Fresh State of Affairs Issue 10

february

10 2012

ISSN: 1838-7829

Members fund Representative case against MMA

issue 10

february 2012

what’s on: 4

8

12

Relocation:

Market hours:

CHEP:

16 Biosecurity: What is Biosecurity and Quarantine regulations?

True or False? 24 questions to consider regarding the operator!

A big issue affecting businesses is managing pallets.

21

26

Q&A with Charlie Natale:

Sleep:

Third generation fruit wholesaler at Alfresco Fruits.

Are we getting enough sleep?

Or are we sleep deprived?

CONTENTS 2 | What’s on

10 | Fundraising

18 | Men’s health

3 | President’s message

11 | Cooltrax

22 | Trade shows

6 | Market history

14 | Around the markets

25 | MMCS

Published by:

www.freshstate.com.au tel: 03 9689 3233

Fresh State CEO: John Roach john.roach@freshstate.com.au Editor / Advertising: Sonja van Eijk sonjav@freshstate.com.au Contributors: Sally Piper sallyp@freshstate.com.au

Design: Flying Dog Designs www.fddesigns.com.au Photography: Michael Lamond admgr.gfv@ruralpress.com Peter Casamento www.casamento.com.au

Answers from page 8: Q1-24 T

Members fund representative case against MMA.

Print: King Print www.kingprint.com.au Distribution: Fresh State of Affairs is produced by Fresh State Ltd and is a free publication.

03

president’s message:

Shane Schnitzler From the President Welcome to 2012 a year that is proving to be a difficult trading year on top of a difficult last quarter in 2011.

But the difficulties do not stop with just produce and trading. As you will see on the following pages, we have had to seek third party assistance (yes, the Supreme Court) to resolve the most basic of issues regarding our rights at Footscray Road and their transferability for relocation.

and Deeds of Transfer at Footscray Road separated saying they are not related. What rubbish!

On behalf of Fresh State members this case has now clearly become a Representative Case.

Having lived this project for the last eight years through two governments, five Ministers, two departments and numerous bureaucrats, little has changed. It is always the blame game – someone blaming the Minister, or a department, or the MMA whilst

“We do need to work to increase the amount of fruit and vegetables that are eaten” Mr Davis stated at the report’s release.

The report highlighted that only 8% of Victorians are eating the recommended five vegetables a day while 52 % are eating three pieces of fruit a day.

As Fresh State members expressed at the recent members meeting, at what point does Minister Napthine and the MMA realise that the ramifications

On behalf of Fresh State members this case has now clearly become a Representative Case.

Many attempts have been made to resolve the issue of lease transfers at Footscray Road but the MMA continues to disclose that The Department of Business and Innovation (formerly DIIRD) released its “draft proposal of indicative allocations” and purchasers “may not be guaranteed an allocation of space at the new site in Epping.”

The MMA and the Government want the “intrinsically linked” Government proposal (not draft) of November 2010

they continue to try and split this community.

The Minister for Major Projects Dr Denis Napthine continues to ignore this community and the important role it plays in the Victorian economy and the health of our community.

Dr Napthine’s fellow minister David Davis, Minister for Health, got it right when announcing the results of the just released Victoria Population Survey 2009.

of their actions impact and affect the whole market community! If the Government and the MMA think that Fresh State members and the market community are going to agree with their absurd view that our businesses are worth nothing, then we very much look forward to our day in court!

Shane Schnitzler President Fresh State Ltd.

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 in-

formation 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 2012

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 Market Box 113, 542 Footscray Road West Melbourne VIC 3003

04

issue 10

february 2012

relocation:

OF AFFAIRS

Lease Transfers at Footscray Road

Third Party Assistance Many of us can readily recall the conflicting emotions we experience when we are forced to make change. We initially look at what we are gaining and what we are losing, how we can best cope with what is thrown at us, and who else it affects.

But what happens when there are people wishing to make change and who follow the rules that are set down, but suddenly find that rules have been changed that prevent them from logical change?

Hmm … if it is anything to do with relocation it is likely to end up in court!!!

And this is what has happened in relation to the current transfer of leases at the Melbourne Markets.

To best explain where we are at, let’s take a look at history.

The Melbourne Markets was forcibly moved from the Queen Victoria site to Footscray Road in 1969 after a decade

of uncertainty for merchants. Many merchants went out of business as a result of the move noting that the market only moved 3 kms!

was a significant increase in rents from the Queen Victoria site.

Some ten years later and 34 businesses hitting the wall, the market

These are the same Government people now wanting to withdraw the allocation paper from our members!

When you look into the detail of why those businesses folded, there are two obvious reasons. The first is that the Footscray Road market was built larger to accommodate more merchants and growers. The second was that there

evolved into a more orderly entry / exit mechanism based on the “willing buyer, willing seller principle”.

In 2004 the Government of Victoria announced the forced relocation of the

05

This seems logical. Indeed the Government of Victoria thought it logical as well, as this was the basis for their allocation paper that they presented to Fresh State on 26 November 2010 and that was approved by the Fresh State board and members. The proposal included

proposal (not draft proposal as the MMA states) and strongly voiced our objections to the MMA’s underhanded approach.

We also pointed out that the Deed of Transfer is to “transfer the 2008 leases not change them” as the variety of 2011 transfers seek to do. Little headway

Our statement of claim has now become a Representative Case vs.

MMA, not just a single test case. a mechanism for those receiving more or less space on a per square metre basis as the layout of Epping is different to that of Footscray Road.

These are the same Government people now wanting to withdraw the allocation paper from our members!

So why is it then that the Melbourne Market Authority (MMA) in 2011 chose to issue different versions of their Deed of Transfer and Assignment of Lease document with a common part that, for the purchaser of a current 2008 lease at Footscray Road “… may not be guaranteed an allocation of space at the new site in Epping”?

Sought! market. The site eventually chosen was Epping and planning of the market complex for merchants was that the leasable building space would be a similar size as Footscray Road.

It is logical that it be a similar size, as the principle of the forced relocation was to accommodate those that currently have space at Footscray Road into Epping. By doing this it meant that those that have current leases, through their investment at Footscray Road, have a right to continue their business at Epping. Anyone wishing to enter the new market needs to purchase a business at Footscray Road and those not wanting to go to Epping can sell their business.

This would provide a market based entry / exit mechanism that is a fundamental principle of a free enterprise system equal for all.

To Fresh State members this was illogical. By the Government’s proposal all lease holders can be accommodated at Epping so it would logical that if a merchant sold his / her 2008 lease at Footscray Road, the purchaser would have the same rights to the allocated space at Epping. Not so says the MMA! What has this done to the value of businesses at Footscray Road? Firstly it has removed the willing buyer, willing seller principle as there are no ‘willing buyers’ if they are not guaranteed a similar space at Epping. And secondly it has devalued the businesses at Footscray Road to such an extent that it is affecting some people’s health.

So what did Fresh State do?

Fresh State worked with the MMA for three months to try and rectify the situation, pointing out where their Deeds of Transfer were altered without warning and that they were inconsistent with both the allocation agreement and the four principles of the MOU. We suggested words to reflect the Government’s formal

was made as the MMA kept blaming the Government and subsequent information indicates the Government blaming the MMA. Although there are many cases available, Fresh State via one of its members, served the MMA and the State of Victoria a Writ in the Supreme Court in November 2011. Given the intractable position that had developed it was appropriate that ‘we let the judge decide’ if Fresh State members businesses retain their value or if, by the actions of the MMA and the Government, their businesses are worth nothing!!

On 2 December 2011 the Supreme Court judge took the view that we have a case and he ordered that the MMA and the State of Victoria file their defense. As part of the court process, mediation must take place by 17 February 2012 and if unresolved, the judge will set a date for hearing the case in court. The MMA and the State refused to see this case as representative of all Fresh State members.

Our statement of claim will now reflect this as a Representation Case vs. the MMA, not just a single test case.

So the uncertainty continues. This is not just with relocation (and no, the Minister has not met with Fresh State in over six months) nor has the much touted improvement in communications taken place since the Minister announced it as a corner stone of the new Government some fourteen months ago.

No wonder the market community is cynical about the word “change”!!

market history:

06

OF AFFAIRS

59 9 1 – 0 194

issue 10

february 2012

Melbourne’s

By 1940 the Queen Victoria Market had been operating for 62 years.

With no room for growth at the current Market site and an ever growing and changing population, the next twenty years proved to be a turning point for the future direction and overall character of what the Melbourne Wholesale Market is today.

Immigration Fast Facts Since the Department of Immigration and Citizenship was established in 1945, seven million people have migrated to Australia.

By 1950, almost 200 000 migrants had arrived in Australia.

One million more migrants arrived in each of the following four decades.

Today it is predicted one migrant arrives in Australia every 2 minutes and 49 seconds.

Approximately one in four of Australia's population of more than 22 million people were born overseas.

New Zealand and the United Kingdom are the largest source countries for migrants, but migration from other regions (notably Asia) has increased significantly.

From 1945 attendance at the Market started to rise following a decline during the Second World War. Motor vehicles were replacing horse and carts and the conditions soon became cramped and overcrowded once more.

The trader known as the ‘Commission Agent’ became popular during this time.

This type of trader typically lived in the city and the produce arrived by transport sourced from several growers around Victoria.

The number of these traders grew rapidly during the 1950’s in line with the first National immigration program. It was through this program that saw an influx of Southern European migrants into the market and growing regions.

These migrants were hard working and good at growing fresh produce and it was no surprise that they became successful in their own right.

Those already established would help relatives and friends to settle in Australia. Many of these groups took up land in the irrigation districts of the Goulburn and Murray Rivers and marketed their products back to their Australian sponsors if they had stands in the Market.

These migrants were hard working and good at growing fresh produce and it was no surprise that they became successful in their own right.

07

Market History Left: Fruit Inspectors Jack Bass and Alf Jones check a display for topping in the 1960s at the Queen Victoria Market.

Far left: Buyers’ trucks in Victoria Street with Mother guarding the load, 1961.

As numbers and congestion continued to rise in the Market, investigations were made once again to come up with solutions to the growing problem.

A Historical and Statistical Report of the Queen Victoria Market prepared in 1949 outlined the inadequacy of the current site, future requirements for upgrade and a recommended relocation.

The Council wasted no time in sourcing and securing suitable alternative market land and announced its plan to transfer the wholesale section of the market to the current Footscray Road site by way of the West Melbourne Market Land Act of 1956.

The site was deemed suitable due to its proximity to Melbourne, easy access by rail and road and large flat acreage.

A Historical and Statistical Report of the Queen Victoria Market prepared in 1949 outlined the inadequacy of the current site, future requirements for upgrade and a recommended relocation.

Previously a tidal swamp, the Footscray Road site plus the area between Spencer Streets, Dynon Road and its surrounds was a series of wetlands that were fed via the Yarra and Maribyrnong Rivers and Moonee Ponds Creek.

This system cumulated into a salt lake known as Batman’s Lagoon which was originally inhabited by the Wurundjeri tribe. It later became a favourite picnic spot for Melbourne’s early settlers due to the blue waters and a variety of birdlife.

As Melbourne grew, the swamp and lagoon became a tip and a dumping

ground for domestic and industrial waste and a shanty town for the homeless and was referred to as Dudley Flats.

Over time the area has been filled and urbanised into what is now known as the Docklands Precinct and of course the Melbourne Wholesale Market on Footscray Road.

Edition 11 will follow the controversial relocation of the Melbourne Wholesale Market from the Queen Victoria Market to the current Footscray Road site.

08

The run up to Christmas is a trying time for everyone …

Growers are balancing an anticipated increase in demand with the weather and production schedules.

Wholesalers are trying to work out likely demand from retailers and the food service industry and making sure they don’t let any of their customers down.

And everyone is trying to work out what consumers want and how much they are prepared to spend.

Given these dynamics, it would not be unreasonable to expect that people would do their job …

issue 10

february 2012

TRUE? or FALSE?

market hours:

OF AFFAIRS

09

The following questions require a TRUE or FALSE answer to find out if the operator has been doing its job over the Christmas / New Year period. Try your hand!

1. The operating rules of the Melbourne Markets are administered by the Melbourne Market Authority (MMA)?

TRUE

FALSE

2. The MMA advertises the F&V market operating times to the market community on the MMA website at http://www.melbournemarkets.com.au/services_hours.asp

TRUE

FALSE

13. Did buyers gain access to the markets either by foot or by vehicle to commence buying prior to 2.30 am on Tuesday 3 January 2012?

FALSE

FALSE

14. A general notice was NOT issued by the MMA and circulated to all buyers to say that due to Christmas and New Year weeks there will be leniency towards the commencement of operating times?

3. The MMA issued a variation to these rules on 23 November 2011 under Notice #30 stating the 2011/12 Christmas and New Year commencement of operating hours for fruit and vegetables as well as flowers?

TRUE

TRUE

TRUE

FALSE

15. The MMA are deliberately endorsing the flaunting of their operating rules?

TRUE

FALSE

4. Notice #30 stated commencement of operating times for the week prior to Christmas and between Christmas and New Year for fruit and vegetables as 3.30 am and flowers normal trading times?

16. The MMA Board do not actually know what is happening?

17. Is the board of the MMA and each director encouraging anti competitive behaviour between buyers?

TRUE

FALSE

5. The market community expected these would be the permitted times enforceable for buyers to enter the market.

TRUE

FALSE

6. Notice #30 failed to state any closing times?

TRUE

FALSE

7. Some buyers were fined for accessing the market early, prior to Christmas, by MMA officers?

TRUE

FALSE

8. Some of those buyers sought relief from their fines from MMA senior management?

TRUE

FALSE

9. As a result of seeking relief of those fines, did MMA senior management overturn the fines citing that it was Christmas week?

TRUE

FALSE

10. Did the MMA officer/s have to apologise to the buyer/s that they fined for early access, ie for doing their job?

TRUE

FALSE

11. Was one or a number of those fined (and subsequently overturned) members of an MMA Advisory Committee?

TRUE

FALSE

12. Were any of those fined sighted entering the market prior to 3.30 am operating times later the same week?

TRUE

FALSE

TRUE

TRUE

FALSE

FALSE

18. Is a group of buyers working with Fresh State to explore their options against the operator as their businesses are being disadvantaged due to the operator’s actions?

TRUE

FALSE

19. Are MMA employees directed to follow instructions from MMA management?

TRUE

FALSE

20. MMA management have instructed employees not to talking to Fresh State?

TRUE

FALSE

21. Gates 9, 3, 5 and Banana Alley are NOT patrolled prior to market operating times?

TRUE

FALSE

22. People other than growers are parking in the new “growers only” parking bays in the east car park?

TRUE

FALSE

23. Has there been a significant increase in rubbish being left around the site?

TRUE

FALSE

24. Are the drains around the site and especially near some cafes emitting an obnoxious odour and causing food safety concerns?

TRUE

FALSE

fundraising:

10

OF AFFAIRS

10K

issue 10

february 2012

Target for Greatest Shave Rob Rawnsley has been dressing up as Santa for the last ten years and there is no wonder why. His beard is as white as snow, his girth is wide (well with the help of some pillows) and his eyebrows bushy.

With these fantastic attributes, he is in high demand during the silly season with Santa engagements filling up his already busy schedule.

Rob will shave his precious Santa mane by participating in the World’s Greatest Shave and raise $10,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation.

The World’s Greatest Shave raises funds for the Leukaemia Foundation’s important work – providing free practical and emotional support to people with blood cancer and their families, as well as investing millions in research into leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and other blood disorders.

Since 1998, over a million people have shaved or coloured their hair, raising in excess of $120 million.

However this all changes on 16 March 2012 when Rob will shave his precious Santa mane by participating in the World’s Greatest Shave and raise $10,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation.

Rob has been challenged by his four wheel drive club to take part in the fundraising endeavour and the club will not only assist in raising funds but will also colour his hair and beard for the occasion. And that is all before Kapiris Bros shave it off!

Kapiris Bros are proudly supporting Rob with the shave which will take place from the Kapiris Stand on Friday 16 March.

“Although I will miss having my beard, it is for a fantastic cause and is a bit of fun” says Rob. “It would be great if the market community could dig deep and donate as much as possible”.

Donations can be made directly via Rob’s Greatest Shave website or visit Rob at Kapiris Bros where he will issue a formal receipt.

Donations can be made online at Rob’s website page via http://www. worldsgreatestshave.com Click on Sponsor and type in Robert’s name to donate.

Every two hours, someone in Australia dies from a blood cancer. Make 2012 the year you donate and assist with research and free support for Australian families.

Above: Rob says the secret to his wintery facial locks is that he eats plenty of KB tomatoes!

Below: Fresh State President Shane Schnitzler checks to make sure that Rob’s Santa beard is the real deal.

11

With summer now in full swing it is more important than ever to ensure coolrooms are running efficiently and to correct temperature.

Biodynamic Marketing Co, like most wholesale businesses in the market, relies on coolrooms working efficiently to prevent fresh produce from spoiling. “We know the coolrooms are on but in the past did not know if they were maintaining the correct temperature when we were not on site,” says Peter Podolinsky from Biodynamic Marketing Co. Cooltrax technology came to the rescue with technology that monitors the temperature of coolrooms and the door status 24 hours a day. If the temperature falls out of the required range the system sends the recipient an email or text message warning them of the change.

did. If we had not received notification of an increase in temperature all the milk stored in the coolrooms would have been lost”.

One of the benefits that attracted Peter to the system is the ability to re-locate hardware. “Installation is straightforward. There is no problem moving it from the current market to Epping or to any other coolroom site.”

The world’s only real-time end-to-end temperature management system Monitor and track temperature sensitive products like never before with Cooltrax.

Cooltrax Technology monitors the temperature of coolrooms and the door status 24 hours a day.

Peter says the system paid for itself in the first week. “We installed Cooltrax in our ten coolrooms and it was lucky we

“You can log in whenever and wherever you are and can see what the coolroom temperature is running at. You can print out reports in a number of formats as well which is great for Food Safety Standards. Overall it gives you complete peace of mind”.

reasons to use Cooltrax 1. Better shelf life 2. Increase profits and performance 3. Real-time management 4. Greater transparency 5. Meet regulatory requirements 6. Future proof

See how Cooltrax can work for your business www.cooltrax.com

03 9686 6011 Cheers! Peter Podolinsky from Biodynamic Marketing Co and Greg Blampied from Cooltrax enjoy a glass of fresh cold milk at Peter’s stand.

cooltrax:

Biodynamic Marketing Co use Cooltrax technology

12

OF AFFAIRS

s t e l l

Pa

1. Credit Service Management Over the past year, Fresh State has rehashed the Credit Service management and operating systems to better meet the needs of wholesalers and has been actively driving increased usage in the Credit Service.

: Quick Quiz

it oubles does -24 D B y n a m 22 Q. How e Australia’s take to mov ns of bananas o million cart ch year? a produced e llets holds 34 pa s le b u o -D B A. A s of banana of 72 carton his equates to per pallet. T 0 B-Double 0 approx. 9,8 anas – that’s a loads of ban bananas (and f big bunch o ove! m pallets) to

issue 10

february 2012

Solving your headache?

Fresh State members have continually said that managing their pallets is one of the three biggest issues affecting their businesses. The other high priorities are credit and market hours.

2. Market Hours The market operating times was first addressed through the Young Executive Committee’s review paper presented to the then Minister Tim Pallas in May 2010.

This has been followed up with many articles in Fresh State of Affairs including our survey on market hours as well as holding the operator, the MMA, accountable for firstly enforcing current hours of operation and then seeking changes to the current times.

3. Pallet Management Pallets are the third area that we have started to look at. Some wholesalers have developed good pallet management practices whilst many others wholesalers

freely admit that their pallet control system is a headache.

In Australia the system of managing pallets has been operating for decades and creates considerable efficiencies in the transfer of fresh produce.

But issues like non tenant businesses illegally buying and selling pallets in the markets are an increasing concern to Fresh State members and pallet providers.

CHEP is the biggest supplier of reusable pallets in Australia – the blue ones! They, through their parent company Brambles, are now also the largest crate pooling provider in the world following their acquisition of IFCO last year.

CHEP pallets are the most commonly used hire pallets in the markets and

CHEP is a global leader in the provision of equipment pooling services, managing approximately 300 million pallets and containers on behalf of its customers to help them transportproducts safely and efficiently.

13

CHEP:

account for close on 80 % of pallets usage not counting the “disposable pallets” that many wholesalers use to deliver produce to retailers trucks.

To assist Fresh State members, we commenced discussions with CHEP to look at what is happening in the industry and what can be done for those that wish to improve their pallet management systems, gain efficiencies and limit their exposure to illegal practices.

Some initiatives taking place across the country include: Brisbane’s Model Fresh State spoke to our colleagues in other states and took a close look at the Brismark and CHEP partnership in Brisbane. The Brisbane model has full engagement with the unloading service providers, almost all wholesalers and many retailers participating in a pooling system for CHEP pallets. This allows any retailer to return all their CHEP pallets to any wholesaler (one drop off ) or the CHEP Service Centre. CHEP assisted this by facilitating a five day delay onto the retailer accounts for the pallet movement. Although it is early days, the initial results have been encouraging and continue to reduce wholesalers’ exposure to losses.

An interesting point that CHEP found in Brisbane was that many wholesalers and retailers did not have a CHEP account to start with. This was the single biggest issue to initially address and that those that did have an account were ‘paying’ for everybody else!

Adelaide CHEP is also working closely with the Adelaide Markets. CHEP has trialed a plastic bin solution to replace an ageing wooden bin pool to improve quality of produce and to improve the sustainability of the supply chain to go with their pallet system.

Melbourne In discussions with Simon Johnson, the Regional Manager for CHEP whose team

covers the Melbourne Markets, Fresh State and CHEP are exploring management models to improve ways in which pallets are managed here. Currently few retailers and less than half of the wholesalers currently have a CHEP account which would help pallet movements.

“Fresh State and CHEP are developing a strong partnership. We understand the issues and are working collaboratively on solutions to make life easier for all in the supply chain,” Simon said.

“CHEP is committed to seeing Fresh State members, market users and the many businesses in the fresh produce supply chain prosper from the efficient use of the pallet pool that will enable expanded use of other CHEP solutions.

This means the markets could expand their use of returnable packaging and could lower their carbon footprint and costs,” Simon said.

Fresh State and CHEP look forward to expanding these discussions and implementing improvements for all members.

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OF AFFAIRS

issue 10

06.

03.

01.

04.

02.

15.

05.

07.

14.

february 2012

15

08.

09.

10.

11.

01. Dale and Eli from Biodynamic Marketing Co. 02. Orino’s Cafe. 03. Vince Tripodi. 04. John Bartalotta and Joe Brancatisano. 05. Geelong Grower Frank Battaglia with Mark Mather from VFS. 06. Barry from Omega. 07. Steve, Dominic and Steve from Moraitis. 08. Peter Podolinsky from Biodynamic Marketing Co. 09. Nick and Alby Chin. 10. Santa Rob. 11. Kylie from Aveling Fresh gets into the festive spirit.

12. The Kelly team. 13. Ralph and Osi Prestia with Fresh States John Roach. 14. Veli Velisha and Tony Nigro discuss Christmas trends. 15. John Latorre, John Maccora and Jose from Lattores.

13.

12.

biosecurity:

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OF AFFAIRS

issue 10

february 2012

e n i t n uara

Q d n a rity

t a h W tions?

Quarantine Regulations are the rules by which state and federal regulators govern the Biosecurity rules! Regulation of product movement is achieved by certification, inspection, auditing and industry accreditation.

u c e s is Bio

y, conom e e h t of an ection t o r hum r o p y e t i h t n e s nd urity i blic am d of pests a c e u s p o , i t B n an a ronme ntry or spre animals. It c i v n e l. e the ts and m the m leve n r o a r a l f f p r h t e o t siv heal distric r inva , o e t s a e t s s disea tional, a n a t a

apply

Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) is generally responsible for biosecurity relating to international imports and exports of agricultural and food products.

In Victoria, the movement of plants, plant products and related equipment to and from other states, and between certain areas within the state, is regulated by the Victorian Department of Primary Industries (Vic DPI). For plant industries, regulation is mainly aimed at protecting or improving market access.

How does this effect wholesalers?

Under Victorian law, there are more than 80 plant pests and 120 plant diseases declared to be exotic. The detection of any of these could potentially result in restrictions on product movement. However, the pests of major quarantine concern in Victoria are Queensland fruit fly, grape phylloxera and potato cyst nematode.

Queensland Fruit Fly outbreaks in most parts of Victoria require temporary control zones to be in place while the outbreak is eradicated. Movement of host products from these zones is restricted during the eradication period.

Most wholesalers have a good understanding of their requirements when bringing in produce from Queensland or areas affected by a pest outbreak but issues still occur and wholesalers have responsibilities. For example:

Incident 1 A wholesaler received a pallet of product from a grower in Queensland who was a new supplier to the wholesaler.

When the pallet arrived it did not have a Plant Health Certificate or a Plant Health Assurance Certificate. The wholesaler or his staff did not notice it did not have a certificate. He had started to sell some cartons from the pallet when a Vic DPI officer noticed that the pallet was without a certificate. He ordered that the wholesaler not sell any more cartons from the pallet and recover those already sold. He ordered that the pallet must be secured in his coolroom.

After an investigation by Vic DPI, the wholesaler was ordered to return the pallet to the grower in Queensland.

The wholesaler was also asked to show cause as to why his PS08 Queensland Fruit Fly Compliance Agreement should not be withdrawn. The wholesaler explained that his staff had not noticed the certificate was not attached to the pallet. The wholesale has had a ‘clean record’ for the past eight years. After taking these things into account, the DPI issued the wholesaler with a formal warning but took no further action.

The wholesaler said he was shaken up a bit by the incident. He said his staff are now fully aware what is needed for compliance and they understand the importance of making sure everything is done properly.

He added that the ramifications could have put his good name and possibly part of his business at risk and this is not withstanding the cost to the grower of footing the double

freight bill, disposing of the product and his reputation.

Incident 2

Last month a grower from Mildura sent a pallet to a wholesaler in the markets that again did not have a Plant Health Certificate or a Plant Health Assurance Certificate. Vic DPI inspected the pallet and ordered the wholesaler to return it to the grower.

Currently, Mildura is inside a Queensland Fruit Fly outbreak zone and hence have the same certificate requirements as Queensland.

This seems simple but when you consider the costs involved, it becomes expensive. On the surface this includes the cost to the grower of freight to Melbourne and back to Mildura and the unaccounted costs including deterioration of the produce; proper treatment and certificates for the produce; finding a new buyer or destruction of the product. This is not counting the damage to both the wholesaler’s reputation (pre-orders etc) and the reputation of the grower.

i B s i hat

W ? s n o ti a l u g e R

17

Top right: These signs are used by many farmers to improve awareness of biosecurity.

Bottom left: Phylloxera control area road sign.

Bottom right: Queensland fruit fly trap.

What do you need to do?

Vic DPI releases information on any changes to quarantine regulations. Wholesalers need to ensure they comply with these changes and are familiar with any regulation requirements when bringing produce into Melbourne.

If you are sending produce interstate you should consult with state/territory authorities for full information about restrictions on interstate trade.

For example, under biosecurity and quarantine regulations of the Tasmanian government, wholesalers sending produce to their Tasmanian customers must fumigate all produce!

Trading online?

The growing trade in plants and other products via the internet has increased the risk of quarantine pests moving between states or entering from overseas. Online buyers also have the same quarantine obligations as if they are receiving products from their regular growers interstate or overseas.

Want to Know More?

For more information on Victoria’s plant biosecurity program and regulations go to www.dpi.vic.gov.au/psb or phone 136186.

Thanks to Andrew Henderson of Vic DPI for his assistance in compiling this article.

s Bio

a y t i r secu

n a r a nd Qu

ula g e R tine

men’s health:

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issue 10

february 2012

Pit Stop comes to Adelaide The highly successful Pit Stop revs into the Adelaide Produce Market on 29 February 2012 which conveniently coincides with the Clipsal 500 – a round of the V8 Supercar Championship Series which has been described by some South Australians as the best touring car event in the world.

Pit Stop is a preventative health campaign targeting men and was developed by Western Australia Country Health Services. It is based on the concept of car maintenance – men check aspects of their health by assigning it to a particular aspect of a car’s engine.

Men can have their oil levels tested, their torsion checked or asked if they check their spark plugs.

Sonja van Eijk, Executive Officer of The Australian Chamber of Fruit and Vegetable Industries and one of the organisers of the Pit Stop testing, says that the mechanical concept brings

an element of humour to men’s health and removes it from a clinical setting.

She says that the challenge is on the men of the Adelaide Produce Market to see if their bodies will pass the pits with flying colours or be issued with a yellow ‘canary’ sticker for follow up maintenance.

Top right: Pitstop health check in action for Kevin Sheedy and Minister Napthine.

Below: Pitstop health check stations in progress including the Kapiri Bros 1959 Chrysler Saratoga Top Doorslammer.

19

Once registered, Pit Stop participants obtain the following checks and balances in order to get their most important machine serviced - their bodies:

“The tests are non invasive and the experience is fun and informative” says Sonja. “We have held the Pit Stop at the Melbourne Wholesale Markets twice and at the Brisbane Markets and it has been really successful”.

Sonja encourages as many of the Adelaide Produce Market community to take part in the Pit Stop which is a free service and includes a healthy breakfast. “It is a great opportunity to see how your health is tracking

Chassis Check (waist measurement) Extractor Check (bowel cancer) Torsion Check (flexibility) Exhaust (smoking) Fuel (Alcohol) Oil (blood pressure) Spark Plugs (testicular cancer) Duco (skin cancer) Shock Absorbers (coping skills)

The mechanical concept brings an element of humour to men’s health and removes it from a clinical setting.

Participants are issued with an evaluation upon completion of the Pit Stop which can be a real eye opener.

“The program has helped identify individual health issues that need fine tuning and we have seen lifestyle changes happen as a consequence.”

without taking too much time out of your day”.

The ‘motorised’ health check ties in nicely with the Clipsal 500 which is sure to see an influx of ‘rev heads’ in Adelaide come the beginning of March.

ADVERTISMENT

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www.smartfresh.com

tba:

20

OF AFFAIRS

issue 10

The matrix below shows the audit requirements for growers/grower-packers supplying produce to Coles In addition to an audit against a nominated external standard, Coles Brands Suppliers (this includes loose fresh produce packed to Coles’ produce specifications) must ensure that they are compliant to the additional elements as outlined in the Coles Supplier Requirements.

As of 1st January 2012, the new version of the Coles Supplier Requirements will apply (Coles Supplier Requirements CSR-FV3).

This document is available to download from the Coles supplier website. http://www.supplierportal.coles.com.au.

Coles Produce Supplier Audit Requirements Decision Tree Yes

Do you trade directly with Coles?

No

You are a DIRECT SUPPLIER

Do you pack into: • Coles’ branded pro-packs • Coles’ returnable plastic crates • Bulk/loose produce against the Coles Produce specifications?

Yes

As per Coles’ Supplier Requirements

No

You are a SUB CONTRACTOR

Yes

As per Coles’ Supplier Requirements 21, 22, 23, 24

Refer to Coles Standards Matrix: Whole Fruit and Vegetables Coles Supplier Requirements AND Global Gap Option 1 - Single site • Freshcare • SQF1000 • SQF2000 • BRC

Do you supply Produce to a Coles’ manufacturer / packer of value added fruit and / or leafy salads / mixes?

No You are an INDIRECT SUPPLIER

You are an INDIRECT GROWER

As per Coles’ Supplier Requirements 2,9

As per Coles’ Supplier Requirements 2, 7

SQF1000 Freshcare

Third party HACCP based food safety program. For example: • Freshcare • SQF1000 • SQF2000 • Global gap • Codex HACCP • NZGAP

Members are reminded that not all Certification Bodies/auditors are approved to audit to Coles requirements, and should check this when booking their audit.

february 2012

Charlie Natale

&

I am passionate about moving forward in our industry.

Works:

In my spare time I enjoy:

Managing Director at Alfresco Fruits Pty Ltd specialising in tomatoes, kiwifruit, citrus and avocadoes.

Socialising.

Lives:

My first job was: Pizza Maker at Bella Italia.

Bulleen.

My fondest memory is:

Most of my day is spent:

Making the Victorian soccer squad in under 13’s.

Working all night then going to the gym and lots of socialising afterwards.

The football team I barrack for is: Essendon and Melbourne Victory.

My favourite Melbourne Market moment is: Returning back to Wholesale and opening Alfresco Fruits after ten years in retail at Fresh Warehouse Direct.

The quality I respect most in an employees is: Efficiency and hard working.

As I have grown older I have learnt: Respect, loyalty and honesty.

If I described my business to a stranger I would say:

The aspect of my job I Iike the most is: That you can abuse your customers and they say thank you.

The thing I dislike the most is: When my hair is out of place.

I am passionate about: Moving forward in our industry.

My business associates would say that I: Am a fussy ‘person’.

When I was a child I wanted to be: A world class soccer player.

The place in the world I would most like to go is:

Long hours – it’s very social and the best place to work.

Spain. Barcelona, Madrid and Alicante – I have been there before and it is an amazing place.

The qualities I most enjoy about Melbourne Market are:

The thing a lot of people don’t know about me is:

It has allowed me to become a third generation fruit wholesaler.

That I can dive into a pool and when I come up my hair still looks the same.

The pets I have are:

My favourite fruit or vegetable is:

Horses that are useless.

Tomatoes.

I belong to a very large family of fruit wholesalers going back to the old Queen Victoria Market days. Our late grandfather Frank Madafferi started working there in the 1950’s and this is where the family became fruit wholesalers with sons and son in laws joining the industry through the markets.

My late step father Jim Amalfi started his own business at the Footscray Rd Market. He later joined his brother in law Joe Dipietro at Viva La Fruit and they ran a successful business for many years.

My father then moved on to starting Brescia Wholesalers with his sons.

After working at Pisa Nominees – a sole supplier of pre pack apples to the major chains, I went on to assist with the set up of the family business Verona Fruit Supply with the late Vince Madafferi and family. I then worked at Brescia Wholesalers for a short amount of time before venturing out on my own.

I purchased a provedoring business called Lipari Fruit and Veg Supplies which I still run today. After four years at Lipari, my father in law and I bought into the Farmers Market Super Stores.

We had five stores in partnership with the Williams Brothers but we eventually went our separate ways and our family kept the Seaford store for a period of time.

After years in retail I decided to go back to what I knew and loved – being a wholesale fruitier. In January 2011, I started Alfresco Fruits and we structured our business to specialise in tomatoes.

Later on I was joined by Ross Madafferi who bought in more lines and just recently Tony Madafferi joined the team and furthered our Queensland tomato supply. Together we will be trying to increase our business and friendships throughout this great industry.

Q&A:

q a

21

issue 10

february 2012

trade shows:

OF AFFAIRS

Trade Shows Trade shows have been an integral part of the promotional mix in the marketing strategy for most companies worldwide for many years.

In Australia we are all familiar with popular trade shows such as the Boat Show, the Caravan and Camping Show, Good Food and Wine Show, Garden Show and the list goes on.

These trade shows attract a wide market and are advertised on a large scale in print media and television so the brand recognition to the average Australian is no surprise.

It is at these shows that business is done, sales are made and companies grow their database and brand recognition. Money plus ongoing networks are made, and it is for this reason, that the humble trade show remains in the marketing strategy and therefore in the annual budget for smarter companies – they see a tangible benefit.

With the popularity of online communication tools such as smart phones, emails and social media, Trade Shows are now considered a unique and necessary platform for businesses to develop face to face relationships with consumers and potential stakeholders.

It is easy to forget in the fast paced lives we now live, the importance of building relationships and good old fashioned face to face contact. It is these contacts that makes our businesses strong and healthy and is something that can be created at a Trade Show.

Trade shows are a great opportunity to meet hundreds of people at the one time, at the one place and do business in one or two days.

As Vince Brancatisano from Prestige Produce put it “(trade shows) are a great opportunity to meet hundreds of people at the one time, at the one place and do business in one or two days”.

Internationally, horticultural trade shows are big business. Fruit Logistica (Europe), Asia Fruit Logistica (Asia) and Fresh Summit (USA) are three of the biggest. Yes their central location and large population pool are a factor however they do attract a large amount of international delegates and exhibitors and big bucks are made. So much Continued on page 24 >

! r e f f o e v usi

excl Conference and Trade Show

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

HOSTED BY

26 - 28 June 2012

The Australian Chamber of Fruit and Vegetable Industries through Fresh State are offering all Wholesalers the opportunity to display their produce and or services at Fresh Connections 2012.

Be a part of an exclusive fresh produce trade area within the exhibition representing wholesalers from the markets around Australia.

Open yourself up to new trade, new clients and display your finest produce to the industry.

An opportunity to conduct new business over two days instead of the whole year.

Network with the best in the industry.

Exclusive exhibitor packages are available which include additional advertising through Fresh State of Affairs, preferred space, invitation to The Melbourne Wholesale Welcome Reception, trade show pass and theming.

Contact Sonja van Eijk on 03 9689 3233 to confirm your participation or discuss possibilities.

trade shows:

24

OF AFFAIRS

issue 10

february 2012

Trade Shows are now considered a unique and necessary platform for businesses to develop face to face relationships with consumers and potential stakeholders. so that Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) created the Australia Fresh brand in 1995 to cater for a broad cross section of Australian fresh fruit and vegetables in key export markets.

Australia Fresh is an active participant in many of the high profile food industry trade exhibitions around the world, under the Australian brand.

“The stand provides an environment for exporters to participate and trade, generating new and renewed business for the participating industries. There is also Australian produce on display and available for tasting” says David Chenu, General Manager of Marketing Services at HAL. “Basically if you want to pro-

mote new business and promote your product to a large targeted audience then trade shows are the way to go”.

Notwithstanding the industries international reputation and representation abroad, much work is still required domestically.

A missing feature in Australia has been the lack of take up in our own industry trade shows and the ability to capitilise on them for new and growing business opportunities.

The trade shows are available in Australia for

the horticulture industry and it is up to businesses to assess the benefits of each, plan accordingly and to be involved to ensure greater brand exposure, greater networking and of course new business going forward.

Benefits of the Trade Show: Industry specific which attracts a specific target audience of related experts, professionals, customers and traders.

Meet hundreds of people at the one time, at the one place and do business in one or two days.

Provides an arena to exhibit and showcase products and services to target audience.

An opportunity to launch new products and new companies.

An opportunity to acquire new business deals, exchange knowledge and information and facilitate collaborations.

The easiest way to connect face to face with the target audience and provide them with first hand live information regarding the products and services on offer.

Encourage research activities and inspire innovative concepts.

Provides equal opportunity to each exhibitor displaying at the event which his ideal for smaller or new businesses in the industry.

Increase database of leads and networks.

Increase brand recognition and positioning in the industry.

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As the Melbourne Markets Credit Service (MMCS) get their new online system into full swing for the 2012 year, Customer Liaison Officer Sara Wiseman has been busy visiting MMCS users in their own offices to find out who the faces are behind the names.

Sara says that meeting office staff who are usually ‘faceless’ over the phone is a great way to obtain a personal connection and to see how individual systems work.

“Taking the time to meet with MMCS users in their own environment has been very beneficial for both myself and the end user” says Sara. “I have been able to get to know the person behind the business as well as the business itself”.

The focus of the visits has been for Sara to get to know the office staff who are

Feedback has been really positive regarding the convenience of the Credit Service. inputting the data for the credit service, to understand their systems and how to adapt their procedures to the new online MMCS system.

November Visit Highlights – Geelong Citrus Packers and Just Onions • These two businesses are MMCS buyers and happen to be owned by brothers Andrew Thierry and Alan Thierry. Coincidently their offices are side by side in Geelong.

• Geelong Citrus Packers are not only ‘football mad’ (Anything relating to AFL team Geelong of course) but are also extremely computer savvy with a love for Apple Macs.

• Geelong Citrus Packers have been operating for 17 years and Just Onions for six years and both run wholesale businesses out of the Melbourne Wholesale Market.

The MMCS has seen a steady increase in users in the last quarter. “Feedback has been really positive regarding the convenience of the Credit Service” said Sara. “We will continue to visit both buyers and sellers in 2012 and assist with training so that all users can benefit from the new system”.

Alan and Andrew Thierry with Sara Wiseman.

melbourne markets credit service:

Meeting the faces behind the names

OF AFFAIRS

Are we getting enough We all need sleep. It’s a fact.

issue 10

february 2012

?

Studies have shown the amount of sleep we need is inconclusive – some people can survive on five hours of sleep a day while others need eight.

It is all subjective and depends on the individual. The questions are whether the sleep we are getting is good enough and are we actually sleep deprived?

processed carbohydrates, coffee and soft drink. All stimulants to keep the body awake and alert during the early hours of the morning when our natural instincts are to sleep.

Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia, says sleep deprivation is the condition of not having enough sleep and it can be either chronic or acute. A

Studies show that even after a duration of seven hours of sleep per night over one week cognitive tasks are affected such as slower speed and less accuracy.

long as we get enough of it - although, unlike vampires, our bodies are naturally designed to sleep at night.

Sleep patterns have a lot to do with quality of sleep and sleep deprivation.

As you will see in the graph below we go in and out of light and deep sleep cycles through the duration of our sleep.

Sleep deprivation is the condition of not having enough sleep and it can be either chronic or acute.

Repeatedly missing a night’s sleep, an irregular sleep schedule, or frequent disturbance of sleep can result in a redistribution of sleep stages, prolonged and deeper periods of NREM sleep.

chronic sleep-restricted state can cause fatigue, daytime sleepiness, clumsiness and weight loss or weight gain. It goes on to claim that it adversely affects the brain and cognitive function. Complete absence of sleep over long periods is impossible for humans to achieve and long-term total sleep deprivation has caused death in lab animals.

In many cultures including the Market culture here in Melbourne, afternoon napping is common and is built into daily routines. Afternoon naps for most people typically last between 30 and 60 minutes. Any longer and there is a

The idea of sleep deprivation is especially prudent in the Melbourne Market environment where some wholesalers and retailers are starting their working day as early as 12.00 am daily and working through to 2.00 pm or in some cases 5.00 pm a day. How much sleep do these guys get?

Sure the body is great at adaptation and over time this has happened. It is no coincidence that there are four cafes in the market that do a roaring trade of fried foods, cigarettes,

Although it is common for people in many western societies to sleep in a single block of about eight hours during the night, this is not the only sleep pattern.

In driving situations, accidents can increase progressively as total sleep duration is decreased to seven, five and three hours per night/day over a week.

Whether sleep is achieved in the day or night is not as much of a problem as NREM: N1 First stage of sleep lasting one to seven minutes.

N2 Second stage lasting 10 to 25 minutes.

N3 Third stage lasting 20 to 40 minutes and is a deep sleep.

During this cycle the brain is less responsive to external stimuli and becomes difficult to wake.

REM: 20 to 25 minutes of sleep initially which gets progressively longer with each cycle.

AWAKE REM N3 NREM

sleep:

26

N2 N3 11pm

1am

3am

27

risk of falling into deep sleep and having a difficult time waking. According to sleep experts, napping can be a good way for people who do not sleep well at night to catch up.

Allocate enough time in your busy lives for adequate sleep so that you feel refreshed.

So the answer is simple (really). Allocate enough time in your busy lives for adequate sleep so that you feel refreshed, get rid of those bags under your eyes and you can function your day to day lives without the signs of sleep deprivation. Hopefully 2012 will be the year that Market hours finally change in line with the twenty first century and there will be more time for a balanced lifestyle of work, sleep and play.

Sources: • http://emedicine.medscape.com • Choice online August 2011

Signs of sleep deprivation: Dozing off in boring situations.

Feeling groggy when waking up in the morning or throughout day.

Moodiness or poor concentration.

Constant yawning.

Weight gain/loss.

Poor memory and decision making skills.

Increased clumsiness.

• http://www.abc.net.au/science/sleep/facts.htm • http://healthysleep.med.harvard.edu

facts:

• http://www.tacsafety.com.au

Seventeen hours of sustained wakefulness leads to a decrease in performance equivalent to a blood alcohol-level of 0.05%.

Fatigue is a major cause of car crashes in Victoria resulting in approximately 50 deaths and 300 serious injuries each year.

After five nights of partial sleep deprivation, three drinks will have the same effect on your body as six would when you’ve slept enough.

Teenagers need as much sleep as small children (about 10 hrs) while those over 65 need the least

of all (about six hours). For the average adult aged 25-55, eight hours is considered optimal.

Anything less than five minutes to fall asleep at night means you’re sleep deprived. The ideal is between 10 and 15 minutes, meaning you’re still tired enough to sleep deeply, but not so exhausted you feel sleepy by day.

Try the Sleepcycle App for Iphone – it’s a bio-alarm clock that analyses your sleep patterns and wakes you when you are in the lightest sleep phase so you are less grumpy and more refreshed!

Leaders in Fresh Produce W ith the unequalled ability

to supply the very best in quality fresh produce, you can be assured when you pick up a product with the Moraitis name, it is the very best that nature has to offer.