This Week in the Market – 16 October 2018

Market News

Info session this Wednesday

Learn more about A Better Choice at the next information session.
When: Wednesday 17th October, 6:15 – 6:45am
Where: Tenancy 80, level 1, above the Customer Service Centre
RSVP: Call 9258 6192 or email us

A Better Choice is the marketing program which positions the greengrocer as the expert in fresh produce and reminds consumers that their local greengrocer is A Better Choice for freshness, quality and service.
Membership to be part of A Better Choice is free, however it is not automatic, and retailers need to sign up to the program, so call 9258 6192 to be a part of this exciting initiative!

MarketFresh News Spring edition is out now

Read about A Better Choice program, view our Market map, (which includes details of upcoming developments) plus see some great snaps from around the Market and much more.Pick up a copy from the Customer Service Centre, Market cafes or ask a Market Relations Officer.

You can also download an electronic version of the magazine by clicking here.

Why does the MMA care about early buyers?

Two weeks ago the MMA released details of the early buyers permit trial, and just like the issue of trading hours, there were mixed opinions.
Some Market users said, “why make people pay to come in early, why does the MMA care about early buyers?”
The key reason is to implement a trial that creates a fair trading environment that works for as many Market users as possible.
The recent trading hours survey showed an almost three-way split between opening earlier, opening later and keeping trading hours unchanged, but a small number of buyers put forward strong cases for the need to have access to the Market trading floors prior to 3:30am.  We also heard this can be advantageous for sellers to smooth demand peaks during trade. Purchasing an early buyer permit will allow a business to enter the Market at 2:30am, but a significant fee for this privilege is required to minimise take up by only those who really need it, to preserve the intent of a 3:30am trading commencement. This is important as 65% of the Market community wanted hours to remain the same or be later.

What will the $10,000 early buyers permit fee go toward?
The early buyers permit is not intended to be a revenue raising opportunity for the MMA. Any revenue generated will go straight back into the industry with 100% of fees directed to the new national retailer program, A Better Choice, which encourages consumers to shop at their local greengrocer.

An early buyer application form, including terms and conditions can be downloaded here.
For further information click here or contact the MMA on 9258 6100.

How to report a hazard

The number one priority at any workplace, including the Market, is making sure people work in a safe environment.
Safety is not just about form filling after an incident occurs but identifying potential hazards before they become serious incidents.
In a recent safety incident at the Market, a forklift continued to be driven after smoke was identified coming from the engine. Upon parking the forklift, a fire broke out.
Whilst nobody was injured, the fire could have been much worse. When a significant hazard, incident or near miss is identified (like smoke coming from a forklift) you are obligated under Market operating rules to report it immediately to a Market Relations Officer.
The simplest way to report a significant hazard, incident or near miss is by calling Gate 1 security on 9258 6122.
Save the number in your mobile phone so you will always have it handy!

Fresh Five

This week we talk to Greg Wallace who has been coming to the Market during school holidays since he was a child.
1. Your role at the Melbourne Market: 
I work for Ten Farms, our main lines are bananas, mangoes, citrus and pears. My role is mainly in the exporting side of the business, we have a niche offering where we do consolidation, with mixed produce in one shipping container.
2. If you could only take three fruits or vegetables with you to a desert island, which would you take:
Strawberries, mangoes and raspberries just because I really like them. When I finish work I always have a bowl of cereal with one of those fruits on top.
3. When was the last time you bought flowers for someone (or had them bought for you):
It’ll probably be this week because it’s my wife’s birthday, so thanks for reminding me!
4. Tell us something that is on your ‘bucket list’:
I’m a mad soccer fan, I want to see Manchester United play at Old Trafford.
5. What do you most enjoy about working at the Melbourne Market:
Like most people would say, it’s like a second family here, I’ve grown up with a lot of people here and they have your back, it’s a good place to be.

Industry News

Try for 5

Tryfor5 is an annual campaign powered by Nutrition Australia encouraging Australians to increase their vegetable consumption to the recommended five serves per day. It’s launching this week during National Nutrition Week (14 – 20 October). Despite the latest studies and recurring healthy eating messages only 4% of Australian’s are eating enough vegetables each day. The average person eats only half as much as they should, which is the inspiration behind Tryfor5. Find out more by visiting www.tryfor5.org.au

World record 18.3-kilogram turnip grown in Tasmania

Tasmanian farmer Roger Bignell has accidentally grown what looks to be the world’s largest turnip at a staggering 18.36kg. Bignell is no stranger to growing extremely large vegetables, in 1973, at the age of 16, he grew the world’s largest carrot.
There are gardeners around the world who dedicate huge amounts of time to growing large vegetables so Bignell sees the humour in his record, because the paddock he grew the turnips in hadn’t even been fertilised for 12 months. He puts the success down to the sandy soils of Tasmania’s East Coast. Read more at ABC News

Key Dates

Wednesday 17 October – A Better Choice information session
Tuesday 6 November – Market closed for Melbourne Cup public holiday

Ask the MMA

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