Fresh state of Affairs issue 39

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C e l e b ra t e in style

2017 FRESH STATE GALA BALL

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issue 39 oct 2017 ISSN: 1838-7829

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GALA BALL Another successful night and a record turn-out for the 2017 Gala Ball.

CONTENTS 02 What’s on 03 President’s message 10 A&S Wholesale 12 Gala Ball pictorial spreads 16 Valley Fruit & Produce 18 Beetroot 20 Recipe 24 Market Spotlight – Latorre's Fruit

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04 ASPARAGUS AUCTION

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The market community dug deep for the first box of the season.

& Vegetable Wholesalers

26 Calendar of Events

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Australia Post

ADVERTISING 7 Motta Produce 8 MIB 9 Fresh State

FOOTSCRAY RD A nostalgic last look at the market that was.

Berkely Cleaning Services Mr Fresh

21 MMCS 27 Toyota Material Handling 28 Bayford Volkswagen Epping PUBLISHED BY:

freshstate.com.au tel: 03 9408 6627

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CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER: Jason Cooper jason@freshstate.com.au

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PRINT: Revolution Print revolutionprint.com.au

EDITOR / ADVERTISING: Bernadette Kelly comms@freshstate.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHY: Bernadette Kelly

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

PROOFING: Tony Nigro tonyn@freshstate.com.au

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s ’ t n e Presid MESSAGE

Welcome back to the October edition of Fresh State of Affairs.

In this issue we highlight the 2017 Gala Ball, which was held on 26 August. A huge crowd attended and the general consensus is that it was a fantastic night, I know I had a great time!

It’s thanks to our sponsors and all who came along on the night that we are able to hold an event where we can come together and celebrate our wonderful industry. We are now planning and looking forward to an even bigger Gala Ball in 2018.

Also in this issue we showcase a couple of our market business success stories, and celebrate an amazing result for a recent charity auction held here in the market. We look back with nostalgia

IT’S THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS AND ALL WHO CAME ALONG ON THE NIGHT THAT WE ARE ABLE TO HOLD AN EVENT WHERE WE CAN COME TOGETHER AND CELEBRATE OUR WONDERFUL INDUSTRY. after the MMA have handed over to VicTrack the old Melbourne Market site at Footscray Road, and our US correspondent Lukasz Gorajek has some more to say about working in the American market system.

Our next issue is our Christmas edition of Fresh State of Affairs, where has the year gone? In keeping with tradition we will be once again offering the market community an opportunity to place a Christmas message. You’ll find all information you need on page 18. It’s always a high point to see Christmas messages in the magazine from so many market businesses and a fantastic way to pass on your best wishes to friends and colleagues in the market.

Almost as you read this our Annual general meeting is upon us. Looking forward also to seeing as many of you as possible on October 10th at Casa D’Abruzzo. Registration is at 8.30am with the meeting commencing at 9am.

For your enjoyment, we’ve added an extra spread of photos from the Gala Ball. Everybody looks so glamorous all dressed up and without the high-viz vests. Enjoy!

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 2017

This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior permission from Fresh State Ltd. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to: The Editor Fresh State of Affairs Magazine Store 36, Melbourne Market 35 Produce Drive Epping VIC 3076

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OUR INDUSTRY | OUR NIGHT

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Year after year, the Fresh State Gala Ball just keeps on getting bigger and better.

Another spectacular night was played out in style on August 26 at the Peninsula, Docklands.

This year the crowd numbers once again reached record numbers, and the atmosphere was alive with good vibes and good cheer.

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uests were treated to canapes and pre-dinner drinks before being seated.

Fresh State CEO, Jason Cooper, took on the role of MC for the night, with President, Shane Schnitzler, presenting the awards and the ever popular ‘This is Your Life’ presentation. A brand new video showcasing the Melbourne Market community at work had its debut screening to open the night.

As is customary, the coveted Fresh State Industry awards were announced at the ball. Award winners included, Fresh State Business of the Year awarded to Latorre’s Fruit & Vegetable Wholesalers, Fresh State Personality of the Year awarded to Brett Collins from Perfection Fresh. The Young Marketeer of the Year was won by Michael Granieri from Granieri’s Fresh Produce.

As part of his prize Michael gets a trip to the US to attend Fresh Summit in 2018. The new Buyer of The Year award winner was Yarra Valley Farms.

The famous ‘This is Your Life’ presentation was awarded to Vince Brancatisano, formerly from V Brancatisano & Sons (Veg) and now with Ferrinda Fresh. The planning of 'This is Your Life' is traditionally kept secret in the lead up to the ball, and it would be fair to say that Vince was more than a little surprised and bemused by all the attention.

The night was capped off by a lively band, a packed dance floor and plenty of friendly camaraderie.

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GALA BALL AWARD WINNERS

Market Personality of the Year: Brett Collins

Young Marketeer of the Year: Michael Granieri

Buyer of the Year: Yarra Valley Farms

This is Your Life Recipient: Vince Brancatisano

Wholesale Business of the Year: Latorre's Fruit and Vegetable Wholesalers

Fresh State would like to thank our major sponsors:

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

THE DATE FOR NEXT YEAR’S BALL WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON. To get in on the ground floor as a sponsor in 2018, please contact the Fresh State Office.

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WE WANTED TO GIVE SOMETHING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY. WE THOUGHT WE’D HAVE A SEASON LAUNCH, THEN WE DECIDED TO MAKE IT A CHARITY AUCTION TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE EPILEPSY FOUNDATION.

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The market community had their generosity out on display at 5am on Thursday 24 August, at the inaugural Charity Asparagus Auction, hosted by Mick Motta from Motta Produce and supported by Mick’s business partner Alan Favero.

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hen Mick decided to hold a season launch for white asparagus he wanted to make it an event that would liven up the Market. ‘The Market can be a bit sterile and I wanted to get something happening,’ he said. ‘This industry has been very good to us and we wanted to give something back to the community. We thought we’d have a season launch, then we decided to make it a charity auction to raise funds for the Epilepsy Foundation’.

Given that Mick has family members affected by epilepsy, and he knows

firsthand the effect of the condition on people’s lives, his choice of which charity to support was never in doubt.

‘Epilepsy is a hidden condition,’ Mick says. ‘People keep it secret and noone wants to talk about it but 25,000 people are diagnosed with Epilepsy every year in Australia. I want to help raise awareness of that.’

The promotion of the event was fairly low key. Five weeks before the event they put up a banner that read ‘Let’s Kick Some Asparagus’ and invited some wholesalers, retailers and growers.

Mick provided a delicious array of

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barbeque style food. Dominic and Danny Luppino sponsored funds for promotional girls to assist with fundraising, and Vince Scarso of Big Valley Produce provided wine to accompany the barbeque.

‘It was great to see how many people showed up on the day. In addition to the locals, we had Gibb Brothers here from Brisbane and Lemdell from Sydney. There was even an international presence, with Keisuke Miyao from The Watari Company over here from Japan.’

Bidding for the little box full of first picked white asparagus opened at five thousand and escalated quickly.

As well as a number from the floor, there was a mystery phone bidder via Motta Produce staff member, Marcus.

Unbeknown to Mick, the phone bidder was actually Mick’s father, Charlie, who couldn’t be present because he had a commitment in China. With a bid of 30

thousand dollars, Charlie was ultimately the successful bidder.

It didn’t stop there. Major donations were ten thousand from Sciclunas, six thousand from Paul and Benny Palmer, and five thousand respectively from Favero Gardens, Market City, Gibb Brothers, the MMA and Fresh State. Every cent raised was personally matched by Mick Motta, resulting in an incredible overall total of $118,240.

Representing the Epilepsy Foundation were Helen Smith and her colleague Phil Nicholls. They were visibly surprised and delighted by the excellent result. The foundation’s CEO, Graeme Shears, has earmarked the funds for the Epilepsy Smart Schools program, which is currently rolling out across Victoria.

‘250,000 Australians have epilepsy in Australia yet 90 percent of people with epilepsy don’t have access to

adequate, best practice supports. The schools program aims to ensure kids are included in school activities and that schools are educated and trained in behaviour around epilepsy.’ Graeme says. ‘Our vision is to ensure that no person with epilepsy has to go it alone.’

Fresh State President Shane Schnitzler with Helen Smith and Phil Nicholls from The Epilepsy Foundation.

THANK YOU! Motta Produce, on behalf of the Epilepsy Foundation, would like to say a BIG thank you to the Melbourne Market Community for helping to raise $118,240! This was achieved through the generosity of the market community, along with members of the wider produce industry from interstate AND overseas.

The FIRST box of white asparagus for the season was auctioned for charity at the Australian asparagus season launch which we held on 24 August.

The successful bidder took home the box for $30,000. This sum was matched dollar for dollar by the Motta family, with a further $58,000 being donated off the floor.

The generous response to the auction will have an immediate and positive impact by enabling the Epilepsy Foundation to extend its reach into schools much earlier than anticipated. Every child living with epilepsy should be given the same opportunity to have a good education. The goal is to have every school become an Epilepsy Smart School.

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Thank you to all members for your ongoing support with Rental Bonds &/or Liability policies renewed for 2017/18.

Melbourne Insurance Brokers (MIB) have been assisting wholesalers & growers for seventeen years and going strong for almost forty years. We can assist you with a wide range of insurance covers including the financial risks of owning a business.

Management Liability is an essential cover for all business owners as it protects you against: • Claims from disgruntled employees alleging unfair dismissal or bullying which are covered under the Employment Practices component • Theft of cash or stock by employees; we have seen several clients suffer at the hands of trusted employees resulting in claims well over $100k • I f an employee is injured & a Workcover claim is made, Work Health & Safety often investigate & often impose a fine on employers; this would be covered under this policy • Tax Investigation also known as Tax Audit covers the costs of your accountant’s time in preparing responses to the ATO & other government bodies • D irectors & Officers cover protecting you against breaches of Trade Practices Act & other scenarios CYBER ATTACKS

Of course we can also assist you in protecting your physical assets as well via:

Yes, there is insurance for virtually everything including against tech savvy crims who want to hold you to ransom like we saw with the recent Wannacry virus attack.

Business Property* Providing cover in the event of damage to Fixtures/Fittings (including cool rooms) and Stock caused by events such as fire, smoke, water or storm damage.

FORKLIFTS AND BUGGIES

Revenue Protection for your Business* Protect your cashflow from any downturn as a result of an insurance event, more commonly known as Business Interruption.

Whilst Forklifts are virtually indestructible, they are subject to theft, damage to other vehicles and damage to property. Of course we have seen both a forklift and a buggy on fire in recent times so, Forrest Gump was right, it does happen! A Commercial Motor Policy will provide the cover needed.

*As stipulated in your lease.

The covers noted above are provided under a Business Insurance package which can be extended to include cover for: • Loss of Money • Theft • Glass breakage • Tax audit

Contact Mark & his team at MIB today (or tomorrow if you’re busy today …)

9686 0688

melbourneinsurancebrokers.com.au

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Bumper Christmas Special Edition DUE OUT 13 DEC 2017 Spread some festive cheer to the market community and place a Christmas message in our bumper Christmas edition.

To book contact Bernadette at the Fresh State Office on 03 9408 6627 or send an email to comms@freshstate.com.au

quarter page – $395 | half page – $595 | full page – $1100 Prices are exclusive of GST

Payments can be made through the MMCS

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issue 39 oct 2017

A&S WHOLESALERS BECOMES MARKETPLACE OF AFFAIRS

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Eighteen years ago, in 1999, Stephen Fanous began working with A&P Wholesale as a fruit stacker at the tender age of fourteen. His boss was Arthur Kneebone, who 16 years previously had converted from a Coldstream vegetable grower to a retailer with the opening of his first store at the Dandenong Market.

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y the time of Stephen’s introduction to the business, Arthur had expanded, opening a second store at Parkmore Shopping Centre in 1984, and a third at Dandenong Plaza in 1995.

The young Stephen must have been a diligent worker, because only two years later he was promoted to forklift driver with the job of loading trucks at the market. Just a year later, aged seventeen, Stephen was promoted to a buyer’s position. Over the next few years, Stephen took on more

The business has continued to prosper.

Over the last ten years A&S Wholesale has taken on more stores and now have a total of 9 fruit and vegetable stores and six florists, with stores located in the south east and western suburbs. The largest retail outlet is at Dandenong and the smallest at Chirnside Park. Employing a total staff of 400, it has become a huge entity of its own.

‘Our business reflects the strong relationships we have within the industry. Of the 400 staff there are

WE RECENTLY DONATED PRODUCE TO HEART KIDS FOR A CHARITY WALK. WE ALSO SPONSOR BOBBY BAJRAM, WHO IS TRAINING TO BE THE FIRST MS SUFFERER TO CLIMB MOUNT EVEREST. responsibility until he was doing the bulk of the buying for the business.

In 2010 Arthur acknowledged Stephen’s hard work and commitment by making him a partner, and changed the business name to A&S Wholesale.

Sadly, Arthur passed away earlier this year, leaving Stephen as sole director.

about 18 who work permanently at the market. We strongly believe in supporting the local communities where our stores are based, in particular organisations that support children. We recently donated produce to Heart Kids for a charity walk. We also sponsor Bobby Bajram, who is training

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OVER THE LAST TEN YEARS A&S WHOLESALE HAS TAKEN ON MORE STORES AND NOW HAVE A TOTAL OF NINE FRUIT AND VEGETABLE STORES AND SIX FLORISTS, WITH STORES LOCATED IN THE SOUTH EAST AND WESTERN SUBURBS. to be the first MS sufferer to climb Mount Everest. Marketplace supplies Bobby with high quality produce to keep him healthy.’

Stephen is always striving to improve the business. ‘To keep the business thriving we need to be always looking for ways to improve on our quality and service. We are lucky to have an excellent team of dedicated people who do this every day.’

Two years ago the business worked with a brand development company and began using the trading name Marketplace.

‘The new branding has increased the profile of the business into a recognizable brand,’ says Stephen. For an independent Fruit and Vegetable operator to have achieved so much and support so many staff and families, Stephen regards A&S Wholesale as a pioneer of the industry. ‘With a successful business model supported by our staff, suppliers and customers, A&S Wholesale and Marketplace are well set to continue to prosper into the future.’

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VALLEY FRUIT AND PRODUCE JE K

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– WHOLESALING THE CALIFORNIAN WAY! Valley Fruit and Produce is the La Londe family’s thirdgeneration business, established in 1920. It has the largest presence in the market, employing around 270 employees over three facilities, and filling orders of around 1,000 accounts a week. We’re open 24-hours, six days a week, and apart from a few specialty lines we are full range.

To keep pace with an evolving marketplace, and to counter the declining relevance of the central market system, Valley is diversifying with three divisions.

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resh Produce services our market customers.

These customers buy on ‘the street’, and either pick up their orders themselves, or have us deliver it to their vehicles or their own premises by one of our delivery trucks.

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Our full service buying, ad-managing, warehousing, logistics and display support-providing division is called ‘Retail Management’. Retail Management’s target customer is the retailer that has outgrown handling all their fresh produce procurement with their existing infrastructure, yet remains too small to create their own buying team and distribution centre.

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ANOTHER PART OF SUSTAINABILITY IS TO EXECUTE ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS PRACTICES THAT PROVIDE POSITIVE FINANCIAL RETURNS. ONE EXAMPLE OF THIS IS THAT WE'VE REDUCED OUR WATER CONSUMPTION BY OVER 60% AT ONE OF OUR FACILITIES.

‘Produce Solutions’ - Valley’s third division - caters to our large, highly specialised customers. These include institutional accounts, specialty customers, and our export business.

While Valley ships all over the US, our primary markets are in California, Arizona, Idaho, Nevada and Utah.

Internationally, Valley exports almost all product lines - depending on customer and/or country/region specifications - to Asia, the South Pacific, the Middle East and Central America.

As Strategic Operations Manager, my everyday focus is on long term operational efficiency. My work revolves around space optimization, speeding up workflow, introducing more and better work tools -such as new digital technologies to help ensure Valley fulfils its compliance and reporting related obligationsand generally creating a facilitating environment.

I’m also working to cement Valley’s sustainability program. ‘Sustainability’ at Valley includes implementing initiatives that positively contribute to Valley’s culture, such as employee

of the month recognition, social events, and anonymous communication forums. We contribute to the community by instigating activities such as sending a team to help at a soup kitchen on a monthly basis, annual Christmas toy drives, and annual blood drives.

Another part of sustainability is to execute environmentally responsible business practices that provide positive financial returns.

One example of this is that we've reduced our water consumption by over 60% at one of our facilities.

My four years here have exposed me to a different dimension of our industry. I hope with my two articles, I’ve been able to give you a small insight into where we’re similar, and where we’re different as wholesalers in our respective hemispheres.

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Per capita, we eat more beetroot than any other country in the world. More recently, the deep red bulbs have had their status raised to a superfood, and have gained a foothold as a desirable ingredient in many a café and restaurant meal.

This versatile little vegetable houses a plethora of health benefits, and it’s a powerhouse of all things good for you.

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he beetroot is descended from a skinny, carrot shaped wild plant called the sea beet, which was found growing around the Mediterranean Sea and along the coasts of North Africa and Europe. Long before it was ever eaten as a meal, the beet was used as a dye, in teas, and as a medicine to treat such diverse conditions as constipation, skin problems, fevers, and bad circulation. Roman records show the beetroot was used as an aphrodisiac. This can be explained when you consider that beetroot contains the trace mineral Boron, which increases the level of natural sex hormones in the body. Mainly the leaves were eaten in soups and as a side dish, until cultivation and consumption of the variety we know began around the 16th century, and eating the root of the plant became popular in Central and Eastern Europe.

There is really only one downside of the delicious red beetroot, and that’s the risk of stained red fingers, and stained anything else it touches, but there are white and golden beetroot varieties available that don’t ‘bleed’ the way the red ones do. They are an easy crop to grow and are not space-hungry. The plants like rich soil, however, too much nitrogen or water will make for too much leaf and not enough bulb. Seeds germinate in 10-14 days and should be sown after the last frost in spring. The growing

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season extends through to late autumn and baby beets can be harvested after 10 weeks.

The smaller bulbs tend to be more tender and sweetest for eating.

All varieties of beetroot are good for you.

The leaves are rich in Vitamin A, while roots are high in the minerals, manganese, copper, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron,

AUSTRALIA IS REPUTED TO BE THE ONLY PLACE IN THE WORLD WHERE YOU’LL FIND BEETROOT IN BURGERS. Vitamin C and folate. Eating beetroot regularly will contribute to healthy blood, stable blood pressure and a regular heartbeat. The high folate content is particularly beneficial for women who are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy, as folate has a role to play in the normal development of the foetus.

Scientists have recently discovered a link between consuming beetroot and improved cardiovascular performance for athletes.

And don’t forget the leaves! Other studies have shown beet leaves to assist with eye health, prevention of Alzheimer’s, Osteoporosis, and strengthening of the immune system.

FRESH STATE MEMBERS AT THE MARKET WHO STOCK BEETROOT ARE: LA MANNA PREMIER, VELI VELISHA, HC PRODUCE, FRESH GROWERS.

A google search for beetroot recipes online will unearth literally thousands of ways to use this delicious vegetable. We’ve included one of our favourites on page 22.

ALL VARIETIES OF BEETROOT ARE GOOD FOR YOU. THE LEAVES ARE RICH IN VITAMIN A, WHILE ROOTS ARE HIGH IN THE MINERALS, MANGANESE, COPPER, POTASSIUM, PHOSPHORUS, MAGNESIUM, IRON, VITAMIN C AND FOLATE.

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Featured Recipe

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RED BEETROOT SOUP (UKRAINIAN BORSCHT) INGREDIENTS: > 750 g Beef Shank > 2 large onions, 1 cut in 4 pieces, 1 finely chopped > 2 celery sticks, roughly chopped > 6 black pepper kernels > 2 bay leaves > 2 large carrots, peeled & grated > 3 red beetroots, peeled & grated > 4 tomatoes, peeled & cut in chunks > 3 medium sized potatoes, peeled & cut in chunks > 200g white cabbage, finely shredded > 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped DRESSING INGREDIENTS: > 2 tablespoons of tomato puree > 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar > 3 tablespoons of sunflower oil > 1 tablespoon of sugar > 250ml sour cream > H alf a bunch of fresh dill, finely chopped > Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper

THIS TASTY DISH IS POPULAR THROUGHOUT EASTERN EUROPE AND THERE ARE MANY REGIONAL VARIATIONS. Place the beef shank, onion, celery, bay leaves and black pepper kernels in a large saucepan. Add 3 liters of water. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 1½ hour, until meat is cooked, skimming if necessary. Remove the beef shank from the saucepan and finely chop the meat of the shank.

Keep for later. Pour the stock through a sieve and return to the saucepan.

Heat oil in a large frying pan. Gently glaze chopped onion for a few minutes, then add garlic and grated carrots. When carrots have become

translucent, add grated beetroot and white wine vinegar. Cook for 10 minutes, until the beetroots release their juices and the colour changes to purple red.

Add tomatoes and tomato purĂŠe.

Place the vegetables in the saucepan with stock.

Bring to a boil. Let simmer for 15 minutes on low heat. Add the cabbage, potatoes and sugar. Bring to boil again, then reduce to a low simmer for 15 minutes.

Your Borscht is ready to serve, or for even better flavor, leave overnight.

Serve hot.

Divide the soup into individual serving bowls.

Garnish with a large dollop of sour cream and top with finely chopped fresh dill.

Source: lovemysalad.com Love My Salad is initiated and coordinated by some employees of Rijk Zwaan, a family owned vegetable breeding company, together with passionate salad lovers.

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OUT WITH THE OLD On July 18 the final chapter was closed on the West Melbourne wholesale market site, known colloquially to one and all as simply, ‘Footscray Road.’ On that date the MMA officially handed the site over to VicTrack to manage.

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he land has been earmarked to be re-purposed into three uses, with the city side section to become part of the Western Distributor development, the central part to be taken over by Boral for a new concrete batching plant, and the northern edge to be used by neighboring Toll Holdings.

It may have been just two short years ago, but there is no doubt that the move from Footscray Road to Epping was not a smooth transition, and many market users look back with nostalgia on the old market. They believe that, when the tired old buildings were left behind, so was the unique character and soul of the market.

Some thought the massive investment into the new market would have been better spent renovating the old one.

It’s a moot point now of course, two years down the track, the Epping Market is here to stay. For some, coming to work each day to Epping’s modern, clinical facilities will never quite replace the heart and soul that made up the unique character of the West Melbourne Wholesale Market.

Moving forward, it's in with the new, and time to create new memories at Epping that will be the next chapter in the history of our industry.

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That was then.

MOVING FORWARD, IT'S IN WITH THE NEW, AND TIME TO CREATE NEW MEMORIES AT EPPING THAT WILL BE THE NEXT CHAPTER IN THE HISTORY OF OUR INDUSTRY.

This is now.

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LATORRE’S

FRUIT AND VEGETABLE WHOLESALERS PTY LTD

2017 WHOLESALE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

It was a proud moment for John Latorre and Rocco Grillo when their win was announced at the Fresh State Gala Ball.

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he brothers-in-law began their the purchase from La Manna of stores business in 2002, when they 63, 65, 67, and 69. sublet store 220 at the Footscray Latorre’s original lines were beans, Road Market. After only two years zucchini, squash and capsicum, with the business outgrew the space and tomatoes and mangoes being added purchased numbers 251 and 252 later. Today, they carry approximately from Warren Nicholls. They turned the 80 lines of produce, with main lines cages into cool rooms that became their base for the next twelve JOHN AND ROCCO SEE THE FUTURE years until OF THEIR BUSINESS IS TO CONTINUE 2014, when the business again TO STRENGTHEN AND GROW WITH expanded, THE SUPPORT OF GROWERS, RETAILERS buying A Venuto and Co.

AND THE MARKET COMMUNITY.

15 months later, on 31 August, 2015, the entire market moved to Epping, and Latorre’s took up residence at stores 95 and 96, where they traded until April 2017. The business now has a larger presence in the market with

including tomatoes, beans, zucchini, corn and mango.

The business began with just three people consisting of John and Rocco

(Rocky), and Rocco’s son, Rocky Junior.

They were later joined by Rocco’s sons, Mark and Alfonso. Fast forward 15 years and there are now 14 staff employed, including 6 family members.

John and Rocky like to see themselves as senior staff members, but like to give the younger family members more control. Like so many of the market stories, family is an integral part of the business.

‘Our priority is the independents, green grocers and fruiterers,’ says Rocco. ‘It’s the strength of our family connections and 7 days a week hard work that has built this business,’ John adds. ‘We service retailers, providores, independent supermarkets and a small amount of our produce goes to Woolworths.

‘Our business revolves around the whole market. We buy and sell from

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LATORRE’S ORIGINAL LINES WERE BEANS, ZUCCHINI, SQUASH AND CAPSICUM, WITH TOMATOES AND MANGOES BEING ADDED LATER. TODAY, THEY CARRY APPROXIMATELY 80 LINES OF PRODUCE, WITH MAIN LINES INCLUDING TOMATOES, BEANS, ZUCCHINI, CORN AND MANGO.

other agents and we appreciate the mutual support. We think of everyone we deal with in the market as an extension of family. Without the support of the market community an award like this would not have been possible.’

John and Rocco see the future of their business is to continue to strengthen and grow with the support of growers, retailers and the market community. ‘For us, this business is not just about making an income. It’s about keeping our family together,’ John says. ‘Family, including our partners at home, are what keeps our business going strong.

‘We really want to thank Fresh State for providing the awards and for their work in keeping the market community united and connected. Large or small, market businesses are supported. We look forward to the ball every year. It’s an opportunity to connect with our colleagues and their families too. The ball was a great night and we all had a good time. It’s another way to promote our industry to the public. Our industry is so important. We want people to see that.’

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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2018

TUE

28

NOVEMBER

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MARCH MELBOURNE MARKET

CHRISTMAS EDITION Sprinkle some Christmas cheer around the market and book in your Christmas messages with Fresh State of Affairs.

The magazine will be out on December 13.

SEE PAGE 18 FOR DETAILS.

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FRI

2017

Charity Golf & Bowls Day 2018 Heidelberg Golf Club 11am until late.

MORE DETAILS PENDING AT: http://www.freshstate.com.au/melbourne-market-charitygolf-and-bowls-day-2018/

AUSTRALIA POST

WE (DON'T) DELIVER! Have you ever wondered why it takes so long for your business mail to arrive in the market? And why are all the parcels delivered to the MMA office instead of to individual tenancies? On this particular issue, the MMA are as mystified as we are.

Prior to the opening of the Epping market, the MMA were visited by Australia Post and advised that Australia post personnel would not be delivering mail to individual tenancies and that the decision was based on a ‘risk assessment’.

The MMA offered to provide a buggy and a driver to assist postal staff with deliveries. The answer – a big fat NO. Instead, Australia post deliver in bulk to gate one. MMA personnel spend a minimum of ten man hours a week to have MRO’s sort and hand deliver mail to tenants. While the MMA pick up the bill for the extra work the repercussions for tenants are of course super slow delivery times.

According to Vic Roads, despite no public access, the market site is considered a public road and therefore buggies and forklifts are required to be registered.

So why, when it comes to Australia Post, where we pay for our post in advance and charges continue to rise, is a normal mail delivery unavailable?

Just another example of government double standards to add to the list!

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