beanies, with both MMA staff and employees from various Market businesses taking turns to man the stand by Customer Service.
We need your support to ‘Beat the Beast’ that is MND as there are still no effective treatments or a cure for MND.
Don’t miss out on your beanie; they are $20 each with all profits going directly towards funding vital MND research to find effective treatments and a cure for MND.

Painting works

Annual painting has been undertaken around the Market over the last weeks, to keep our fixtures and line markings in first-class condition.
Painting has occurred:

• On internal handrails and bollards on the Buyers’ Walk and Trading Floor
• On the external protective barriers and bollards behind tenancies on the Buyers’ Walk
• On handrails, bollards and height protective barriers in warehouses 5 and 6
• On the red walls located on all of the forklift crossover areas of the Buyers’ Walk and Trading Floor.

Warehouse 7

Warehouse 7 is only a few weeks away from being fully operational with tenant fit-out works commencing last week. These final fit-out works are expected to be completed by the end of July.
It’s exciting to see a project that has been in development for some time now so close to completion.
Entering into a warehousing lease agreement can allow businesses to consolidate operations at the Market to enhance efficiency. Those with warehousing can enjoy 24/7 access to the Melbourne Market.If you’re interested in finding out more about warehousing opportunities at the Market email property@melbournemarket.com.au

Industry News

Greengrocer doubles prices for customers that meddle with vegetables

Most business owners in retail will no doubt get annoyed at the actions of some of their customers.
But one greengrocery is so frustrated with customers its owners have gone beyond merely shaking their heads; they’ll now charge customers double if they do a particular dastardly deed.
So, what is it that some shoppers are doing that causes so much frustration?
Snapping off the stalks of broccoli and dumping them before they head to the cash register.
Have you caught customers breaking off stalks, leaves or stems?
Click here to read more about what this frustrated greengrocer in Sydney did in response.

Good Mood Food campaign targets hearts, minds to lift fresh produce consumption

Appealing to the heart and mind, rather than the stomach, is the thinking behind a new fresh produce consumption campaign. Last week, Hort Innovation launched a whole-of-horticulture campaign called The Good Mood Food Campaign. The program comes in response to the numerous challenges growers have faced in recent months, including drought, floods and bushfires, plus the added challenges COVID-19 has had on mental wellbeing and mood through isolation. The campaign is encouraging people to look after themselves mentally to boost their mood as well as promote good physical health.
Click here to read more.

Ask the MMA

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