Fresh State of Affairs Issue #45

ELECTION PROMISES With Labor’s re-election will we FINALLY see a market review?

NEW MARKET TRADING HOURS

The question of who is allowed in and when

WHAT DOES A “PUBLIC MARKET” REALLY MEAN?

The team at Fresh State would like to wish the entire market community a safe and happy Christmas and New Year

Store 36, Melbourne Market 35 Produce Drive, Epping VIC 3076 T: 9408 6627 | F: 8401 3690 www.freshstate.com.au

Open weekdays between 6am to 2pm, excluding public holidays

issue 45 dec 2018 ISSN: 1838-7829

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CONTENTS

04 President’s Message 05 A Promising Election Result: If Labor Keep their Promises

OF about AFFAIRS 06 Confused Market Trading Hours?

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We are too!

CHRISTMAS MESSAGES

02 Fresh State 14 Social Media and Fresh Produce 08 Mumford Wholesalers / Brescia 16 Around the Market 09 Perfection Fresh / Fresh Cut Processors / MIB 20 Fresh State 43rd AGM Report OF 12 AFFAIRS MMCS 24 Expanding the idea of a Public Market OF AFFAIRS 13 Flavorite / Produce Time 28 Zucchini: The Perfect Summer Squash 15 KB Building Group 32 Featured Recipe: Stuffed Zucchini Flowers 18 Louis Melbourne 33 2018 Christmas Trends 19 Granieri’s Fresh Produce / LaManna Premier Group 35 Calendar of Events 23 Fresh Test / Prestige Produce / Velisha Wholesalers 26 Barkers Melbourne 27 VB Sculli / Medici Wholesalers 30 Produce of Virginia /

ADVERTISING

10 2019 Melbourne Market Charity Golf Day

21 MMCS Promotion 22 Toyota Material Handling

PUBLISHED BY:

freshstate.com.au tel: 03 9408 6627

Latorre’s Fruit & Vegetable Wholesalers

31 Melbourne Market Lions Club / The Grape House / MMA

34 Ferrinda Fresh / Gazzola Farms 36 CHEP

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

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PRINT: Revolution Print revolutionprint.com.au

EDITOR / ADVERTISING: Kate Cook comms@freshstate.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHY: Kate Cook

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

PROOFING: Tony Nigro tony@freshstate.com.au

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BUMPER

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Christmas Edition

s ’ t n e d Presi MESSAGE

As is tradition, this edition of Fresh State of Affairs is a Bumper Christmas Edition filled with wholesaler’s Christmas messages, news from around the market, and a bit of holiday spirit to start this December on the right foot.

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LTHOUGH at the market we tend not to slow down for these holidays it is important to take the time to celebrate with friends and family, and take stock before the New Year so we are ready for all it has to offer.

In this edition of Fresh State of Affairs we are making sure you have all the facts on a number of issues, most importantly what is happening with the idea of the Melbourne Market as a “public market”, the results of the recent state election and what they mean for the market, and the issue of the changed market hours and confusion over the Early Buyers Pass.

We also have our first official announcement of all the details of the Melbourne Market Golf Day which will take place on the 15th of March next year in support of DEBRA, so make sure to reserve this date in your calendar.

For those of you who are tech savvy or looking to learn the ropes of social media you can find out some information on Fresh Produce and Social Media, and also enjoy a great summary of all the Christmas trends you are likely to see at the different holiday gatherings this year.

As we come to the end of the year I would like to thank everyone in the market for banding together as a true community and supporting each other during the ups and downs of 2018.

From myself, the rest of the board, and the Fresh State staff, I would like to wish everyone the best throughout this festive season and into the New Year.

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

In addition, by using the information in this magazine, each user waives and releases Fresh State, its staff and agents from any and all claims relating to the use of this document. In no event shall Fresh State Ltd be liable for any consequential damages resulting from using the information in Fresh State of Affairs.

© Fresh State Ltd 2018 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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A PROMISING ELECTION RESULT

IF Labor keep

their promises Congratulations are due for the Labor party, who on the 24th of November won the Victorian State Election by a landslide and will be in power in the state for another 4 years.

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LTHOUGH this may not have been the result all market users were looking for, there still could be good news to come from this re-election.

give the government’s assessment the level of “independence and veracity” that it currently lacks. In fact, since Jaala Pulford’s announcement there has been no action to actually start this

In the absence of a change of leadership, our hope is that at the very least the Labor leaders can hold true to the promises they have already made to Victorians. One such promise was made well before the election by the Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford, who stated back in August that it was an “opportune time to assess the market’s operations and make sure it is set up for sustained success”.

THERE IS AN ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM HOWEVER, AND THAT IS THE ONGOING ISSUE OF INDUSTRY OWNERSHIP AND THE MELBOURNE MARKET.

This promise of a review was a welcome one for wholesalers at the Melbourne Market, who have been plagued by concerns like unreasonable charges, poor management practises, and a failure to run the market competitively. These problems and more have been reported but have seen almost no response, which has led to issues such as refrigeration prices doubling in 3 years, the trans-shipping of banned goods within the Market, unauthorised sub-leasing and car park trading activities, and the failure to develop multiple uses and income streams to address rising costs.

If the government were to truly help the Melbourne Market get back on its feet and be competitive in this country, it would require a review with a bit more backbone that what has been promised so far. Shane Schnitzler, President of Fresh State, has publically called for an external review that would

review process at all, making it seem that this was an empty promise to placate voters until the State Election was concluded.

There is an elephant in the room however, and that is the ongoing issue of industry ownership and the Melbourne Market. Irrespective of which government is in power in Victoria, the Melbourne Market remains the only state market that is owned by the government, and unlike the

other markets around the nation we are being held back by this factor. This means less trade in Victoria as growers go to other state markets, and fewer local horticultural jobs.

We can only hope that the Minister for Agriculture intends to keep their promise now that the Labor government has been re-elected, and that at best there will be a proper external review of market operations, or at the very least that they will finally begin the internal review process.

GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

INDUSTRY OWNED OPERATIONS

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FUSED

CON

ABOUT MARKET TRADING HOURS? WE ARE TOO!

STOP for a moment and ask yourself one question.

Do you know what the trading hours are at the market?

If you’re scratching your head, you’re not alone.

Retailers are confused, wholesalers are confused, Regional Buyers are confused, and even the people whose role it is to enforce the rules seem confused about this issue.

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OME months ago the Melbourne Market Authority asked market users to complete a survey on their preferred market hours. The results were thoroughly inconclusive, with a third of market users wanting a later market, a third wanting an earlier market, and the final third wanting things to stay the same.

So why is it that when two thirds of all market users wanted either a later market or no change at all, the MMA decided to pursue the opportunity to open the market earlier?

confusion over who is allowed into the market at these earlier hours and who is not.

The purpose of this article isn’t to weigh-in on the debate about market hours. In fact, Fresh State is often asked what our stance is on this issue and the answer is very simple, we represent our members and our opinion reflects their views.

The problem that is clear with the current situation is the poor level of communication from the MMA. Who exactly are the ‘approved’ early buyers?

If you step away from how it has been executed, the simple THE SIMPLE IDEA OF idea of consistent CONSISTENT OPENING HOURS opening hours, 3:30am every day, was not WAS NOT ACTUALLY A BAD actually a bad idea as it simplifies the issue of IDEA - BUT THIS IS NOT WHAT when the market can MARKET USERS ASKED FOR. be accessed. But this is not what market users asked for, and then just when these If there is a list of those with the paid new changes were settling in, the permit, then publish it. And there is decision to offer an Early Buyers Pass a whole new debate about whether at a cost of $10,000p.a for this trial was the Early Buyers Pass process is fair or also introduced. It seems we’re now not, especially considering that some back to square one, and there is still simply can’t afford it.

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There even seems to be confusion within the ranks of the people supposedly enforcing these rules, as market users are seeing mixed messages and actions that change from week to week. Why does it appear that these rules are being inconsistently enforced, and that many buyers are still entering the market at the new hours without an Early Buyers Pass? Do Regional Buyers wanting to access the market early need an Early Buyers Pass? We don’t know.

In fact, the Regional Buyers issue is an interesting one. On the application form for the Early Buyers Pass there is an option to purchase as a ‘Regional Buyer’, and by the MMA’s own rules this pass is available to them. However, it is our understanding that the Market Relations Officers were instructed by Plenary, on direction from the MMA, to allow Regional Buyers access to buy at 2:30am which is clearly against the current rules. In another twist, apparently this rule has changed yet again in the last few weeks.

THE REAL ISSUE IS ABOUT THE LACK OF CLARITY AND POOR ENFORCEMENT OF THE MMA’S OWN RULES. The irony of this situation is that the majority of wholesalers in the market wouldn’t have an issue with Regional Buyers coming in early to buy from them, and in fact, if the rules were made clear, the whole experience of Regional Buyers coming to the market could be made even better.

While this example highlights the issues around just one specific group of buyers, needs to be a fair trading there are many environment at the problems with market for all users. this new policy which clearly shows that the real issue is the lack of clarity and poor enforcement of the MMA’s own rules.

THERE

Whatever the MMA finally decides on these and many other questions, there needs to be a fair trading environment at the market for all users. We won’t put up with the approach of ‘turning a blind eye’ for some market users and enthusiastically enforcing these new rules against others, it is time that the market is given clarification from the MMA on the changed market hours and who can and who can’t access the market early. Having one set of rules that is well thought out, communicated, and implemented fairly is essential. We are sure that all market users, wholesalers, retailers, providores, and growers would agree that this isn’t an unreasonable request or expectation.

So, what are the trading hours of the market? No one really knows, but we are hoping that there is a light at the end of the tunnel after all the changes and trials that we are being subjected to.

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To our valued Customers, Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year From the team at Mumford Wholesalers.

ear . y e h t t u o h g throu s s e nity n u i s m u m b o r C u o s y t e rs for lbourne Mark ve season . e m o t s u c r u to o Me festi u e y o h p t y p h k a s n h i a w d h n e a T W a very safe

MMA Christmas Ad_2018.pdf 1 23/11/2018 1:07:36 PM

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CHRISTMAS MESSAGES 2018

Wishing all of our customers and friends a

Merry Christmas & a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Thank you for your support in 2018.

Our Story...

We’ve been seeking out the world’s tastiest fruit and veggies since 1978. And when we find the absolute best, we bring them home. To grow, perfect, share and enjoy.

pe rfe c tion . com. au

to our customers and colleagues at the Melbourne Market Thank you to all members for your ongoing support over the past twelve months.

We hope your celebrations over the festive period are joyful and overflowing with good times as you make merry with family and friends.

Hopefully your insurance affairs are all in order so you can relax and enjoy the festive period but if you have overlooked organising cover or some problem arises, feel free to contact myself or the office.

MIB is grateful for your continued support and we wish you and your respective families all the best for a safe and prosperous 2019!

CONTACT MARK & HIS TEAM

0412 707 701 | mark@mibrokers.com.au | 9686 0688

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MELBOURNE MARKET CHARITY GOLF DAY GOLF COMPETITION

NEW EVENT FORMAT

BUFFET DINNER

EVENING MC SAM KEKOVICH

FREE DRINK CARDS FOR EARLY REGISTRATION

COMEDIAN GABE ROSSI CELEBRITY PLAYERS:

TO BE AUCTIONED INTO TEAMS AFTER REGISTRATION

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BECOME A SPONSOR CONTACT KATE COOK AT FRESH STATE ON 9408 6627 OR KATE@FRESHSTATE.COM.AU

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MELBOURNE MARKET CHARITY GOLF DAY - TICKETS -

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BECOME A SPONSOR CONTACT KATE COOK AT FRESH STATE ON 9408 6627 OR KATE@FRESHSTATE.COM.AU

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Merry Christmas!

The Melbourne Market Credit Service team would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and thank you for your continued support

Ph.: 03 9408 6627 E: office@melbmcs.com.au Visit: www.freshstate.com.au/mm-credit-service

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CHRISTMAS MESSAGES 2018

Wishing all our customers a safe and happy holiday season

Thank you

to our customers, suppliers and friends for all your support during 2018. The team at Produce Time wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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#Social Media & Fresh Produce

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The Perfect Pair The age of social media is upon us, and with it comes a range of opportunities for businesses to reach customers in a whole new way, all you have to do is take the first step!

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E can’t avoid the reach of social media these days: everywhere you go someone is taking a picture of their friends, the view, an activity, or a simple photo of a great meal. This trend of cataloging your life through social media is showing no signs of slowing, with Instagram and Facebook becoming the new photo albums of the modern age. The food industry has latched onto the benefits of these social platforms, and companies now use these sites as a free and direct path to their customers, and a great source for statistics on user habits – you would be crazy not to get involved!

If you look at the way that people are using their phones these days it is clear that social media is an ever-growing power in the marketing industry and can greatly influence consumers. A total of 79% of Australians were recorded using social media sites this year, which is up 10% from 2017, and 4 out of 10 users have posted pictures of their food to these sites.

Avocado toast is a great example of the power of social media; it has come to represent an entire generation of millennial consumers who are now said to “not be able to afford a home” because of their love of this instagrammable fruit. Although

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this depiction of millenials is an exaggeration, the to their food and create a shared experience and a popularity of the avocado is not, and the fruits’ complete story of fresh produce. popularity is still on the rise – nearly all brunch So, if you are new to the business side of social menus in Melbourne serve avocado toast, or at media, how do you use it well? The best way to least a side of smashed avo, and all of these are launch or reserved beautifully to encourage establish your customers to capture that THE EMPHASIS ON KNOWING WHERE business on instagrammable look and share it any of these YOUR FOOD HAS COME FROM, with the world. platforms is to SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESSES, Another strength of the visual make sure that power of these social media sites is AND ENSURING YOUR FOOD HAS your information that they can easily tell a story. The is up to date, BEEN MADE ETHICALLY AND IS TRULY emphasis on knowing where your make sure HEALTHY HAS NEVER BEEN HIGHER. food has come from, supporting to link your small businesses, and ensuring social media your food has been to your business website for more made ethically and information, think about who you is truly healthy are talking to in your posts, invite has never been your followers to interact and respond to your products online, and go heavy on the visuals.

ANOTHER Pictures are an easy and exciting STRENGTH OF THE way to show off what you do and the great things you have on VISUAL POWER offer.

OF THESE SOCIAL MEDIA SITES IS THAT THEY CAN EASILY TELL A STORY.

higher, and many businesses are taking advantage of social sites to show off all the good things about their produce. Along the entire food production process of farm to plate, the growers, pickers, transporters, wholesalers, and sellers are all using the power of social media to connect consumers

There is definitely something to be said for an older industry like fresh produce coming into the new age of technology and taking advantage of all these new trends. Businesses now can show their customers the great produce that is out there and encourage them to try something new through bright and enticing photos and recipe ideas, and by using smart statistics and tracking user habits to stay on trend and give the customers exactly what they want. Customers may be spending less time in stores and more time online, but this means that there is a new way to meet your customers – perhaps no longer through face to face interaction, but with the amount people have their phone in their face nowadays it’s really not that different.

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03 01| Adrian from LaManna Premier Group 02| Joe from L. A. Produce 03| Joe from Just Fresh and Phil from Mildura Fresh 04| Thanh, John, and David from Aus Asia 05| Jason from Louis Melbourne 06| Nick and Joey from Pignataro Wholesale

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04

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02

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on i t i d E s a m t s Chri 07 07| Alfonso and Johnny from Latorres Fruit and Vegetable Wholesalers 08| Les and Rob from Fresh Cut Processors 09| Lisha and Rina from the Melbourne Markets Credit Service

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10| Ross Ferrinda from Ferrinda Fresh 11| Vince from Richies and Alex and Nick from Camptara Fruit and Veg Wholesalers 12| Sal from Arcella Bananas, Sam from Top Shelf Fruits, Micky and Mark from Arcella Bananas

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WE SINCERELY APPRECIATE THE TRUST AND SUPPORT YOU CONTINUE TO BESTOW ON US OVER THE YEAR AND WE WISH ALL OUR TRADING PARTNERS A SAFE AND PROSPEROUS CHRISTMAS.

CHRISTMAS MESSAGES 2018

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43 AGM

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RD

The final months of the year have come around swiftly once again, and for the members of Fresh State that meant it was time for the company’s 43rd AGM.

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WEDNESDAY 24 OCTOBER 2018

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HIS year’s meeting was held at the Food Fellas café in the market, making the meeting as accessible as possible for members, whilst also supporting another market business.

Fresh State kicked off the morning by giving back to the members through providing a freshly cooked breakfast at the cafe. Before getting down to business for the morning everyone was also treated to the comedy of Gabe Rossi, a wellknown name in the Melbourne Comedy scene. Gabe managed to really tap into the market’s cultural diversity through his humour and ability to poke fun at us all equally, which kept the crowd laughing.

Our Annual General Meetings are always a great opportunity to look over the year that has passed and see how far we have come, and this year was no different.

After the meeting was opened by Fresh State’s CEO, Jason Cooper, the members were given a rundown of Fresh State’s operations and general business, and an outline of our strong financial position as a company from President Shane Schnitzler.

Fresh State has experienced a few changes since the last AGM, with Ana Itsines coming on board as the Administration Manager and Kate Cook joining the team

as the Marketing and Communications Officer. Other changes that were announced at the meeting included Peter Tripodi concluding his time on the Fresh State Board of Directors, and Michael Barker being welcomed onto the Board to fill the casual vacancy.

We also got to hear from Fresh State’s 2016 Young Marketeer of the Year award winner, Jason Cugnetto, who filled us in on the goings on of the 2017 PMA Fresh Summit.

The meeting also featured the election of our newest Fresh State Life Member: Phil Brancatisano, who was voted in by the members for all he has done over the years for wholesalers and the market community.

On behalf of Fresh State we would like to thank all of the members that came to the 2018 AGM, your input helps us to build a better company and also helps us to keep making the right decisions for our members.

Fresh State’s newest Life Member, Phil Brancatisano from The Grape House.

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HAVE A LUXURY NIGHT OUT ON US Just another reason to use the Melbourne Markets Credit Service

Winners published in FSL magazine each month and will be drawn on the buyer's walk in the market!

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issue 43 aug 2018

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CHRISTMAS MESSAGES 2018

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Expanding the idea of a

Public Market

Recently Fresh State was blamed by the Melbourne Market Authority for resurfacing the contentious issue of having the Melbourne Market open to the public - unfortunately this is once again a result of them not being able to fully grasp the issue at hand.

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T Fresh State, our goal is to assist our members and support their businesses through advocating for a workable and successful market, and unlike the Melbourne Market Authority we have thought about the many different options that are open to this market space being used by the public without negatively effecting those who work here.

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food trucks, plenty of parking, and a family and pet friendly space.

Not only is there great food, but the Sydney night market also occasionally hosts an automotive show where rev-heads can display their stunning vehicles in the expansive car parking space of the facility and get attention from fellow car lovers and public onlookers while they sample the food offerings.

One doesn’t have to look far to come Currently our flower market building up with other ideas for using this and trading floor simply collect dust massive while the facility. With market ONE IDEA WOULD BE TO the main is closed, market area but what CONSIDER RUNNING A being used if instead FOOD TRUCK EVENT AT THE for only 4 an event hours a day like this MARKET ONCE A MONTH. there is a was held? huge expanse The Melbourne Markets would gain of car parking and giant undercover a greater reputation and recognition spaces, such as the flower market throughout the city which would building and the trading floor, that attract more retailers, it would are screaming out to be used when tap into a popular pastime of the the market goes to sleep. public, and more revenue would To take a leaf out of the Sydney be generated that could be put Market’s book, one idea would be to back into developing the market consider running a food truck event rather than coming out of at the market once a month. leaseholder’s pockets.

In Sydney this kind of event brings in a huge crowd of people who may not have known about the market otherwise, through offering gourmet

There is also a great opportunity to use the location of the Melbourne Markets to our advantage and offer our expansive car park, which also

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spends most of the day unused, as shortterm airport parking for the public. The drive from the Melbourne Market to the Melbourne Airport is only 16 minutes, and anyone who has parked there knows that their prices are through the roof, so what

POSSIBLE USES OF MARKET FACILITIES DURING NONTRADING HOURS:

AIRPORT PARKING

while also making a bit of extra income for the market, it is high time that all of the options were thought through and that a solution is found that suits market users without worsening their workload and work/life balance.

FOOD TRUCKS

THE MELBOURNE MARKETS WOULD GAIN A GREATER REPUTATION AND RECOGNITION THROUGHOUT THE CITY WHICH WOULD ATTRACT MORE RETAILERS. is stopping the Market from offering an affordable alternative?

With car services like Uber and Didi on the rise it would be easy to park at the market and catch a ride to the nearby airport, and once again the profits for this could go back into the market.

If the goal is to bring more awareness to the market and attract more retailers

AUTOMOTIVE SHOWS

As always, Fresh State is here for our members and wants to make sure that their interests are taken care of, and we will make sure to continue to consult our members on matters like these as they come forward.

But the real question is, if we can come up with these simple ideas for using the market space more effectively (and not at the expense of market users), then why can’t the Melbourne Market Authority?

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CHRISTMAS MESSAGES 2018

TO ALL OUR VALUED CUSTOMERS, WISHING YOU ALL A HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A SAFE NEW YEAR.

BEST WISHES DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON

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ZUCCHINI

The Perfect Summer Squash

The zucchini is an ancient plant that is often forgotten about or dismissed as being an ordinary or boring ingredient, but this is not the case. With its high nutritional value, great flavour, and versatility this squash can easily become the hero of a dish instead!

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LTHOUGH commonly known as a vegetable, the zucchini is technically a fruit, and gets its name from the Italian word for squash “zucca”, making “zucchini” a small squash. It may have been named by the Italians and is used in many of their traditional recipes, but this plant’s history goes back even further than that.

THE ZUCCHINI IS IN SEASON THROUGHOUT SPRING, SUMMER, AND AUTUMN, AND CAN PRODUCE AN ALMOST OVERWHELMING CROP OF FLOWERS AND VEGETABLES IF THE CONDITIONS ARE RIGHT. For thousands of years squash like the zucchini were eaten across Central and South America. They were then transported as seeds during Christopher Columbus’ travels to Africa and the Mediterranean, where they developed

into the familiar plant we know today. It is thought that out of these squash varieties, the zucchini in particular rose to popularity in the Mediterranean, appearing first in Milan in the 1800s – many varieties of zucchini happen to be named after towns close to the city.

A lover of moderate climates, the zucchini is in season throughout spring, summer, and autumn, and can produce an almost overwhelming crop of flowers and vegetables if the conditions are right. Zucchini flowers are not only beautiful but are as nutritious as the plant itself, both having high amounts of folate, potassium, vitamin A which is great for healthy eyes and skin, and vitamin C which helps to strengthen your body’s tissues, gums, and teeth.

One of the things that sets zucchinis apart is their versatility: not only are they good on their own but their flower is delicious and both the fruit and flower can be stuffed. They can also be easily added for extra nutritional value in breads, soups, and even desserts such as cakes and soufflés!

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IN TURKEY THEY ARE USED IN A DISH CALLED “MÜCVER” WHICH IS LIGHTLY FRIED PANCAKES MADE WITH SHREDDED ZUCCHINI, FLOUR, AND EGGS. Because zucchinis are best when they are look like they have come straight from harvested young and the seeds are still a professional kitchen. If you are soft, they are often picked with the flowers looking to impress make sure you try growing from the stem. These flowers, also the many great zucchini or zucchini known as zucchini blossoms, are made up flower dishes that are out there, you of long pointed leaves that turn from green won’t be disappointed. to yellow, or even a vibrant orange, and are perfect for stuffing. Their THESE FLOWERS, ALSO KNOWN AS ZUCCHINI soft and velvety BLOSSOMS, ARE MADE UP OF LONG texture and freshness are POINTED LEAVES THAT TURN FROM GREEN often paired TO YELLOW, OR EVEN A VIBRANT ORANGE, with a cheese filling and then AND ARE PERFECT FOR STUFFING. fried to seal in all of this flavour, and with the flower’s low calorie count it is a healthy snack option that is easily prepared.

In Turkey they are used in a dish called “mücver” which consists of lightly fried pancakes made with shredded zucchini, flour, and eggs, whereas the Italians often just dip the flowers in batter to be deep fried for a tasty entrée called “fiori di zucca”.

Although most people have tasted zucchini before, there are an endless array of recipes to try and many that can make your dishes

WHOLESALERS THAT STOCK ZUCCHINIS AT MELBOURNE MARKET AMV Fresh, Ferrinda Fresh, Fresh Crop, G Ferlazzo & Co, Granieri’s Fresh Produce, Medici Wholesalers, L.A. Produce, LaManna Premier Group, Latorre’s Fruit and Vegetable Wholesalers, Mildura Fresh Marketing, R Anguey, Young Sang and Co, and more.

ZUCCHINI FLOWERS can be found at Rosengal Wholesale and other stores at the Melbourne Market depending on availability.

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Rocco, John and all the boys at Latorre’s would like to thank their customers for their continued support and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year.

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CHRISTMAS MESSAGES 2018

s and ous ous h t for ner nce ver-ge all the a t . ssis he e ou of a nks t shes y eason n S o i a c h w e bea ub t nd stiv n a he Cl port a he Fe e e t b T p r has ars. t su ove lub 46 ye nstan ions C n ons s co reu ast t Li the p for it mily e k ty of fa ar over uni rM Ou needy omm rience of rket c expe ma yous jo

The Melbourne Market Authority wishes the Market Community a safe and prosperous festive season and New Year

Merry Christmas to the market community

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OF AFFAIRS

Featured Recipe

issue 45 dec 2018

OF AFFAIRS

OF AFFAIRS

STUFFED ZUCCHINI FLOWERS

During the hot summer months we are all looking for something that is fresh and a bit different. This recipe not only is perfect for the warm weather but looks beautiful and is easy to make no matter your skill level in the kitchen. For a flavour that is sure to please throughout the summer months as a snack, a side dish, or the main course, this recipe for stuffed zucchini flowers cannot be beaten.

PREPARATION: > Gently open the petals of the zucchini flowers and remove the centre stamen.

> Place the lemon rind, ricotta, crab, and chilli in a bowl and mix to combine. > Carefully spoon 1 teaspoonful of the mixture into each zucchini flower and twist the petals to close.

> Place the cornflour, self raising flour, and water in a bowl and mix until just combined (the mixture will be a bit lumpy), then allow mixture to stand for 10 minutes.

> Heat 1cm of oil in a large, deep saucepan over high heat until hot. > Dust the zucchini flowers in the extra flour and dip into the batter.

Cook, in batches, turning occasionally, for 2–3 minutes or until slightly puffed and golden. Drain on absorbent paper.

> Top the stuffed zucchini flowers with micro basil, sprinkle with salt flakes, and serve with a wedge of lemon.

INGREDIENTS: > 6 zucchini flowers still attached to vegetable > 100g ricotta > 100g crab meat > Zest of half a lemon > 1 birds eye chilli (seeds removed and finely diced) > 1/2 cup cornflour > 1/4 cup Self Raising flour, plus extra for dusting > 1/2 tsp ground red pepper > 7/8 cup (215ml) iced water For more delicious recipes

by Jo Feehan, visit: secondhelping.com.au

2018

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Each year when it comes to the Holiday Season we all are looking for the thing that will set this Christmas apart from all the rest. This year you won’t have to sit there scratching your head because we have done the hard work and gathered the Top 5 Christmas Trends of 2018 just for you!

1.

A SIMPLE CHRISTMAS TREE

Some years we get buried in a mess of Christmas decorations, but this year we have heard that a tree with minimal decorations is the way to go. Let the tree itself really shine by using less decorations and basic lighting to illuminate its natural beauty.

2.

ZERO WASTE GIFT WRAP

Following in the footsteps of the Japanese practise of Furoshiki, why not set the goal of using waste free gift wrappings this Christmas? We recommend using things like printed tea towels and scarves, and give your friends and family an extra gift (and no wrapping paper guilt)!

3.

EDIBLE FLOWERS

Putting flowers on your plate isn’t just a trend for fancy restaurants, why not try out it yourself this Christmas? With a fantastic range of different edible flowers available you can make them suit any colour scheme, add some extra flavour to your dish, and wow all of your guests.

4.

CHOCOLATE HONEYCOMB

This simple and tasty treat is emerging as a trend this Christmas for holiday gifts.

Stuck for Secret Santa?

Make some honeycomb, dip it in chocolate, and put it in a jar with a bow and you are all set, plus you also get the credit of a personal gift that you have made yourself.

5.

GET BACK TO NATURE One of the most beautiful trends of the 2018 holiday season is a return to floral and natural decorations around the home – whether it is a fresh wreath, flowers with the beautiful whites and reds of a traditional Christmas, or even glass jars of pinecones, there are many ways to bring this trend into your home.

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The team at Ferrinda Fresh would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.

John, Maren, Michael, and the team at Gazzola Farms would like to thank their customers for their continued support and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

11

25

26

FRI DECEMBER

TUE DECEMBER

WED DECEMBER

FRESH STATE CHRISTMAS BBQ

CHRISTMAS DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY (MARKET CLOSED)

BOXING DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY (MARKET CLOSED)

2 0 1 9 01

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11

15

TUE JANUARY

MON JANUARY

MON MARCH

FRI MARCH

NEW YEAR’S DAY (MARKET CLOSED)

AUSTRALIA DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY (MARKET CLOSED)

LABOUR DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY (MARKET CLOSED)

MELBOURNE MARKET CHARITY GOLF DAY

ADVERTISE WITH FRESH STATE IN 2019 FRESH STATE OF AFFAIRS is a bimonthly magazine that supports the users of the Melbourne Markets, from growers to wholesalers to retailers.

Whether you are involved with fresh fruit, vegetables, or flowers, we are here to let you know all the important things that are happening at the market.

If you are interested in advertising with Fresh State of Affairs in the New Year, contact Fresh State at 9408 6627 or kate@freshstate.com.au

Advertising in Fresh State of Affairs is a great way to promote your business to a wide distribution base and get your products or services into the hands of a core target audience of wholesalers, retailers, growers, and associated groups that utilise the Melbourne Markets.

and we can provide you with our 2019 advertising offers.

Thankyou For Supporting Fresher Supply Chains From all the team, we wish you a safe and joyful festive season and New Year We look forward to partnering with you in 2019

CHEP’s Fresh Solutions improve quality. Optimise logistics. Reduce waste. Improve safety. Lower costs.

Reduce handling. Use less and do less to make and sell more.

If you’re looking to improve your supply chain, let’s talk.

13 CHEP (13 2437) | www.CHEP.com