Fresh State of Affairs #69

ISSUE 69 — SEPTEMBER 2023

ISSUE

69

SEPTEMBER 2023

Meadow Hills Marketing interview with Phil from

Interview with

Matt & AnTonio

From Medici Wholesalers Talking

footy & finals LUV Produce new brand &

RECYCLABLE PACKAGING

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ISSUE 69 — SEPTEMBER 2023

Published By:

W: freshstate.com.au P: (03) 9408 6627 CEO: Jason Cooper jason@freshstate.com.au Follow us: Keep up to date by following Fresh State on Instagram and Facebook!

Editor/Advertising: marketing@freshstate.com.au Design & Print:

Distribution: Fresh State of Affairs is produced by Fresh State Ltd. and is a free publication.

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ISSUE 69 — SEPTEMBER 2023

President’s Message Spring is here and we can finally welcome some slightly more pleasant temperatures in the early mornings. We hope all our hard working Dad’s in the market had a very happy Father’s Day. In this edition of the Fresh State magazine we chat with father-son duo Matt and Antonio

from Medici Wholesalers, as well as Phil from Meadow Hills Marketing. We talk footy and finals with our members, revisit some events in the market in the last few months, and more.

Shane Schnitzler President Fresh State Ltd.

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ISSUE 69 — SEPTEMBER 2023

WHERE THE MONEY YOU SPEND COMES BACK TO BENEFIT YOU Competitive Prices Industry Service Easily Accessible Friendly Operators Open 24/7 Cash, Card or Account accepted *Cash service open from 2:00am to 10:00am Monday to Friday

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ISSUE 69 — SEPTEMBER 2023

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Contents 06 – Children in the Market

11 – Big Red Coffee Cart

20 – Benefits of Grapefruit

It has been so great to see children spending time with their families, learning about market operations and family business in a hands-on fashion.

Keep an eye out for updates via email and social media regarding our next coffee cart event!

Grapefruits are now very popular across the world – even having some weight loss benefits when coupled with a well balanced diet.

07 – Interview with Matt and Antonio We chatted with father and son duo Matt and Antonio Medici Wholesalers.

08– A Better Choice!

Awards Day On Thursday 6 July, we all gathered in the market to celebrate A Better Choice! Retailer of the Year, People’s Choice Award finalists.

11 – Be Wise Ball — A ride with a message On Saturday June 24, 2023, the Pat Cronin Foundation held their annual Be Wise Ball.

12 – Talking Footy Finals.

We’re gearing up once again for that one day in September!

21 – Grapefruit Greek Yoghurt Cake

14 – Interview with Phil from Meadow Hills Marketing

Light and refreshing grapefruit greek yogurt cake is simple to prepare and drizzled with a grapefruit glaze.

Phil started as a grower, now runs Meadow HIlls Marketing with his brother.

16 – Luv Produce New Brand & Recyclable Packaging Just Onions have launched their new plastic-free packaging brand, LUV Produce! Just in time for Plastic-Free July.

22 – Purple Bliss Potatoes & Proscuitto Salad Impress your family and friends with this gorgeous potato and crispy prosciutto salad.

23 – Important dates

17 – Puzzles 5

ISSUE 69 — SEPTEMBER 2023

t e k r a m e h t n i Children On the 4th & 5th of July, we had children in the market during the school holidays!

Featuring a visit from Marco the Magnificent to show off his magic tricks, it was a joy to see young children together and engaging in their family’s business.

It has been so great to see children spending time with their families, learning about market operations and family business in a hands-on fashion.

Introducing your children to the market from a young age is always an important factor to keep your business thriving for generations to come. Many of our wholesalers today hold sentimental memories and connections to their business with their fathers, grandfathers, and even great-grandfathers holding the fort before them.

School holidays are the prime time to educate our kids valuable life skills such as the value of a dollar, good work ethic, relationship building, and of course, that you have to wake up REALLY early to earn money sometimes!

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Looking forward to seeing the kids back in the market during the next school holidays coming up very soon!

ISSUE 69 — SEPTEMBER 2023

Interview with

Matt & AntonIo We chatted with father and son duo Matt and Antonio from Medici Wholesalers.

Next time you’re walking along the buyer’s walk, don’t forget to look out for Matt at Medici Wholesalers and say hello. If it’s school holiday time, you might also even catch a glimpse of his son – Gisborne local soccer star Antonio!

Antonio

How old are you and do you have any siblings?

I’m 8 years old, and I have 2 older siblings, they are 13 and 15 years old.

What do you love most about your dad?

That we get to do stuff together, like playing soccer together.

Who is your favourite soccer team?

My A-League team is Melbourne Victory, and my EPL team is Liverpool FC. I play for the Gisborne Soccer Club.

Matt

What position do you play?

Centre Defense.

What’s your favourite fruit or veggie?

Tomatoes.

Do you want to follow in dad’s footsteps in the family business one day?

Yes! How do you feel about waking up early in the mornings?

How long have you been operating Medici Wholesalers?

Around 11 years. We were previously at Footscray Markets then moved here to Epping.

Do you have a specialty produce?

Grapes.

What’s your favourite thing to do on the weekends?

Play soccer.

Good, I like being awake earlier.

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ISSUE 69 — SEPTEMBER 2023

A Better Choice

y a D s Award

On Thursday 6th July, we all gathered in the market to celebrate A Better Choice! Retailer of the Year, People’s Choice Award finalists. It was fantastic to recognise the contribution of stellar retailers, as well as wholesalers and growers that really makes our community tick.

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ISSUE 69 — SEPTEMBER 2023

Victorian Winner a Better Choice Retailer of the Year People’s Choice Award Arnold’s Fruit Market.

Guerino from Farmers Fresh Produce presenting the award to Eden Garden Fresh Market.

Breakfast was served as we all assembled in front of the stage near the Customer Service Office. Our Fresh State members were invited up onto the stage where they had the opportunity to present the awards to their loyal retailers.

Joe Manariti from Premier Fresh Australia presenting the award to Big Watermelon.

Haydn from Barkers Produce presenting the award to The Happy Apple Greengrocer

Events like these truly bring to light the trust and loyalty of retailers to their wholesalers and demonstrate great relationships along the supply chain.

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ISSUE 69 — SEPTEMBER 2023

This industry can be challenging at times, but we love seeing the fruits of our hard work paying off and celebrating the achievements of others.

Congratulations once again to Arnolds Fruit Market in Wodonga for winning both the Victorian and National Retailer of the Year Award.

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ISSUE 69 — SEPTEMBER 2023

$123K in funds raised

BE WISE BALL — A ride with a message On Saturday 24th June 2023, The Pat Cronin Foundation held their annual Be Wise Ball. It was a great evening to once again bring even more awareness around the fatal dangers of a cowards punch.

Grant Nichol of Flavorite Marketing was in attendance with his bike riding companion Rick, and both were presented with awards for their stellar 1,510km bike ride from Alice Springs to Darwin. With just over $123,000 in funds raised, the original target of $100,000

was well exceeded. We are so proud of the recognition Grant and Rick received for the foundation in the media, and they represented our community here at the Wholesale Market wonderfully.

Big red coffee cart Toot Toot! Have you seen our Big Red Cart trundling around the market recently outside the Fresh State office (Store 36.)

We’re aiming to have a different theme each month – September will be footy themed! Come along to get your free coffee fix in your footy scarves and beanies, chat finals, and share some banter at the coffee cart with fellow members.

Keep an eye out for updates via email and social media regarding our next coffee cart event!

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ISSUE 69 — SEPTEMBER 2023

Talking

footy & finals We’re gearing up once again for that one day in September! For those of us who love our footy we know that it’s been a close one in the race for the 8 this year.

Percentage has played a massive role in determining who is likely to play finals.

Even if your team hasn’t made finals this year, it’s still such an exciting buzz to be around.

Now that the 8 is locked in, it still really does seem like a season where anything could happen.

We chatted with some our footy-loving members about some of the teams supported around the market, where they rate their 2023 season, and any finals plans!

Name: Haydn from Barkers

Name: Lou from Melba Fresh

Name: Hayden from Flavourite

Team: Geelong Cats

Team: North Melbourne

Team: Richmond

How far will your team make it? All the way!

One word to describe your season: Ordinary

Biggest competition: No competition.

Where will your team place next year: Mid-table.

How far will your team make it? Just make the 8, probably win the first round.

One word to describe your 2023 season: Inconsistent.

Biggest competition: To get in the 8, probably Carlton. If we were in an elimination final, probably Western Bulldogs.

Plans for Grand Final Day? Yep, watching Geelong win.

One word to describe your season: Underwhelming.

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ISSUE 69 — SEPTEMBER 2023

Name: Jess – Flowerdale Farms

Name: Dennis - Kapiris Bros

Team: Brisbane Lions

Team: Sydney

How far will your team make it: Grand Final

How far will your team make it: I like to think we’re gonna win every year

Biggest competition: Probably Port

Biggest competition: Collingwood

One word to describe your season: Pretty good so far!

One word to describe your season: Entertaining.

How far will your team make it: We won’t make it this year, next year we will. We had a few injuries, takes the momentum out of the team. I’ve seen a lot of finals over the years so I’m happy.

Name: Chris – Premier Fresh

Name: Paul – VFS Produce

Team: Richmond

Team: Collingwood

How far: 5th or 6th.

How far will your team make it: Premiership. Against Melbourne.

Name: Daniel from Independent FP Team: Collingwood

Biggest competition: Collingwood.

One word to describe your season: Poor.

One word to describe your season: Hot and cold.

Biggest competition: To make it into the grand final, Port Adelaide.

One word to describe your season: Brilliant.

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ISSUE 69 — SEPTEMBER 2023

Phil

h t i w w e i v r e t In

from Meadow Hills Marketing

Tell us about yourself and your family history in the market.

Tell us about your time in the markets and the industry.

My father Neil was a market gardener in Keysborough.

This type of work can take a toll on many people and partners, although thankfully now my partner and I have a good routine where we don’t bother each other when it’s time to wake up and go to work!

I went to the old Queen Victoria Market with my uncle and my dad, then when they moved from the Queen Victoria Market to Footscray in 1969. After moving to Footscray with my dad, he had some ill health, when I took over running the business.

We eventually moved to Epping, so this has been my third move over the course of 35 years. I started as a grower, and the business I run now with my brother has multiplied from our parents business over the years.

What is your specialty produce?

Mostly what we call ‘bunch lines.’ We do a lot of herbs, Dutch carrots, parsley, silverbeet, spinach, spring onions…basically anything that is bunched together. Our team is currently bunching some sage which is a bit scarce at the moment. We don’t really do spuds, cauliflowers, although we do a few cabbages.

But predominantly bunch lines, very labour intensive.

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It’s a good industry, but the new market is more of a distribution centre – we don’t see as many walk-in customers here. Now it’s too far for people to come back at 6 or 7am if they realise they have forgotten something for the day. There is a lot of history here and it’s been a very good industry for me. Anyone that gets anywhere nowadays has got to work hard. It has changed a lot over the years, but we love doing it.

Many loyal customers must have stayed then in this location.

Yes, some very loyal customers. I’ve still got some of my dad’s customers over the years – not often the same people but the same companies, same shops.

How have you found the credit service?

It’s an absolute benefit. It’s actually easier for us. We joined about 10 years ago. We know that on the Wednesday, we will have that money in the bank and we don’t have to think about it too much. I think it should be mandatory, personally. It would save a lot of bad debt.

ISSUE 69 — SEPTEMBER 2023

I’ve still got some of my dad’s customers over the years – not often the same people but the same companies, same shops.

What do you think you will do in the future?

It’s been an interesting industry, but I think it could almost be dying a little. Unless you’re born into it, it’s hard to get into it and people don’t understand what’s involved.

Kids today can get an IT job and earn probably double or triple the money that we earn. But we do it for the love of the industry. For my future, I’d like a bit more of a work-life balance, that’s why we have taken new people on recently who have been excellent. I can step away a little bit more now, take a couple months holiday happily and then come back to work. My brother only works a few days a week now and we’ve coped quite well with that too.

On a more personal note, what do you like doing when you’re not at the market?

I bought myself a bike and I do a bit of bike riding. I’ve got a lot of old collectible cars that I look after. I have a caravan which I like taking to do a lot of outback stuff. Just lots of travelling, weekend trips, keeping my half-acre property nice and tidy, and just getting outdoors. I’m not really a keen flyer, but I love being outdoors and living life. I don’t want to get too old and not be able to do anything, I want to be able to still do it when I can slow down a bit and still be in good health.

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ISSUE 69 — SEPTEMBER 2023

LUV Produce New Brand &

RECYCLABLE PACKAGING Just Onions have launched their new plastic-free packaging brand, LUV Produce! Just in time for Plastic-Free July. Conscious consumers can purchase a selection of quality Australian brown onions, red onions, lemons, limes, mandarins, potatoes, and avocados in fully recyclable packaging. All produce sold is exclusively Australian-grown!

About LUV Produce’s packaging: The cardboard is also sourced from sustainable forests.

The boxes are ventilated meaning moisture won’t build up, keeping produce even fresher for longer.

Strategically placed perforations in the cartons allow boxes to act as stackable storage containers – you won’t see produce rolling around in this packaging!

Each carton has an individual code that allows the brand to trace the actual farm and batch from which the product has been sourced.

Paul Williamson, Chairman & CEO of LUV Produce speaking about the brand launch: “With more than 30 years of food packing knowledge and experience, we saw an opportunity to bring top quality, locally-made produce to supermarkets in packaging that supports our mission to reduce plastics.

Our team invested considerable time and resources into designing and developing these fully recyclable cartons to ensure that the produce inside is kept as fresh as possible.

We’re thrilled to finally give consumers an eco-friendly option, and hope to inspire a new wave of more innovative, low impact packaging options across the industry.”

Looking towards a sustainable future

Be sure to follow LUV Produce on social media and check out their website!

Website: www.luvproduce.com.au Instagram: @luvproduce_au Facebook: @luvproduce

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With decades-long relationships with many of their loyal growers, LUV Produce is already starting to work with the next generation - the sons and daughters of the farmers originally working with Just Onions.

ISSUE 69 — SEPTEMBER 2023

word list

PUZZLES

TOMATOES LEEKS CABBAGE BELL PEPPERS WATERMELON POMEGRANATE MANGOES KIWI CANTALOUPE APPLES

PUMPKIN KALE BUTTERNUT SQUASH BEETS STRAWBERRIES PINEAPPLE LYCHEE GRAPES BLUEBERRIES

POTATOES COLLARD GREENS BRUSSELS SPROUTS AVOCADO RASPBERRIES PEACHES LINGONBERRIES GRAPEFRUIT BLACKBERRIES

ONIONS CAULIFLOWER BROCCOLI ASPARAGUS RAISINS PAPAYA LIME CRANBERRIES BANANAS 17

ISSUE 69 — SEPTEMBER 2023

Sodoku

Level: Medium

Fruit Logic Puzzle Four kids are eating lunch on a hot summer’s day. Each has a big glass of water a sandwich, and a piece of fruit. Which fruit did each child have?

Apple

Banana

Orange

Grapes

Kelly Marissa Dagwood Jon

1. Marissa and Kelly have to peel their fruit before eating it.

2. Dagwood doesn’t like grapes.

3. Kelly has a napkin to wipe the juice from her fingers.

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ISSUE 69 — SEPTEMBER 2023

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ISSUE 69 — SEPTEMBER 2023

POP QUIZ: Which island were grapefruits first discovered?”

Benefits Of

Grapefruit We all know that eating better is good for your health. There are lots of easy ways to add more vitamins and nutrients to your diet.

Originally called “the forbidden fruit”, grapefruits are now very popular across the world – even having some weight loss benefits when coupled with a well-balanced diet.

Grapefruits consist of mostly water – making it naturally very healthy. Eating water-rich foods

(A. See bottom of page.)

helps you to stay hydrated, (but don’t forget to consume regular water as well, which will always be the best method for hydration!) It also possesses a high level of vitamins and minerals alongside its tangy flavour. This makes grapefruits quite versatile and packed with nutrients.

Grapefruits contain a high level of vitamins, notably Vitamin C and Vitamin A, as well as a great proportion of fibre. Fibre, in turn, boosts and supports your heart health, gut health, lower cholesterol, and weight management.

You’ll also find potassium, thiamine, and folate in your grapefruit servings.

If you’re looking to eat healthier remember to include a grapefruit on your shopping list.

[Answer: Barbados]

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ISSUE 69 — SEPTEMBER 2023

Grapefruit Greek Yoghurt Cake Ingredients: Cake: 1 and 1/2 cups plain flour 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 eggs 3/4 cup Greek yoghurt 1 cup lightly packed brown sugar 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil 1/4 cup freshly squeezed, strained grapefruit juice 1 and 1/2 tablespoons grapefruit zest 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Seeds of 1/2 a vanilla bean

Grapefruit Glaze: 1 cup icing sugar 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed, strained grapefruit juice 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Light and refreshing grapefruit greek yogurt cake is simple to prepare and drizzled with a grapefruit glaze. Made with creamy yogurt, fresh grapefruit juice, and sweet brown sugar, the flavor and texture are both incredible.

Method: 1.

Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease a 22 x 12cm loaf pan.

2. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a large bowl.

3. In another medium bowl, whisk the eggs. Once combined, whisk in the yogurt, brown sugar, oil, grapefruit juice, zest, vanilla extract, and seeds.

4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a large wooden spoon or rubber spatula until combined. Avoid overmixing.

5. Spread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean.* 6. Remove the cake from the oven and set on a wire rack. Allow to cool before drizzling with glaze.

7. For the glaze, simply whisk the ingredients together and drizzle over cake. Slice and serve! *TIP: If you find the top of the cake is browning too quickly in the oven, loosely cover it with aluminum foil.

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ISSUE 69 — SEPTEMBER 2023

Purple Bliss Potatoes & Prosciutto Salad Ingredients: 1kg Purple Bliss potatoes, peeled & cut into 3cm pieces 100g prosciutto slices 3 spring onions, sliced ½ cup flat-leaf parsley 1 lemon, zested & juiced 1 tbsp honey 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tsp Dijon mustard

Impress your family and friends with this gorgeous potato and crispy prosciutto salad.

Method: 1.

Cook the potato in a large saucepan of boiling water for 15 mins or until tender. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

2. While the potato is cooking, heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat and cook the prosciutto until crisp.

Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel, and set aside to cool. Break prosciutto into small pieces.

3. To make the dressing, combine the lemon juice, honey, oil and mustard in a small bowl.

4. Combine the potato, prosciutto, spring onion, parsley and lemon zest in a large serving bowl.

5. Drizzle dressing over the potato mixture and gently toss to combine. Season and serve immediately!

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ISSUE 69 — SEPTEMBER 2023

Important dates New events and times will be communicated in the near future. Thank you to all who have supported our events over the years. We hope you are staying healthy and safe, if you have any questions about events, please email marketing@freshstate.com.au.

Grand Final Public Holiday Friday, 29th September Market closed

Melbourne Cup Day Public Holiday Tuesday, 7th November Market closed

Disclaimer Fresh State Ltd makes this magazine available on the understanding the users exercise their own skill and care with respect to its use. Before relying on, or altering any business practices, users should carefully evaluate the accuracy, completeness and relevance of the information for their purpose and should obtain appropriate professional advice relevant to their particular circumstances. This magazine contains views and recommendations that do not necessarily reflect the views of Fresh State Ltd. Fresh State does not in any circumstances accept responsibility for the accuracy or suitability or otherwise of any information published in Fresh State of Affairs.

Fresh State Ltd specifically disclaims all and any liability for loss or damage of any nature whatsoever and however arising, whether due to accuracy, error or omission or any other cause.

In addition, by using the information in this magazine, each user waives and releases Fresh State, its staff and agents from any and all claims relating to the use of this document. In no event shall Fresh State Ltd be liable for any consequential damages resulting from using the information in Fresh State of Affairs. © Fresh State Ltd 2022 This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior permission from Fresh State Ltd. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to: The Editor Fresh State of Affairs Magazine Store 36, Melbourne Market 35 Produce Drive, Epping, VIC 3076 23

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