NEWS DESK
Trade mark launched for Peninsula Produce MORNINGTON Peninsula-grown produce has a new identity with the launch of the Mornington Peninsula Produce food provenance brand. The certified trade mark, developed by Mornington Peninsula Shire and its Food Industry Advisory Body, will help consumers confirm the provenance of fresh produce when buying from the farm gate, farmers’ markets and retail outlets. Launching the new initiative last week at The Briars, the mayor Cr Graham Pittock, said local agribusiness was integral to the region’s economy. “Around one third of our land is devoted to agricultural production, and the Mornington Peninsula is the second most valuable agricultural region in Victoria, producing at least 15 per cent of the state’s agricultural wealth from less than 4 per cent of the state’s farmland,” he said. The aim of the trade mark is to strengthen the identity of the Mornington Peninsula as a quality, fresh and innovative food economy. It provides consumers with a guarantee of authentic provenance from the Mornington Peninsula with the legal backing of the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission. “The MPP brand is easily identified by its distinctive black and white logo,” Food Industry Advisory Body chairman Steve Marshall said. “It provides a central focal point for both producers and consumers to rally behind assured provenance.” The Mornington Peninsula Produce logo is on a range of local produce,
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including avocados, artichokes, herbs, heirloom vegetables, potatoes, apples, Asian greens, pears, plums, berries and cherries, as well as goats’ milk, lamb, beef, mussels, chicken, eggs, apple cider and apple juice, olive oil, hydroponic vegetables, truffles and garlic. The Mornington Peninsula Produce website, also launched yesterday, provides a searchable directory of all MPP registered producers and their produce, and is also a useful resource to identify new opportunities for producers. Founding members include Coolart Lamb, Hillock Downs, Peninsula Fresh Seafood, Red Hill Cherry Farm, Main Ridge Dairy, Mornington Peninsula Hydroponics, Peninsula Avocados, Hawkes Vegetables, Harts Farms and Peninsula Fresh Organics. The Food Industry Advisory Body is a volunteer community/industry advisory and reference group that works with Mornington Peninsula Shire on the implementation of the 2012 Local Food Strategy. Details: Call Tania Treasure, the shire’s manager, Economic Development and Tourism, 5950 1447.
Time to relax: Joanne and David Alesci have decided to take a break after 14 years running Mornington restaurant, Mediterraneo. Picture: Yanni
Restaurant says thanks for the memories IT’S almost time to say “arrivederci” to popular Mornington restaurant Mediterraneo, which will close next month. Owners Joanne and David Alesci say they are “tired and need a rest” after 14 years’ service at the Queen St site. The pair took over David’s father’s restaurant serving Italian fare after training in city restaurants. They have been attentive dinner hosts Tuesday to Saturday ever since.
“We’re a family restaurant that’s been very well accepted here and we’ve never needed to advertise,” Mrs Alesci said. “We’ve been blessed with loyal customers and staff members and want to say thank you to them.” Mrs Alesci said her family, which includes children John, Jessica and Grace, had no immediate plans: “We want to take a holiday, relax, and spend time with each other. Grace is excited that she’ll have her mum around more.”
The closing day is Saturday 2 April – and Mrs Alesci knows they will be flat out until then. “The sign only went on the window today (Thursday) and we are already almost booked out,” she said. “A lot of people will be coming to say goodbye; there will be so many people that we’ll miss.” The new owners will arrive with a new name and style. Stephen Taylor