fresh state of affairs issue 26

ISSN: 1838-7829

february262015

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Australian Strawberry

Distributors22

Forecasts and Trends

for 201511

Comparing costs at Epping

04

OF AFFAIRS issue 26 feb 20152

Fresh State CEO:John [email protected] / Advertising:Sally Piper [email protected]:Tony [email protected]

Design:Flying Dog Designswww.fddesigns.com.auPhotography:Sally Piper [email protected]

Print:King Printwww.kingprint.com.auDistribution:Fresh State of Affairs is produced by Fresh State Ltd and is a free publication.

Published by:

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

what’s on:

Economic Forecast 2015A snapshot of how we can expect the economy to perform in 2015 and how this will influence the fresh produce industry.

Australian Strawberry DistributorsIt’s a family affair at the Australian Strawberry Distributors as they grow their successful strawberry empire.

Forklift safety: Part 1Comply now avoid the fine! 8 useful tips to follow to ensure your Forklift complies with the highest safety standards.

issue 26 feb 2015

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CONTENTS 02 What’s on

03 President’s message

04 Relocation

08 Top ten Summer salads

11 Food trends 2015

14 Around the markets

16 To App or not to App?

18 Detox with fruit & veg the easy way

20 Meet the Fresh State Executive team

27 Q&A: Shqipe Prushi

ADVERTISING10 ICRS | Sherens

17 Environmental Technologies Asia-Pacific

17 Pallet Control Australia

21 Melbourne Insurance Brokers

26 Quantum Finance

28 MMCS

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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 ac-curacy, 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 respon-sibility 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 2015

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 EditorFresh State of Affairs MagazineMarket Box 113, 542 Footscray RoadWest Melbourne VIC 3003

Disclaimer:

what’s on:

Shane SchnitzlerPresident Fresh State Ltd.

Welcome to 2015 – The Year of the Move!The fit out of the stores at Epping was always going to be a big task especially when it encompasses approximately 130 individual stores and close to 100

business owners. Fortunately, many store holders have opted for a simple open plan model to begin, making life easier and containing their costs (see below).

Since the ‘insane model,’ (each store individually having to do their own fit out), was ditched late last year, there are strong indications that good progress is happening. Tenders have been released to builders for both the store area (down stairs) and separately for the office areas (upstairs). As well, a separate Request for Quotation for the

long lead time “blowers” was released for the purchase of this equipment.

When all three parts are returned and evaluated, pricing for each individual store holder will be distributed and orders placed accordingly. This will be

in mid-February and should fit into the (scheduled) mid-year move to Epping.

Many members have said to me, “you can’t have made it any easier especially after we were faced with such a daunting job in the first place”. Too true!

One other sticking point yet to be faced will be the cost of doing business at Epping. Cost creep, new charges, larger areas for some and contingent liabilities (gain of space) on top of the cost of fit out, is going to hurt store holders – a key reason why so many

store holders have opted for the open plan model.

To start the year, this issue looks at the impact our industry has on healthy lifestyles, both with preparing good food and helping to heal the body –

something we can tend to forget in the day to day grind of the market.

We also look through the crystal ball and try to forecast the economic stability of the industry.

Finally I am pleased to confirm another step in the Board’s strategic direction with the restructure of Fresh State operations. All positive steps as we manoeuvre our way through to the big move.

Fortunately, many store holders have opted for a simple open plan model to begin, making life easier and containing their costs.

President’s message


Are they what they seem?

Although there is an increase in rent per sqm for stores at Epping, it is not huge. The most significant impact is where a store holder has been allocated an area greater in size than they have at Footscray Road and they have the associated increase in their rent amount. This covers approximately half the store holders.

OPERATING COSTS AT EPPING

As we move closer to the mid-year market relocation, there has been a great deal of speculation relating to the costs that businesses will need to meet at Epping. There are no doubts that business costs will increase but how do all the costs stack up?

RELOCATION

05

OPERATING COSTS AT EPPING

The most common example is where a large store holder is paying just under $50,000 (incl GST) per year in rent at Footscray Road (3 module A store of 153 sqm). At Epping the store size increases to 193 sqm and pays rent of close to $75,000 (incl GST) per year.

This doesn’t sound a great deal of money when you say it quickly ($25,000), but there are corresponding increases in outgoings on the area (council rates are still an unknown). Add in the increased cost of labour as more employees will be required due to the design of the market (front and back door usage and no forklifts in the buyers walk). Plus the premium paid for labour as initially there is no change to the current operating hours.

The cost of parking has been hotly debated. The truck vehicle rate slightly increases while the car vehicle rate declines. But the devil is always in the detail. At Footscray Road each store holder receives one free car park space with their lease. At Epping that has been dropped – you pay for every vehicle!

Separately, the cost of the truck parking areas at the rear of stores (outside of operating hours) was earmarked as an additional cost (approximately $700 per quarter). It now appears this may have been done away with – a good move!

Those with Fruit and Vegetable Stands will see little difference in their costs compared to Footscray Road. Rent per sqm and the area of each stand are similar to what they pay now, with truck parking suffering a slight increase. It is difficult to see what all their “kerfuffle” was about!

The Flower Market retailers have the new cost of paying for parking as this cost was previously absorbed in the Flower Market stand holder rent rates. These stand rent rates have decreased significantly and line up with the Fruit and Vegetable Stand rates.

The forklift renewal charges double at Epping! Why? We do not know. And why we need to have double registration at all (VicRoads and MMA) is a good question.

VicRoads registration requires you to have a road worthy vehicle and TAC insurance and this is covered by your annual registration.

The MMA registration gives you a unique MMA number for your vehicle and it is checked for

roadworthiness every year. Given that there are around 870 forklifts maybe it is time for a rethink.

Finally, to put these costs into perspective, businesses will have multiple amounts in each category. In the example of a large store, an average business would have 8 – 10 people. When you add in 8 – 10 cars; 8 – 10 access passes; a truck or two; 4 -5 forklifts and so on, the cost impacts on the business grows substantially!

The most significant impact is where a store holder has been allocated an area greater in size than they have at Footscray Road and they have the associated increase in their rent amount. This covers approximately half the store holders.


The example of a large store with its increase in space has an additional $120,000 ($3,000 x 40 sqm) to consider / pay … this cost is wholly or mostly passed onto the incoming store holder one way or another.

All figures include GST.

FOOTSCRAY ROAD EPPING

AREA 153 SQM 193 SQM

RENT $49,763 $74,305

OUTGOINGSCouncil, water electricity (appear similar)

Council, water electricity (appear similar)

PARKING – TRUCK $662.90 per quarter $693.80 per quarter

PARKING – CARS, RESERVED$441.30 per quarter (1 car per store lease free of charged)

$343.20 per quarter (Charged on all cars, i.e: nil free)

PARKING – CARS, CASUAL $18.72 per day $11.50 per day

FORKLIFT REGISTRATION NEW (ONE-OFF)

$176.18 $177.22

FORKLIFT REGISTRATION (RENEWAL)

$54.29 per annum $108.89 per annum

ACCESS PASSES $21.63 per annum $27.22 per annum

Large Store Example Costings 2015

At Footscray Road to Epping 2015COMPARING COSTS

RELOCATION

07

Establishing a business has some big hurdles for a new store holder. The new business owner has to purchase the lease of the store from the current holder (who would have paid for it sometime in the past). This ranges around $4,000 – $5,000 per sqm.

The example of a large store (table on page 6) with its increase in space has an additional $120,000 ($3,000 x 40 sqm) to consider / pay. Although it is the seller’s responsibility, this cost is wholly or mostly passed onto the incoming store holder one way or another.

The store needs to be fitted out and the new owner will need their Occupancy Certificate to operate. The cost (yet to be finalised) will range upwards from $120,000 pending the model for a large store.

Additionally, the new owner will need working capital to support (pay) their growers, their ledger (getting paid), and paying their operating costs. And this doesn’t include any warehousing. It is understandable why all store holders, let alone new ones, focus so much on operating costs!

HURDLES FOR A NEW STORE HOLDER


Summer Salads

10TOP

Our wholesaler salad pick of the month is from Flowerdale Farm who have partnered with leading salad grower Hussey & Co to supply Australian salad mixes to the Victorian Wholesale Market.

Prawn and avocado salad with pea tendrils

We are coming to the end of a hot Summer and there is no better food to eat than a gorgeous fresh salad. To kick off 2015, we have provided our Top 10 Summer Salads for you to try or pass on to your customers … yum!

And who better to choose the Top 10 than our very own consumers who buy the product at the very end of the supply chain. A Facebook Pop Quiz was conducted and here are the results.1. Zucchini Quinoa salad

Recommended by Cathy, Sally & Katie W. Quinoa with fresh herbs (mint and coriander work well) and olive oil paste, finely diced green chilli, toasted pistachio nuts, ribboned raw zucchini, caramelised red onion, wild rocket. Yum!

2. Grilled Asparagus salad Recommended by Margo. Grill asparagus and place on a bed of fresh baby cos lettuce, garnished

with crumbled fetta and cracked pepper – dress with olive oil, basil and lemon juice for a stunning looking dish.

3. Caprese salad Recommended by Katie. Sliced tomato, bocconcini and fresh basil leaves layered and drizzled with evoo (extra virgin olive oil), balsamic vinegar and salt and pepper. Yummo!

4. Beetroot & Rocket salad Recommended by Katie W. Beetroot wedges, rocket, feta and walnuts! Yum!

5. Cauliflower & Chickpea salad Recommended by Kay. Cauliflower (blanched & lightly sautéed), red onion, chickpeas, spinach, chilli to taste and lime juice.

6. Spinach & Strawberry salad Recommended by Michelle. Spinach, strawberry, poppy seeds and nuts – try it and see why it made the Top 10!

7. Broad Bean salad Recommended by Katie D. Broad beans, peas, mint and rocket, garlic, lemon juice with a bit of Parmesan

cheese. You need to whizz up some peas and garlic and lemon juice. Think there could also be olive oil in there too.

8. Kohlrabi coleslaw Recommended by Deborah. Grated kohlrabi, wombok, thinly sliced kale, grated carrot and green apple, spring onions, mint, fried shallots and an Asian soya sesame dressing.

9. Mango salad Recommended by Sharon. “I just add things l like, like red capsicums, lettuce/spinach leaves, carrots, cherry tomatoes, mango and cheese. It is very yummy with a honey mustard dressing.”

10. Watermelon, Raspberry & Mint salad Recommended by Leanne. Refreshingly cool.

Salad Ingredients:• 500g cooked medium king

prawns• 150g sugar snap peas,

trimmed• 2 avocados• 2 cups Hussey & Co Pea

Tendrils (available through Flowerdale Farm who are exclusively stocking 15 premium varieties of Hussey & Co salads)

Chive Vinaigrette:• ¼ cup (60ml) white wine

vinegar• ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh

chives

Method:• Combine ingredients for

chive vinaigrette in small bowl.

• Shell and de-vein prawns, leaving tails intact.

• Boil, steam or microwave peas until just tender; rinse under cold water, drain.

• Place peas in large bowl with prawns, avocado, sprouts and vinaigrette; toss gently to combine.

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Wholesaler Salad pick of the month

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Glenn & the team at Sheren have spent 35 years providing clients with service & installation that exceed expectations each and every time. Our business relationships are based on honesty, loyalty and integrity; it's what makes us different from the rest.

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The team at Fresh State of Affairs have analysed the market to predict what we think will be major hits in 2015. Watch this space during the year to see how we fare but by all accounts it is a WIN WIN for the fresh produce industry.

in fresh produce for

ASIAN FLAVOURS: The Asian influence of healthy, simple, flavoursome foods will continue to gain attraction in our multi cultural society as consumers experiment more with their eating habits.

WIN FRESH PRODUCE INDUSTRY

Think Asian greens, bamboo shoots, seaweed, tofu, mushrooms, coriander and coconut.

MEATLESS MONDAYS: Meatless Monday has grown into a global movement since it started in 2003 and has been in Australia since December 2009.


Keep your eyes and ears open to the Meatless Monday campaign and jump on board to get the fresh produce moving out the door.

FOOD DONATION: A growing social and environmental consciousness in business is seeing increased donations of food to organisations such as Foodbank instead of binning into landfill.


We don’t want to see food in landfill when it can be eaten by all.

HOME COOKING: Continued interest in home cooking driven by cooking shows on television and by blogging foodies. It is seen as fashionable, fun and social, as well as healthy and cost-effective.


Who doesn’t like a fun night in with good food and good wine?

TECHNOLOGY: It’s all about gadgets and getting information quickly for the astute business owner and consumer alike and this trend will continue in 2015.

Think discount tracking apps, fresh produce apps, booking restaurant apps. We are becoming more educated, tech savvy and time poor so are relying on fast reliable good service more than ever.


However this will depend on how savvy our wholesalers and retailers can be with their prices in a competitive market. Real time knowledge is power.

RAW FOOD: We covered raw food in our magazine in 2014 (FSA Magazine Edition 22) and this trend continues with more restaurants providing raw menu choices. A win win for the fresh produce industry.


Raw food provides us with enzymes for better health.

NUTRITION:Consumers are more nutrient conscious than ever before, reading nutrition labels, catering for food intolerances and changing diets (such as the current Paleo movement).


Good news as we know fresh produce is nutrient rich and there is a range to suit all nutritional requirements.

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Economic environmentMost of the recent economic commentary has concentrated on the collapse in the price of Australia’s major mining exports and the impact on the value of the Australian dollar.

The recent fall in the value of the Australian dollar has been welcomed by the Reserve Bank of Australia as a means of stimulating a flagging economy. However it takes time for industry to adjust 2015 to a changing currency.

In addition, the rationalisation of Australian industry and increasing globalisation means that a large chunk of manufacturing is now done offshore and many inputs are imported, so the health of Australian companies can be adversely impacted by the falling

currency. The key to profitability for fruit, vegetable and floral growers and wholesalers in 2015 remains the health of household finances and consumer confidence.

At the beginning of 2015, consumer confidence has sunk to levels last seen at the depths of the global financial crisis. On the surface, low interest rates and the good feel impact of rising house prices should provide substantial underpinnings for buoyant consumer demand. However households rightly or wrongly feel under financial pressure.

Unemployment is set to remain high as the economy adjusts from a mining resource driven economy to a reliance on domestic factors.

Wages are stagnant, savings falling and household debt rising. Most families now rely on two incomes and many are committed to relative high mortgage payments. The high cost of child care now an essential part of many family lives exacerbates the squeeze on family finances. Many families are relying on informal child minding with the retiring post war baby boomers a key element.

Political environmentAn important ingredient to consumer spending is people’s assessment of economic conditions and the nation’s economic direction.

Australians appear disillusioned with politics. The optimism attached to the removal of a divided Labour government the previous year floundered last year in the wake of the poor delivery of the new Coalition government’s domestic agenda.

Australian’s negative reaction to the proposed budget for this financial year was not so much that the strategy was wrong, but because they assessed that the means of achieving it were.

The present political standoff in Canberra is raising the spectre of a

Consumer spending patterns tochallenge businesses in 2015

If 2014 was a difficult year for fresh produce wholesalers and retailers – broad economic, political and social environment factors offer more of the same for 2015.

Australian’s negative reaction to the proposed budget for this financial year was not so much that the strategy was wrong, but because they assessed that the means of achieving it were.

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government paralysed into inaction and the gloomy prospect of policy stagnation. Rising unemployment need not be a disaster if people believe that it is the consequence of a short term economic downturn. But if consumers feel that there is little economic leadership disillusionment can easily set in.

The Australian population as a whole is much better educated than past generations. One suspects that they may be willing to support tough initiatives to assist the stimulus of economic growth.

There are some positive signs emerging that the nation may find a way out of this malaise with business leaders and the political establishment calling for the type of bold reforms introduced by the Hawke/Keating and Howard governments. Worthwhile economic reforms always create losers. Taxation reform including reviewing the GST and closing generous taxation loopholes as well as cutting expenditure on middle class welfare

remain at the top of the agenda for most economists, as does removing business regulation to provide new avenues for economic growth.

Social environmentUnderlying these economic and political factors in 2015 are long term changes in consumer spending patterns which are imposing new challenges to all businesses. Consumers are more sophisticated and more diversified in their spending patterns. Driven by new found economic realities they seek value for money. Online shopping and alternative markets are growing.

Recent migrants are more culturally diverse than in the past and in association with a tendency for eating meals outside the home, the variety and quantity of fresh produce purchased is changing.

Important demographic shifts are underway. Post war baby boomers, whose spending decisions had driven the economy for the last forty years are beginning to reach retirement age.

While relatively well off they will live longer in retirement than previous generations. They are likely to be more frugal in their spending patterns leaving other age groups to drive consumer purchases.

Younger generations are marrying later, committing to home ownership later and having children later. They are more likely to be found living at home in their 20’s and early 30’s than their parents or grandparents assisted by changing social and sexual acceptance and lower wage and career prospects. Drivers of their consumption patterns are less likely to be price but more likely innovative product and quality.

These developments will impact on fresh produce markets in 2015. Make sure the umbrella is handy.

by Ian James, Vegetable Industry Economist

Consumers are more sophisticated and more diversified in their spending patterns. Driven by new found economic realities they seek value for money.

Consumer spending patterns tochallenge businesses in 2015

The key to profitability for fruit, vegetable and floral growers and wholesalers in 2015 remains the health of household finances and consumer confidence.


around the markets:

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01 Brian from GR & ER Harvey with some delicious Berry Hill Fruit Farm blueberries.

02 Cauli anyone? Cheng loads up for the morning ready to stock his fruit shop in Dandenong North.

03 Jessica at Verduci Enterprises.

04 Ross from Fruit Fanatics in Bundoora loads up for the morning.

05 Search for a supermodel – Hitesh of Priest Bros and Andrew of Signorelli Fresh audition for the top job.

06 Dot and Jody from The Dot Produce and Takeaway in Castlemaine finish their market rounds for the morning.

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around the markets:

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9 10

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07 Forklifts uniting – Kelly from S&L Capodieci & Daughters chats with Tom at T & S Fresh.

08 Vince at Lamanna Group really doesn’t want his photo taken!

09 Mushroom Mania’s George Loe shows off his mushies.

10 The brothers from Prestige – Mark & Vinnie Brancatisano.

11 Smile, Kevin (Ferrinda Fresh) – you’re on Candid Camera!

12 Shiva and Robert from Kelly Citrus.

13 Peter Morabito from Bolton Street Fruit Market in Eltham checks out the avos with Fresh State icon Alan Dykes.

14 New business operator Anthony from Nunno Fresh with William from SK Phnom Penh.

15 Costa Farms donate produce to Sister Rita from Little Sisters of the Poor.

16 Jackie Chan from Robinson’s Unloading with Anton from Anton’s Fresh Grocery in Heathmont.

17 Happy Birthday to Leon at Costa Farms.

It is hard to remember what we did when there were no apps? Read the paper or watch television to stay abreast of the weather, news or stock prices for the week, played computer games on stand alone devices, talked to our friends verbally face to face or on the phone and used paper maps to get from A to B!

These days there is an app for your mobile or tablet (and now web versions) for almost everything. And the horticultural and farming industries has not escaped either. Smartphone Apps for Smart Farms V2 has just been released by Ag Excellence Alliance Inc which reviews over 400 Apps that could be applicable to the farming industry in both IOS (ipad/iphone) and Android. It is well worth the read and covers apps not only in farm production but also administration like ATO vehicle log books, fast pdf, weather and many social apps.

Remember: Apps come in all shapes, sizes and prices. What sets them apart from each other is whether they do their job properly for your needs such as:

• Information displayed clearly

• Data entry is straightforward

• Depth of the information available

Some tips on finding good apps:• Check ratings and reviews before

buying an app, particularly the more expensive ones.

• Many Android apps are not available for all Android devices. However if you search from your device, you will only see apps which are compatible with that device.

• Be careful of the size of the app that you download as it may be restricted by either your data allowance or your device’s capacity. It is recommended

that you download a data usage app as soon as you get a smartphone or tablet; this will assist you in not going over your data allowance.

• Many apps have a free version and a paid version. The paid versions are usually ad-free and have more functions.

Check out the Smartphone App Review and see if your favourite app is there at http://agex.org.au

Everyone now has a mobile phone and/or tablet and/or both

(unless you are hiding under a rock). It is our new way of living, so much so that we seem to be addicted to the

information contained in these little electronic boxes, whether the information be social, factual or for work purposes.

To App ?or not to App

Apps for Smart Farms V2 has just been released by Ag Excellence Alliance Inc which reviews over 400 Apps that could be applicable to the farming industry in both IOS (ipad/iphone) and Android.

This booklet was produced by Ag

Excellence Alliance Inc, with funding

from the Department of Environment

and Natural Resources

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S


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This booklet was produced by Ag Excellence Alliance Inc, with funding from the Department of Environment


This booklet was produced by Ag Excellence Alliance Inc, with funding from the Department of Environment


Ethylene & microbial ‘scrubber’

Environmental Technologies Asia-Pacific An Australian owned & operated business

www.bluezone-technology.comMobile: 0400 545 760

• Meets the high performance and OH&S requirements of the US Navy and the California EPA.

• With 3 years performance testing and research on fruit and vegetables in Australian cool rooms.

• Rugged, efficient & portable for low cost of operation.

• Reduces ethylene, kills mould and fungi spores.

• Eliminates odours, extends shelf life.

• Cost effective & modular, increases profits.

• By-products are CO2 and water.

• Environmentally friendly with no chemical residues.

• Used by Australia’s leading wholesalers and packers.

Ross Ferrinda from Ferrinda FreshOZ WEATHER – “I like to know what the weather is doing for work.”

John DeVincentis at Red Rich FruitsSITRAD – “I have just started using this App and love it. It is a refrigeration app and you can see the temperature of your cool rooms during the day. Great for QA purposes and peace of mind.”

Robert Padula at M & N Fresh ProduceFOTMOB – “I like my soccer so check it every day.”

Charles Chan at Opaljade“I only use my phone to ring people. I don’t use any Apps. I am old fashioned.”

Tony Pettinella at Fresh Berry CoESSENDON APP – “I love Essendon.”

Con at AMV FreshGOOGLE – “To check my emails and search for information.”

Tony Nigro at Fresh StateVIVINO WINE – “You can scan the label of a bottle of wine and it tells you all the details of that wine including the retail price.”

The big question at the end of the day is – do you have a favourite app and how do you use it? We took this question down to the market floor to find out more:

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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Celebrations are synonymous with food. With the majority of the population having celebrated Christmas festivities, Summer holidays or just recently enjoyed Chinese New Year, most of us have enjoyed the high life on sugar, alcohol and special treats. But now it is time to take stock for a new year, give our livers a well earned break and get back into a routine ready for the next holiday season (dare I say Easter!)

And it is all good news if you are working in the fresh produce industry with fruits and vegetables continuing their dominance in our lives as the best way to detox our systems.

The benefits of detoxifying the body go well beyond helping it bounce back after a week (or even a month) or two of unhealthy eating or drinking. In fact, the flushing out of toxins on a regular basis can help eliminate harmful substances that gradually accumulate in the blood and, in turn, wreak havoc on the body.

Best foods to help detoxify the body:Most of these foods are accessible at the Melbourne Wholesale Market or our local greengrocers. As leaders in the fresh produce industry, it is important that we know how important our food is for our continued health.

Turmeric - one of the main ingredients in this popular spice is a phytochemical called curcumin, which has been found to help the liver detox and also decrease inflammation throughout the body.

Garlic - since ancient times, garlic has been used as a way to detox the body, removing toxins from the liver and kidneys. Garlic’s natural substance

alliin is broken down into allicin, which has healing properties that fight free radicals.

Dandelion - typically something that people frown upon when seeing it all over their lawns, dandelion leaves are actually safe for consumption and a good source of potassium and iron.

Whether eaten in a salad or taken as an extract, it’s known to help stimulate bile production and improve liver and overall health.

Greens - chlorophyll, which is what gives vegetation its green color, may have the ability to prevent cancer causing chemicals from being absorbed in the body. Look for parsley, rocket, green beans and spinach, which are really good chlorophyll sources.

And for the busy wholesaler and retailer, there is no easier way to get your hit of detoxifying goodness than via a drink.

Juicing:One of the most notable benefits of juicing is the flood of oxygenating

nutrients that easily enter your digestive system so they can be transported to various areas of your body. These easily absorbed vitamins, minerals, and enzymes give the

digestive system a much needed break and can then be used effectively by the body to support key detoxification processes.

The alkaline forming nature of juices can also balance overly acidic (toxic) conditions, and strengthen all body functions by keeping organs, glands, and cells clean and free of toxins.

The flushing out of toxins on a regular basis can help eliminate harmful substances that gradually accumulate in the blood and, in turn, wreak havoc on the body.

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DETOX

with Fruit & Veg the

easy way!

An important consideration when juicing is to limit the amount of high sugar fruits, as they can feed yeast and other organisms. When doing a juice cleanse, focus on greens and tart fruits (like green apples), along with herbs such as parsley, coriander, ginger and turmeric.

Smoothies:Smoothies are another way to start detoxifying the body. They work the same way as juicing, with a few extra benefits to consider.

When creating a good smoothie, you are creating a highly digestible mini-meal that is loaded with nutrients, enzymes, prebiotics, probiotics, healthy fats and plant proteins. When combined right, these smoothies are delicious and can fill the need for all the essential nutrients required for a body to detoxify safely and properly.

One thing smoothies deliver that typical juicing can’t is fiber. Fiber is very important in the cleansing process, and not separating it out from the final product is an additional benefit. You can also up the fiber content by incorporating colon-cleansing foods like soaked chia and ground flaxseed.

Fresh State’s President Shane Schnitzler was inspired to ‘juice on’ back in 2011 after attending Fresh Connections. Shane still enjoys juice today and often includes lime, mango and avocado in his juice for a tropical taste.

One of the most notable benefits of juicing is the flood of oxygenating nutrients that easily enter

your digestive system so they can be transported to various areas of your body.

did you know?

Famous Australian Juicer Joe Cross made headlines when he produced the film ‘Fat, Sick and nearly Dead’, about his journey across America where he consumed nothing but home made vegetable and fruit juices for 60 days in order to improve his own health.

Joe followed this up as a guest speaker at Fresh Connections 2011 in Brisbane encouraging the industry to ‘Reboot your Life’. Today the ‘Reboot with Joe’ program is still going strong with recipe books, online programs and Joe has even produced a follow up film Fat, Sick and nearly Dead 2.

20 OF AFFAIRS issue 26 feb 2015

The Fresh State team, led by long standing Chief Executive

Officer John Roach has been created to allow for greater

efficiencies and more effective processes and is in line with modern

and successful corporate models.

“This has been a desire of the Fresh State Board for quite some time” says John. “It

is pleasing to see it come to fruition and rolled out at the start of a new year”. John

says he is confident and happy with the new appointments and looking forward to working

with the new Executive Team. He is also quick to point out that the office is running as per normal in relation to other aspects of the business.

“Tony Nigro will continue in his valued role as the Fresh State Reporting Services Office, as will our Gas Station Operator Shqipe Prushi and other administration staff within the office.”

For contact details of the Fresh State team or more information on Fresh State visit www.freshstate.com.au

Meet the Fresh State Executive Team

Fresh State is pleased to introduce its new Executive Team for 2015.

• Ensuring the Fresh State Board’s strategic direction is implemented

• Special Projects such as relocation

John continues at the helm of the Fresh State team going into 2015 and beyond. After years of preparation and advocacy for the move to Epping, it is an exciting time for the industry and John as always, is right in front of the action on behalf of Fresh State members.

As well as the move, Fresh State is entering into its next phase with a larger emphasis on its marketing arm and the Credit Service. Although John is seen most mornings around the market floor and beyond every day, he also has a life outside of the office. When he is not working, John keeps himself busy with his partner Lisa’s herd of horses, reading and staying fit with outdoor activities.

JOHN ROACH: CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

ANDREW SEABURGH: CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER• Financial controller of Fresh State Ltd and

subsidiaries

• Secretarial responsibilities to the Board of Directors

Andrew has been an integral part of the Fresh State team for the past seven years as our accountant. This new role sees him take on more responsibility on a semi-permanent basis as Board

Secretary and Financial Controller of the Fresh State suite of companies.

When he is not counting all the coins in the piggy bank, Andrew can be found playing sport particularly his regular hit of tennis , gardening and spending time with his gorgeous grandchildren – Ella, Tom and Oliver.

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A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Taking the Risk out of Insurance and the pain out of complying with your new lease.

The move to Epping Market dictates some additional insurance covers are required under the terms of the lease. Mark & his team at Melbourne Insurance Brokers (MIB) have been assisting Wholesalers for over fifteen years with insurance covers and providing a unique solution to rental guarantees required by the MMA.

MIB look after many Wholesalers with an inexpensive and seamless Rental Bond and Liability Insurance program.

We are extending the program to accommodate the extra requirements under the lease at Epping so contact Mark or Sandi to help make the transition to Epping as smooth as possible.

Call 9686 0688

Sandi FulcherOffice Manager

Mark PerreePrincipal

MIB_FSA_iss26.indd 1 9/02/2015 12:56 pm

• Fresh State of Affairs magazine

• Fresh State marketing initiatives

• Special projects and events

Many know Sally with camera in hand taking pic-tures and writing stories for the popular Fresh State of Affairs Magazine. This new position sees Sally move to a full time role continuing her editorial duties for the magazine as well as creating a new

marketing and communications arm of the Fresh State business.

This is an exciting position with lots of challenges that Sally is eager to take on. They always say give the job to a busy person and Sally certainly is that with three children, as well as being an active member in the Macedon Ranges community.

SALLY PIPER: MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

ROSEMARY HALL: MELBOURNE MARKETS CREDIT SERVICE MANAGER• Management of the Credit Service

Rosemary is also a familiar face at the Melbourne Wholesale Market having worked at the MMA for the last 19 years in a range of roles.

With a legal and financial background together with a keen eye for detail and processes, Rose-mary’s skillset is perfect for managing the Melbourne Markets Credit Service. In a changing electronic environment, Rosemary is also up for

the challenge of moving the Credit Service into the next decade and streamlining processes and efficiencies.

Rosemary enjoys travel having just recently re-turned from Africa and the United Kingdom where she caught up with her daughter who has taken after her mother and has been travelling the world for the last eighteen months.

21


Wholesaling, led by partner Joe Ripepi, is but just one arm of this vertically integrated operation – with more flavour to this strawberry business than meets the eye!

ASD was founded on a small farm in Mt Evelyn, Victoria. “My parents purchased the Mt Evelyn farm in 1961” says Joe. “We grew strawberries and carrots to ensure supply all year round. In those days, strawberries could only be grown from October to early December, and had a very short season. In the 1980’s new varieties came out which extended the season and we could concentrate solely on strawberries.”

Gaetano (also known as Guy) and Michelina Ripepi had four children, three born in Italy and the youngest, Joe born here in Australia. The family grew up on the farm with everyone pitching in from growing, packing and selling. Keeping fresh produce all in the family, eldest daughter Mima married a fruit and vegetable retailer and son’s Rocco, Tony and Joe kept their ties with the family farm.

In mid 1998, Rocco suggested extending the then family business of G & M Ripepi. The three brothers became partners and they changed the name to Australian Strawberry Distributors. “Rocco is the

founder and regarded as the ‘Chief’ of ASD” says Joe.

Prior to the establishment of the new business, the brothers were refining their trade in all areas of the

industry. Joe moved from the farm and worked in a retail fruit shop in Hampton (Hampton Fruit Market) where he met and married his wife Maria before joining ASD. Rocco sold produce from the family farm at the

Queen Victoria Market and at the Footscray Road market as a Carrier Commission Agent (meaning he could only sell produce grown from his district).

Their experience paid off, setting the scene for their sons to also enter and grow with the business. ASD is a three generational family affair and the Ripepis would not have it any other way. “We are a family

owned and family run business with brothers and most siblings involved” Sadly Tony passed away three years ago which was a big shock however Tony’s family still remain very much involved in the business.

ASD is a three generational family affair and the Ripepis would not have it any other way. “We are a family owned and family run business with brothers and most siblings involved.

GaetanoRipepi

RoccoRipepi

TonyRipepi

JoeRipepi

MimaRipepi

1ST GENERATION

2ND GENERATION

3RD GENERATION

Sons not in ASD business

Daughter not in ASD business

MichelinaRipepi

Founder and head of business

Deceased

JimmyRipepi

RockyRipepi

JimRipepi

TonyRipepi

Farm Manager

Distribution & Operations Manager

JosephRipepi

Farm Manager

Distribution & Operations Manager

Marketing at Wholesale Market

Marketing at Wholesale Market

GuyRipepi

VincentRipepi

Accountant Electrician

The ASD Business is complimented by the added valued assistance of the company’s Business Manager Gino Alberico and Catani Farm Manager Joe Mammolitti

The Australian Strawberry Distributors (ASD) is a familiar business at the Melbourne Wholesale Markets having occupied a space on the Grower’s floor in the middle of the market since the Footscray Road site opened in 1969.

It’s a family affair

ASD Family Tree

23

As the business has grown over the decades, the family has continued to remain hands on with every aspect of the business from growing, packing and selling of the fruit. They pride themselves on their friendly persona and have built an industry reputation not only for producing quality strawberries but for reliability and honesty.

“We are a very close family and our roots are very deep. We all have a code of conduct where we don’t step over the line.” continues Joe.

With an aim to provide quality consistent strawberries twelve months of the year, ASD have four farms

located in Wandin, Seville, Catani (near Pakenham) and Wamuran (Qld) along with grower partners in Victoria and Queensland. They also have a state of the art packing shed, distribution warehouse and head office in Wandin East as well as a distribution warehouse in Queensland.

Joe says strawberries have certainly evolved since the 1970’s with the biggest change being in the amount of varieties now grown. “Queensland can now start growing in early May and between Victoria and Queensland this continues right through to December.”

It is all about finding a balance between quality, taste and consistency,”

adds Joe. His favourite varieties are the Albion (from Victoria) and the Queensland varieties of Festival, Camarosa and Fortuna.

With a sound succession plan model in place for this growing family business and a strong demand for good quality strawberries the future looks bright for ASD.

As for Joe, well he loves what he does and we can look forward to seeing Joe and his nephew Rocky on the market floor for a long time to come.

What to expect when we move to Epping? “Who knows?” says Joe. “We always take the punches but bounce back up again and the market move will be no different”.

Located in a brand new store (store #147) at Epping, it’s going to be an exciting change of scenery for this growing family business.

We are a very close family and our roots are very deep. We all have a code of conduct where we don’t step over the line.”

Founder Rocco Ripepi Tony Ripepi Joe Ripepi

ASD are founding members of the Melbourne Markets Credit Service and are keen to see the service grow into the future. “We would like to see it become compulsory for all buyers in the market to join the Credit Service” says Joe.

Joe has worked as both a grower, whole-saler and retailer so can see the benefit from all areas. “It is convenient and the process is streamlined so it makes life very easy for the busy wholesaler and retailer. The more retailers that join the better for everyone here at the market”.

The Ripepi brothers together in 1998 at the beginning of the ASD journey.


Forklift Safety:PA

RT

1

The MMA is now fining any forklift driver or operator found not to be complying with

safe forklift practices as outlined by the MMA, Victorian WorkCover Authority and the Occupational

Health and Safety Act 2004.

24

25

At last count, the Melbourne Market had about 900 forklifts all operating simultaneously. Add to this pedestrians, trucks and motorised vehicles and you have a very busy workplace. In October 2014 the MMA released a driver safety by law directive to aid in making the Market safer for us all which was followed by a campaign focussing on forklift safety across the Market.

Tailored Forklift Refresher Course at discount for Market users

Did you know it is advised that licensed forklift drivers attend a refresher course at least every 2 years? To help in making driving a forklift at the Market easier and safer, the MMA has worked

with accredited Forklift Driver training provider DECA to offer a tailored refresher course at a discounted price of $140 for all forklift drivers at

the Melbourne Market. The 2-3 hour course will cover both theory and practical and participants will receive a certificate of completion.

Please phone DECA on 1300 365 400 to take advantage of this offer which will be held on site at West Melbourne leading up to our move to our new site at Epping.

Forklift Safety: Comply to avoid a fine

The MMA is now fining any forklift driver or operator found not to be

complying with safe forklift practices as outlined by the MMA, Victorian WorkCover Authority

and the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004.

These safe practices are outlined in full on the MMA website and on posters and screens across the site. Fines for non-compliance start from $442.83 so it’s worth taking these on board.

Comply avoid the fine

ALWAYS WEAR A SEAT BELTIf a forklift overturns, the safest place for the operator is in the cabin with a seat belt on. Buckle up. It could save your life.

CARRY YOUR VALID LICENCESAlways carry a valid driver’s and forklift licence and Markets access card. You could be asked to present these at any time.

OBEY SPEED LIMITSAlways adhere to speed limits of 10km in undercover areas and 15km on open areas.

STABILISE YOUR LOADMake sure your load is stable, secured and not overloaded. A load should not be higher than your forklift mast.

DO NOT WEAR HEADPHONESWearing headphones is not permitted while operating a forklift. This unsafe distraction could cause an accident.

USE YOUR LIGHTSAlways use operating lights in open areas between dusk and dawn, or when visibility is low.

DO NOT USE YOUR MOBILE PHONENever operate a forklift while using a mobile phone. This includes texting. No call is worth your life. Pull over, or call or text back later.

DO NOT SMOKESmoking is not permitted while operating a forklift.

Fines for non-compliance start from $442.83 so it’s worth taking these on board.

LOOK OUT FOR PART 2 ON FORKLIFT SAFETY IN THE NEXT EDITION!

Providing finance for:Coolrooms, Fit outs, Racking, Forklifts and Motor Vehicles

Don’t let the move to Epping cost

you any more than it needs to

Wholesale interest rates for Wholesale fruit merchants!!

The difference is Quantum. Winners at Equipment and Motor Vehicle Finance.

Call Luke or Carla today on 9006 1188 and let us save you money

P (03) 9006 1188 F (03) 9867 2110 E [email protected]

Linfox House Level 2, 493 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3004 www.quantumbusiness.com.au

Quantum Business Finance Advert_FSAiss24_final.indd 1 14/10/2014 9:51 am

27

Shqipe Prushi“Sometimes a change in scenery at work is just as good as another holiday …”

Works:

At the Fresh State Gas Station from 2.00 am until 10.00 am weekdays.

Suburb where I live:

Deer Park.

Most of my day is spent:

After work – sleeping and catching up with family.

The football team I barrack for is:

The Socceroos.

My favourite Melbourne Market moment is:

Having coffee and a chit chat with everyone around the market in my break.

The quality I respect most in an employee is:

Being fair, timely payments and honesty.

As I have grown older I have learnt:

To work with different cultures and languages.

The qualities I most enjoy about Melbourne Market are:

The sense of familiarity.

The pets I have are:

A two year old cat called Lappy – he has no tail and looks like a bear!

In my spare time I enjoy:

Sleeping, exercising, reading, drinking coffee with my sisters and spending time with my son and friends.

My first job was:

An Albanian teacher in Geelong.

My fondest memory is:

A holiday with my two children in 2001 – we went all around Europe in three months. Austria was my favourite country closely followed by Germany.

The aspect of my job I Iike the most is:

I love it when my day runs smoothly and I get my 7.00 am coffee break.

The thing I dislike the most is:

People that are not honest and who promise things but don’t deliver.

I am passionate about:

Always trying to look nice – nice clothes, nice car, nice hair and nice nails.

My business associates would say that I am:

I am a hard worker, honest and dedicated.

When I was a child I wanted to be:

A mum and to help people – which is what I do today.

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

Niagara falls in Vancouver, Canada.

My favourite fruit or vegetable is:

Peaches and pears.

Shqipe (aka Pipi) is a very familiar face in the markets especially to forklift drivers and coffeeholics!

She first started working at Norm’s Café before catching the market bug and moving to her current role at the Fresh State Gas Station where she has been for the last five to six years.

There is a lot more to Pipi than meets the eye. We know her for her good looks, friendly face and hot dance moves at the Fresh State Ball, but behind this is a woman with a big heart, who loves her coffee and has a story to tell.

As a young fresh faced 21 year old, Shqipe came to Australia from Albania on holidays, but after war broke out in her home town of Kosovo, she decided to stay here permanently. Shqipe soon became involved in the Melbourne Albanian community, settled down and became an Australian citizen. It wasn’t until ten years later that she was able to bring two of her sisters over to Australia to live. “My mother, brother and my other five sisters are still in Albania along with their families” says Pipi. “Half of my life is here and the other half is in Albania; even though I call Australia home, I still miss my birth country and my family.”

She has two children who have been the love of her life. Baddy who is 19 years old and studying Electrical Engineering and Blerta who sadly passed away in 2003 aged seven years with cerebral palsy. Taking her two children on holidays were the best times of Shqipe’s life and she fondly remembers those special days and never takes life or love for granted.

The future for Shqipe includes travel (of course) probably back to Albania to catch up with her family and enjoy a daily morning short black which she says is the best in the world! “Europeans just make coffee better than anywhere else” she says. And the move to Epping into brand new facilities is something to look forward to as well. “Sometimes a change in scenery at work is just as good as another holiday.”

Q&

A:

Providing finance for:Coolrooms, Fit outs, Racking, Forklifts and Motor Vehicles

Don’t let the move to Epping cost

you any more than it needs to

Wholesale interest rates for Wholesale fruit merchants!!

The difference is Quantum. Winners at Equipment and Motor Vehicle Finance.

Call Luke or Carla today on 9006 1188 and let us save you money

P (03) 9006 1188 F (03) 9867 2110 E [email protected]

Linfox House Level 2, 493 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3004 www.quantumbusiness.com.au

Quantum Business Finance Advert_FSAiss24_final.indd 1 14/10/2014 9:51 am

Become a MMCS User for:• Security • Convenience • Control

When you sell your fresh produce:

• Reduce paperwork • Regain control

• Simplify payments • Ensure quality

• Enjoy the convenience • Maintain security

• Improve cash flow • Sell with confidence

LET MMCS WORK FOR YOU!

Melbourne Markets Credit Service542 Footscray Rd (MB 157)West Melbourne VIC 3003Tel: 03 9687 7333 Fax: 03 9687 7611Email: [email protected] www.melbmcs.com.au

SIGN UP TODAY!

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fresh state of affairs issue 26

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