Fresh State of Affairs Issue 19

december

19 2013

ISSN: 1838-7829

A very Merry Christmas for all 2013 Christmas messages Relocation: Interlocutory Injunction Fresh State Gala Ball

issue 19

december 2013

what’s on :

bumper issue

04

10 Relocation:

Fresh State gala ball:

Epping 2015. The epic court case.

What store holders get and what they don’t get. What’s to come?

Pictorial spread on who’s who at the annual gala ball.

36

34 MMCS business

Moraitis Multicultural day

Devolas of Brighton supplying the Bayside suburbs for generations.

The second annual Multicultural day saw three awards given.

Christmas Special Messages: VFS Produce / TC Produce

12

Brescia Wholesalers / Young Sang & Co

13

Prestia Wholesalers / Lions Club

14

Mushroom Mania / Costa Farms

15

Ferrinda Fresh

16

Cool Dynamics / Medici Wholesalers / GRAMCO

17

Louis Melbourne / Barkers Melbourne

18

AMV Fresh / Perfection Fresh

19

Kapiris Bros / Emilio’s Finest

20

Piedimontes

21

Opaljade / Sculli & Co.

22

VB Fruit / Veli Velisha

23

Flowerdale Farm

24

HC Produce / Fresh Berry

25

Fruit Avenue

26

CONTENTS

ADVERTISING

02 What’s on

33 Brady IPS

03 President’s message

39 Kapiris Brothers

Latorres / I Do Group

27

08 Fresh State Gala ball 2013

40 Barkers Melbourne

Prestige Produce

28

Moraitis / Loc Bros Produce

29

Toyota Material Handling

30

A.S.D / Fresh Cut Processors

31

Fresh State

32

12 Christmas messages 33 Rural leaders at FSL 37 Q&A 38 Young Executive Committee

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: Sally Piper sallyp@freshstate.com.au Sonja van Eijk sonjav@freshstate.com.au

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

From the President

03

Shane Schnitzler Welcome to Edition 19 of Fresh State of Affairs.

With Christmas on our door step it’s a great time of year to reflect, and spend some quality time with our family and friends.

It has been a very long and tiring task but my thankyou goes out to all that participated at every level.

In reflection, I congratulate the 103 companies that stuck together through thick and thin, and importantly your

At the time of writing we are awaiting the Ministers acceptance of our offer and we believe this will be forthcoming.

On behalf of the Board and management I would like to extend a Merry Christmas and happy and safe New companies aYear to all.

A positive to end the year In reflection, I congratulate the 103 on; through that stuck together through thick and thin, negotiations between both and importantly your monetary contribution parties we have managed that shows the true level of your support. to reach consensus on the monetary contribution that shows the agreement for lease, lease and deed true level of your support. An honour poll. It’s pleasing to see that almost all board will be unveiled shortly and will members executed those documents hold pride of place at Fresh State for a and submitted to the State an offer long time to come. within a very quick time frame.

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 2013

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 19

december 2013

relocation:

OF AFFAIRS

What has happened since late June? legal:

Since late June many events have occurred relating to relocation.

These separate into two categories – Legal and “without prejudice” Negotiations.

27 June – Justice Elliot stated “In Relation to the alleged unconscionable conduct, I have found there is a serious question to be tried”.

However Justice Elliot did not grant the Interlocutory Injunction that we had been seeking. The Interlocutory Injunction was to keep the injunction in place from prior to the 31 May drop dead date right up until the outcome of the trial.

1. W e wrote to the MMA’s lawyers seeking a ‘stay’ of the interim injunction while an appeal is made to Justice Elliot’s Interlocutory Injunction decision.

This request was rejected by the MMA. 2. W e then approached Justice Elliot to seek a “stay” so as to appeal. He granted this.

3.

Our legal team presented our case to two judges of the Court of Appeal of the Supreme Court for an Interim Injunction until an appeal could be heard.

This was granted.

4. On 30 July Justices Hansen, Tate and Hargrave heard our appeal on the Interlocutory Injunction.

They reserved their decision.

16 August – Justice Elliot set the commencement date for trial as 28 October for an estimated duration of six weeks. He directed that mediation be completed by 11 October.

19 September – Justices Hansen, Tate and Hargrave handed down their decision and much to the delight of store holders all three Justices’ upheld our appeal and awarded costs against the MMA. 9 October – mediation takes place but the case remains unresolved.

28 October – after a great deal of effort by many people, Justice Sifris commences the trial. It sits for a total of twelve days before his Honour orders an adjournment for mediation.

28 November – Mediation occurs.

29 November – Justice Sifris adjourned the further hearing of the trail sine die (adjourned indefinitely).

05

negotiations:

The Interlocutory Injunction was to keep the injunction in place from prior to the 31 May drop dead date right up until the outcome of the trial.

Although many offers to negotiate a way forward were offered by Fresh State from March, no reasonable acceptance to negotiate was taken on board.

22 October – Significant changes to the lease documents were made but some issues are still outstanding such as insurance were yet to be resolved.

However, prior to and following the Appeals Court decision on 19 September, tentative steps were being taken by both parties to attempt to breech the divide.

28 October – Start of trial.

Surrounding the injunctions hearings and the associated legal processes many issues were brought to the table that had not previously been considered.

Ultimately, resolution to these issues sorts of issues has helped both parties.

The Fresh State negotiating team met with the MMA and the State representative on many occasions particularly from late September onwards. By the time the court instructed mediation on 9 October progress had been made and the critical issues were being debated.

14 October – Following these initial negotiations the parties started working on making agreed changes to the lease documentation. It was also agreed that some would require more time and that these would be protected by side letters.

15 November – Final agreement on the lease documentation resolved and printing of leases commenced. Other agreements contained in side letters.

18 November – Signing of lease documentation commenced.

26 November – Submission of 83 sets of lease documentation made to MMA. Remaining sets forwarded as they were received.

28 November – Second mediation hearing.

29 November – Justice Sifris adjourned the further hearing of the trail sine die (adjourned indefinitely).

06

OF AFFAIRS

issue 19

december 2013

A very Merry Christmas

Epping 2015 The relocation of the Melbourne Wholesale Markets to Epping will be in early 2015 pending the Minister’s acceptance of our offer.

If accepted, it will bring to an end the very long and protracted negotiations over the last twelve months and all parties can enjoy their festive drinks!

07

relocation:

for all

The current incumbents at Footscray Road will receive a rent free period to recognise their equity.

What does the store holder have to pay for?

The store holder will need to pay for their tertiary glycol system and cool room blowers/ humidifiers and any other specific items they wish to install such as pallet racketing, internal cool rooms and a down stairs office.

They will need to complete their office up stairs and install air conditioning if they so wish at their cost.

Make Good provision The “make good” provisions of the stores at Footscray Road have been simplified to removing rubbish, degassing equipment and leaving the store in a lockable state.

What do Store Holders get?

Stores The landlord will provide the following additions to the stores: • Ceilings to the store area • Adjustment to the fire sprinkler heads to fit in with the ceiling height • Light cabling for store lighting • A steel beam to support the store holder’s refrigeration / cool room blower system • Cool room panel rear doors on the internal side of the rear roller shutter • Paneling over the concrete dado and steel support on the rear wall

Warehousing The current incumbents at Footscray Road will receive a rent free period to recognise their equity.

They, like everyone else, will have an opportunity to take up warehousing space at Epping if they so wish.

Ancillary Services Most of the current ancillary services such as cafés, equipment hire businesses, retailer businesses and the like and Unloaders will be given the first choice to take up a similar business at Epping (with some details yet to be finalised).

A great deal of credit for these outcomes must go to the 103 store holders who have stuck together through some very trying times. That has been and will continue to be our great strength as there are many more positives to be had when we work together!

08

OF AFFAIRS

december 2013

0 1 2 3 e t G a ala t S h With fireworks cracking and spirits Ba s thick and fast, the Fresh State Gala Ball l re flowing 2013 once again went off with a bang!

l

F

issue 19

Melbourne Wholesalers and industry associates gathered at The Carousel, Albert Park to celebrate the ongoing tenacity of the market community in what could be said has been a tough year for the industry.

President Shane Schnitzler welcomed guests by announcing the success of Fresh State’s recent court decision and invited everyone to help celebrate this outcome as well as the opportunity to enjoy a social evening with friends and partners.

The announcement of the Fresh State Awards was highly anticipated especially when revealed that Shane had not been part of the process for the very first time. “This year we wanted to have an extra element of surprise to the awards,” he said. “I have not seen any of the nomination forms and have no idea whatsoever who has been nominated or declared winners until I open the envelopes”.

The Fresh State Awards are an important part of the Market Community which recognizes achievements of peers within the industry - voted by peers. “It’s unique” continued Shane. “There are not many awards that are based on nominations by the very people we work with and it is a really nice feeling to know that your peers not only validate you but also support your business efforts”. This year saw the most nominations ever received for the awards which is a good sign of the growing popularity of the annual recognition process.

Business of the Year: Nominations: • Avanti Fresh Produce • Barkers Melbourne • Costa Farms • Dykes Bros • Mildura Fresh Winner: Barkers Melbourne Ross Barker accepted the Wholesale Business of the Year award on behalf of Barkers Melbourne.

“We have been working really hard over the last year and making positive changes to our business so this award means a lot to myself and the team”.

This year saw the most nominations ever received for the awards

Nominations: • Joe Brancatisano VB Fruit • Alby Chin Chin Bros • Danny Scimia Barkers Melbourne • Ozi Prestia Prestia Wholesalers • Ross Venuto A Venuto & Co

Personality of the Year:

Winner: Alby Chin – Chin Bros Alby Chin accepted the Personality of the Year award from Tony Brandon (Toyota) and Shane Schnitzler.

Alby was surprised and humbled to receive this award nearly rendering him speechless for the first time we can remember. He acknowledged all wholesalers partners, many of whom were at the Ball.

“We could not do our job without our respective partners and I would like to thank them for putting up with us grumbling at the end of long days and supporting us to do this job”.

09

Young Marketeer of the Year: Nominations: • Andrew Basinski AMV Fresh • Charlie Natale Alfresco Fruits • Daniel Scarvo Young Sang • Joey Manariti Premier Fruits • Mark Grillo Latorres Fruit and Vegetable Wholesalers Winner: Mark Grillo – Latorres Fruit and Vegetable Wholesalers Mark was honoured to receive the Young Marketeer of the Year and acknowledged the other nominees in this category.

“It can be hard getting up early every morning and working long hours,” he said. “Thank you for those that voted for me and providing me with such a great opportunity”.

As well as being named Young Markeeter of the Year, Mark also walks away with a fully paid trip to the USA in 2014 to attend PMA’s Fresh Connections.

“It is important that we not only acknowledge our young guys who work in the Market” said Shane, “but that we also provide them with the opportunity to up skill their industry knowledge on a global platform”.

Dom Di Mattina was a fitting recipient of the prestigious This is your Life award having worked in the industry for the last sixty years.

Dom has not only built a successful business empire but has also given back to the industry in a big way.

He was President and Vice President of the Victorian Chamber of Fruit and Vegetables (now Fresh State) for many years as well as serving on the Melbourne Market Trust in the early seventies before the market was handed to the MMA. He was also the inaugural President of the Melbourne Markets Lions Club and is still heavily involved in this organization today. So much so that Dom organised a silent auction at the Ball to raise funds for humanitarian Moira Kelly, the legal guardian of formerly conjoined twins Krishna and Trishna. Approximately $3,500 was raised on the night which will go towards the operation of a young two year old Moroccan Boy with severe facial deformities.

gala ball update:

This is Your Life: Dom Di Mattina

gala ball:

2

1

9 10 11

12

21

13

20

1.

Brett Collins from Perfection Fresh gets into the groove.

2. Life Member Robert Millis with and John Latorre.

3.

The boys from Premier Fruits.

4.

Charles and Ross Italia from Toll Tasmania.

5. John Roach strategises with legal counsel James Patterson.

6.

Mark and Trish Dykes.

7.

QC Nunzio and Melinda Lucarelli.

8. Organic peach growers Kelvin and Deanne Free from Duralgai.

9. BGP Produce’s Sandra and Emilio Lorenzetto.

10 Fresh State President Shane Schnitzler with Life Member Dom Dimattina.

11.

Fresh State’s Tony and Margaret Nigro.

12. Gorgeous Melanie Dowell with Marcus McGlashan from Moraitis.

13.

TC Produce’s Sam Cutrale with daughter Georgia.

14. The Toyota Material Handling team show off their forklift!

15. Fresh State’s Shqipe Prushi and Linda Schnitzler catch up.

16.

Joe Granieri with his lovely wife Kim. 17. Christina and Ian Halliwell with Kim from Barkers Melbourne.

18. Dom and Donna Brancatisano from Prestige Produce.

19. Fresh State lawyer Anthony Desiderio from Wilmoth’s with wife Emma.

20. Matriarchs Mick and Lucy Brancatisano from Prestige Produce.

21.

Kerrie and Leon Caccaviello from Chetwynd Park.

22.

Marcelo and Danni Corrado from Toll Tasmania.

19

22

18

4

5

3

8

7

6

15

14

17

16

12

OF AFFAIRS

issue 19

december 2013

OF AFFAIRS

V.F.S Produce wish our customers and the market community a very merry

Christmas

Season’s Greetings from all at TC Produce

Christmas Special

13

r. a e y e h t t u o ugh o r h t s s e ty i n i n s u u m b m r o u o C y for kets r s r a e m M o t . e s n n u o r c s u r a o u e b s o l e e o v t i fest he M t y p h s p i a w h Thank you e d n a W a very safe

s g n i t e e r G s ’ n Seaso

14

OF AFFAIRS

Merry Christmas To our customers and friends at the Melbourne Wholesale Market. Looking forward to a great year in 2014!

Our Market Lions Club has been a beacon of assistance for thousands of needy over the past 40 years. The Club thanks the ever-generous market community for its constant support and wishes you all the joyous experience of family reunions over the Festive Season.

Christmas Special

mushrooms this Christmas

enjoy some

Season’s greetings

15

16

OF AFFAIRS

e

b o t c w pi

d e i l p sup

ne

Seasons Greetings from all the team.

17

Christmas Special

s a m t s i r h C ry r e M

All of us at Cool Dynamics thank you and wish you a happy holiday and a prosperous new year.

We Manufacture, Supply and Service the following products: High Humidity refrigeration, Hydro Coolers, Conventional refrigeration, Ice flakers, Vacuum Coolers and Freezers

15 Capital Place Carrum Downs VIC | T: 03 9775 1244 | F: 03 9708 2662 | E: admin@cooldynamics.com.au | www.cooldynamics.com.au

Season’s Greetings

veryone W is h in g e is t m a s a n d r h C l u f y a jo ar us New Ye a prospero

18

OF AFFAIRS

Louis Melbourne

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas

The team at Barkers thank the Melbourne Market Community for your custom over 2013 and wish you a prosperous new year.

Christmas Special Thank you to all our retailers and growers for supporting us in 2013.

Looking forward to bigger and better things in 2014!

ppy a h a e n o y r e v e r. a Wishing e y w e n s u o r e p s holiday and pro www.perfection.com.au

19

20

OF AFFAIRS

Kapiris Bros family wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a flavourful New Year.

Harry Kapiris Managing Director

S e a s o n’s G r e etings to the Melbourne Market Community

21

Christmas Special

whole ty e h t o T muni m o c t marke and

mas r t s i r h C a Merry py New Ye onte a Hap Piedim

oe t from J the Team a rkets and erma p u S s onte’ m i d e i P

PIEDIMONTE’S L I C E N S E D

NORTH FITZROY 37-49 TELEPHONE BEST9481STREET 1600 FAX ORDERS 9482 2117

TRADING HOURS Mon-Sun 7.30 am to 9.00 pm

S U P E R M A R K E T S

“ WE SERVE TO SERVE AGAIN” *Meat * Service Delicatessen * Liquor *Produce *Bakery Kodak Digital Photo Centre North Fitzroy Store Only

TattsLotto Agency Pascoe Vale Store Only

PASCOE VALE 366 BELL STREET TELEPHONE 9354 7257 FAX ORDERS 9350 2810

TRADING HOURS Mon-Sun 8.00 am to 9.00 pm

22

OF AFFAIRS

SeaS n’s Greetings All the best for the festive season.

OPALJADE

To all our valued customers, Wishing you all a happy Christmas and a safe new year. From Phil, Dean and all the staff at Sculli & Co.

23

Christmas Special

Merry Christmas from the team at VB Fruit

to all our clients and suppliers

24

OF AFFAIRS

S easo n ’ s g reeti n gs

from the original

25

Christmas Special

From all the team at HC Produce, Merry Christmas to our valued customers & colleagues at the Melbourne Market.

Wishing everyone a joyful Christmas, and a prosperous New Year Fresh Berry upgraded to half page

26

OF AFFAIRS

Merry Christmas To all our valued Growers, Suppliers, Buyers and the Melbourne Markets Community.

The Team at Fruit Avenue express sincere thanks and appreciation for your business, loyalty and support during the 2013 year.

We extend to you and your family our best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

We look forward to being of service to you in the New Year 2014.

Store 31—36 Melbourne Markets Phone No. 03-9846 4664 Mobile No. 0418 391 160 Fax No. 03-9846 2202 Email: admin@fruitavenue.com.au

27

Christmas Special Rocky, John and all the boys at LATORRES would like to thank their customers for their continued support and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year.

I do Group Aircon

Since 2003, The I Do Group has been designing, installing and servicing custom commercial refrigeration and air conditioning systems

Refrigeration

Thermfresh specialists We offer Installation 24 hours, 7 days a week

Air Conditioning incl Domestic Conventional Refrigeration

13 Brett Drive Carrum Downs 3201

Electrical

All our experienced mechanics are accredited with the Australian Refrigeration Council

Ultra High Humidity Refrigeration Ethygen Ripening Systems

Ph : 03 9708 2540 Fax : 03 9708 2544

Our experienced team aim to bring you the best possible solution and service

Thermfresh maintenance Design and Installation

info@idogroup.com.au www.idogroup.com.au

28

OF AFFAIRS

melon

potato

garlic

onion

pumpkin

ginger

Vince Brancantisano 0419 582 039

Mark Brancantisano 0418 338 757

Dom Brancantisano 0417598733

Stores 307-310 Melbourne Markets, 542 Footscray Road, West Melbourne 3011 T: 03 9687 6449 F: 03 9689 7134 E:admins@prestigeproduce.com.au

melon

potato

garlic

onion

pumpkin

ginger

Vince Brancantisano

Mark Brancantisano

Dom Brancantisano

0419 582 039 0418 338 757 Vince Brancatisano Mark Brancatisano Dom0417598733 Brancatisano 0419 582 039 0418 338 757 0417 598 733 Stores 307-310 Melbourne Markets, 542 Footscray Road, West Melbourne 3011 T: 03 9687 6449 F: 03 9689 7134 E:admins@prestigeproduce.com.au

29

Christmas Special

r e e t in gs S e a s o n ’s G

it is Te a m a t M o ra fr o m th e Fr e sh

LOC BROS PRODUCE

30

OF AFFAIRS

to be re shot

Merry Christmas to all Fresh State Members

31

Christmas Special

Season’s Greetings

Merry Christmas to our customers and colleagues

at the Melbourne Market.

32

OF AFFAIRS

Seasons Greetings Directors and staff wish the members, our corporate partners and the extended Market community a safe and happy holiday season.

33

rural leaders at FSL:

Growing Leaders 2013 In August the ‘2013 Growing Leaders’ visited the Melbourne Markets as guests of Fresh State.

The Melbourne Markets tour saw participants converse with wholesalers within the markets during the early morning tour managed by John Roach, Daniel Scavo (Growing Leaders 2012 Graduate) and Mark Lorenzetto (Growing Leaders 2011 Graduate). The team also met with a variety of business owners across the value chain during the tour.

Growing Leaders 2013 participants (l-r) Sarah Simpson, Deana Said, Sarah Limpus and Luke Spittles with Andrew Bulmer (center) (2009 Growing Leaders Graduate)

The visit to the Melbourne Markets allowed Growing Leaders to understand the whole value chain and also to test their industry ‘Mission.’ advertisement

As part of their tour, the group were addressed by an industry panel around the theme of “Leadership in the Vegetable Industry Value Chain”. Panellists Deborah Corrigan, Andrew Bulmer (Growing Leaders 2009 Graduate) and Callum Cormack (Growing Leaders 2012 Graduate) provided valuable insights into this area.

“The visit to Melbourne Markets continues to be a valuable component of the Growing Leaders program each year.” said Jill Briggs, Growing Leaders Program Manager from Rural Training Initiatives. Jill said the visit to the Melbourne Markets allowed Growing Leaders to understand the whole value chain and also to test their industry ‘Mission’ to ensure that the changes that they were implementing were beneficial to the whole industry. “The team have been spending time working on the skills they have developed and also working as a team to complete their 2013 Growing Leaders Mission.”

On the 28 November 2013, the fourteen emerging industry leaders will graduate from the six-month 2013 Growing Leaders - National Vegetable Industry Leadership Program in Canberra.

During graduation, participants will provide an overview of the outcomes ‘Growing Leaders Mission’ which they have facilitated and implemented. “Invited guests to the Graduation include federal members and senators, key stakeholders as well as the who’s who in the industry”, continued Jill.

“The graduating Growing Leaders participants will manage and address the assembled guests to provide high-level information about the broad vegetable industry and community.”

• Complete Facility Fit Outs • ‘FM’ Approved Systems • Cool Rooms • Production Areas • Coving Systems • Custom Manufactured Insulated Doors • Controlled Atmosphere / ULO Rooms • Preventative Maintenance Solutions • Ongoing Maintenance

Call: 1300 884 090 www.bradyips.com.au info@bradyips.com.au

34

issue issue19 19

september december 2013

section indicator:

OF AFFAIRS

The team at Devolas of Brighton have a combined total of over 100 years experience in the fresh produce industry.

Back row: John, Sam, Michael. Front row: Noerry, Angelo and Rosemary.

John and Rosemary Damore are an energetic, enthusiastic couple and these qualities flow into their small but busy retail store at the popular Hampton Street address in Brighton.

Devola’s of Brighton has been supplying the local communities of Brighton, Hampton and other Bayside suburbs for generations. A family owned and operated business since 1921, the shop has a reputation that is larger than life in the region.

Four years ago, John and Rosemary purchased the business, keeping the iconic name, after downsizing from their busy Thornbury fruit and vegetable shop that they had run for twenty years.

“We wanted to try something different and concentrate on a smaller business with great customer service as well as

quality products” says Rosemary. “It is actually harder being a smaller business because of the personalised service we offer to everyone that walks in the door, but it is also very rewarding”.

“We pride ourselves on stocking everything form everyday seasonal fruit and vegetables and herbs, as well as rare and exotic varieties,” continues Rosemary. “We also have a fabulous range of quality flowers and a delicatessen of specialty cheeses, pasta and dry goods”.

Rosemary is one hundred percent involved in the business with her husband and passionate about the industry. She is currently completing a Holistic Whole-

foods course to provide added value to her clients and will follow that up with a Floristry course to assist the full time florist they employ in store.

Meanwhile John heads into the market early every morning sourcing quality produce and flowers for the shop. “I have been coming into the market for the last 25 years and really like catching up with fellow fruiterers and wholesalers”.

John also loves the challenge of trying to find the best quality produce that he knows his clients will enjoy. “I always have my clients in the back of my mind

35

mmcs business:

To assist with sourcing the right types of products, Rosemary and John are constantly trialing and testing. “I do a lot of research and follow my gut feeling,” says Rosemary in relation to what products they sell. “I teach myself how to use niche ingredients such as quinoa before it is sold in the shop so that I can assist and advise customers.”

Rosemary says that Turmeric is an example of a niche product that has become very popular. “It has exploded in the Western Culture in the last couple of years due to its many health benefits,” she says.

“Turmeric walks out of this store like it has legs!”

before I buy anything” he says. “I know their taste and what they like, and I look forward to their feedback”.

When he is not at the market or working in store, John is busy training for endurance events with his next big competition earmarked to be the Melbourne Ironman in March 2014. “I go for a run in the afternoon and it wakes me up and refreshes me for the rest of the day,” he says. When he is not running, he is either cycling, swimming or training in the gym. Add Rosemary’s already full schedule plus looking after their two teenage daughters and this couple are a very busy and successful unit.

We have a lot of health and fitness customers coming into the shop … (they) like to buy specific products that have high nutrient values and assist with their heavy training schedules.

As an endurance athlete, John is very conscious about eating good quality food which blends in well with Rosemary’s holistic approach. The business reflects this ethos and a large portion of their customer base are influenced

by John’s success and status in the fitness industry. “We have a lot of health and fitness customers coming into the shop due to our location and from word of mouth.” continues John. “These customers like to buy specific products that have high nutrient values and assist with their heavy training schedules.” John says having these products easily accessible was also really important. “We have an online store, home delivery plus the shopping experience in store so there are a lot of options,” adds Rosemary. With the added value of a qualified florist, this local greengrocer is bursting at the seams with choice, experience and passion.

John and Rosemary Damore have been members of the Melbourne Markets Credit Service for the last 24 years and praise the Credit Service customer service team for their efficient manner in chasing up discrepancies and making life easier to do business in the market.

Top Three Benefits of being in the MMCS: 1. Retailers are not forced to bring in bundles of cash to the market.

2. Provided with 14 day trading terms.

3. More flexibility to return goods if necessary.

36

OF AFFAIRS

issue 19

december 2013

Moraitis Multicultural Day 1st

Moraitis Multicultural Day Winners: Name: Ashiq Hashim Origin: Sri Lanka Prize: Winner’s trophy and $200 gift voucher to a restaurant of his choosing.

2nd

3rd

Name: Keshni Imtiaz Origin: Fiji Prize: $50 gift voucher to Village cinemas, $50 Woolworths voucher.

Name: Van Nguyen Origin: Vietnam Prize: Cooking utensil kit.

Can you guess which dish belongs to which nationality?

NATIONALITY:

DISHES ON OFFER:

Vietnamese

Potato Cutlets Soy Sauce Beef (Halal) Chicken Kothu (Halal) Spanakopita Fried Fish Cevapi Spicial Fried Rice Devil Chicken Lasagna Mixed Rice Urid Spring Rolls Bo La Lot Tuk Bok Ki Vada & Chutney Chao Minh Vegetable Stir Fry Roast Pork Gelaktoboureko (dessert) Lamingtons (dessert) Fairy Bread (dessert)

Sri Lankan

Moraitis held its second annual Multicultural Day last month which was once again a huge success.

“This year we upped the ante,” says Human Resources Manager Ivica Petrlic from Moraitis and organiser of the event. “We organised a panel of judges, awarded prizes to the winners and had a lot more participation which was excellent”.

Ivica says the reasoning behind the event was to bring all the employees together through a common interest of food and sharing of their cultural experiences and history.

The table lists the nationalities (in were represented on the day

no particular order) that and the food on offer.

Pakistani Indian Greek Fijian Korean Italian Chinese Australian Croatian

Award recipients: Van Nguyen, Ashiq Hashim and Keshni Imtiaz.

Left: Expert panel of judges ready and waiting to taste the dishes.

Right: One of the delicious meals on display.

37

Ralph Prestia Prestia Wholesalers stock the following lines: tomatoes, beans eggplant, roma tomatoes, zucchini and capsicums. We source good quality produce in order to meet the needs of our clients.

Works:

The pets I have are:

Prestia Wholesalers. Wholesaler of Fruit and Vegetables and book keeper.

A dog – Labrador Retriever.

Suburb where I live: Thomastown (Toorak side).

Most of my day is spent: Working in the morning – sleeping in the afternoon. Gardening and socialising on the weekends.

The football team I barrack for is: Melbourne.

My favourite Melbourne Market moment was:

In my spare time I enjoy: Gardening.

My first job was: Clerk with Wreckair Australia.

My fondest memory is: The birth of my children.

The aspect of my job I Iike the most is: Cash sales.

The thing I dislike the most is:

When I started full time in the market.

I always loved the industry and the challenge.

Early hours.

The quality I respect most in a person is:

Family.

Reliability and honesty.

My business associates would say that I:

As I have grown older I have learnt: You don’t mix business with pleasure.

Family becomes more important.

Your hair goes grey and your teeth become loose.

If I described my business to a stranger I would say: Small to medium sized business with a good loyal following of retailers while also supplying supermarkets.

The qualities I most enjoy about Melbourne Market are: The many people you meet and the friendships made.

I am passionate about:

I am always whinging about credit.

When I was a child I wanted to be: A cowboy.

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

The thing a lot of people don’t know about me is: I am not an animal!

My favourite fruit or vegetable is: Tomatoes.

“I still wanted to work in the market even after university, but Dad wouldn’t let me,” says Ralph. “It took a long time to find a job because businesses wanted you to have experience first but I couldn’t get experience without getting a job so it was a catch twenty two.”

At the age of 21 years, Ralph secured his first role as an office clerk and worked for a further four years in office type roles. “When I worked as a bank teller, I kept putting in for a promotion but was never successful,” he says. “I later found out that it wasn’t that I wasn’t good enough, it was only that they needed someone who could speak Italian on the front teller and I was the only one who could!”

In 1974, after finally convincing his dad that the market was the place for him, Ralph starting working full time in the family wholesale business and has been happy ever since. “It is much easier working in the Markets now than it was when I first started,” continues Ralph. “Back in the 70’s and 80’s there were a lot more buyers and competition.

Nowadays we have regular clients, not as much pressure and can concentrate on providing quality produce.” Ralph works with his brothers Osi and Frank and they all enjoy the camaraderie and friendship that the market offers.

At 64 years of age, Ralph is realistic and reflective about his future and says he will be playing retirement by ear. “I love this industry but there comes a time when you have to call it quits,” he says. And with his quirky sense of humour, he is quick to add “I don’t want to drop dead in a pallet of tomatoes.”

Q&A

Ralph has always loved the Melbourne Wholesale Market.

Since the age of eight years old, he helped out his dad in the school holidays at the market stand and never wanted to go back to school. But his dad wanted him to have a professional job and didn’t encourage him to work at the market full time. So Ralph persevered at school and studied accounting at University for two years before the lure of the workforce was too much for him.

38

OF AFFAIRS

issue 19

december 2013

young executive committee:

Farewell Lukasz!

Bon voyage to Fresh State Young Executive Member Lukasz Gorajek who relocated to the USA in July.

Lukasz is highly regarded in the Melbourne Wholesale Markets for his professional and passionate work in the fresh produce industry. He was named the Fresh State Young Marketeer of the Year in 2010 and most

years prior to this involved in the wholesale markets in one way or the other.

Lukasz is highly regarded in the Melbourne Wholesale Markets for his professional and passionate work in the fresh produce industry.

• Blood drive in conjunction with the Red Cross.

recently the Dean’s Medal from La Trobe University for being the outstanding postgraduate coursework student in the Business School (Department of Marketing Tourism and Hospitality).

Results

Lukasz spent the last three years as Special Projects Manager at Avanti Fresh Produce and many

As a Fresh State Young Executive Committee Member Lukasz also had his hands in many pies including:

• Forklift challenge in conjunction with Toyota Material Handling and Kleenheat Gas. • Blackspot competition.

• Creation of Healthy Bites business plan.

He also received a research grant from La Trobe University to investigate the market hours in the wholesale market and the sustainability on the supply chain.

Lukasz’s skills and enthusiasm will be missed by his colleagues and friends at the Market, and we wish him all the best on his new journey.

Black Spot Safety Competition

Congratulations to the winner: Serena Waters, Alfresco Fruits TOP 3 BLACKSPOTS

OTHER BLACKSPOT

in the market:

concerns included:

1. Banana Alley 2. Near Moraitis Warehouse 3. Behind A Stores Northern end

• Kelly’s corner SE – 3 East • Inside growers floor where drains are • Centreway near toilets • 9 West at entry to growers stand

The main reasons for the above blackspots were uneven and very rough roads together with dips in the roads where drains were.

39

KB innovations supplies high tech scientific instruments for growers, distributors, produce suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, universities and research centers.

The ranges of instruments include quality control devices for batch management and characterisation in the fields of agronomy, food processing and fruit and vegetable producers.

Durometers The AGROSTAÂŽ100 objectively measures the firmness of soft fruits, vegetables and farm produce without destroying them.

Call now for your introductory discount offer Other QC devices Texturometers Penetrometers Digital Refractometer Digital Colour and Defect characterisation Digital Size Recorder Digital Scales and Weight Recorder KB Innovations 542 Footscray Road West Melbourne, VIC 3003

Contact : Steve Tsakoumakis Tel: +61 3 9689 6711 Fax: +61 3 9687 7849 Email: kbinnovations@kapirisbros.com.au

Now selling our own value packs, we bring convenience and reliability to the customer.

avocado Punnet A must have for summer salads.

Available all year round.

Barkers Best Avocado Pack

Product of australia

Packed by Barkers Melbourne 2/80 Fairbank Road Clayton South Vic 3169

Min net weight: 600g

Mango 4 Pack Don’t judge a mango by its colour – red does not mean ripe.

Available from October to March.

Barkers Best Mango Pack Product of australia

Packed by Barkers Melbourne 2/80 Fairbank Road Clayton South Vic 3169

Min net weight: 875g

kiwifruit 10 Pack Packed with Vitamin C and a lunchbox favourite.

Available all year round.

Come and see us for more information or call: Billy: 0434 520 661

Bobby: 0419 377 017

Ian: 0402 218 881

Ross: 0418 867 860

Shane: 0498 110 014

Tim: 0438 867 860

Joey: 0420 601 269