fresh state of affairs issue 27
DESCRIPTION
Fresh State of Affairs is the bimonthly flagship magazine of Fresh State Ltd. It is produced for Fresh State members and the fruit and vegetable industry to keep them up to speed with the latest information available in the market place and the industry.TRANSCRIPT
ISSN: 1838-7829
april272015
target: 3 August 2015
Buckle up for Market on the Move08What’s
missing?06
OF AFFAIRS issue 27 apr 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] Elizabeth Oswald www.eoimages.com.au
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:
Around the MarketsIt is all happening on the market floor in the early hours of the morning. Who made the centrefold cut in this edition?
Fresh Produce at FC2015Back in Melbourne in 2015, Fresh Connections have mixed things up adding some sugar and spice into the conference agenda.
Top 10When is a pallet not a pallet? When it is a piece of art of course …
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issue 27 apr 2015
CONTENTS 02 What’s on
03 President’s message
04 Relocation
08 Market on the move
13 Fundraising: Graham Halliwell
16 Half yearly meeting update
18 Forklift safety: part 2
20 Business focus: Gramco
27 Q&A: Guerino Carusi
ADVERTISING10 Veritas
12 One Stop Shelving
16 Chep
23 Environmental Technologies Asia-Pacific | Pallet Control Australia
26 Melbourne Insurance Brokers
28 VB Sculli
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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.
Target Day - 3 August 2015!
The Government, after consultation with Fresh State, has shifted the target move date from the June long weekend to Monday 3 August. In reality, to have all the stores fitted out and warehousing completed meant that the June long week had become unrealistic.Many of you are asking “will it be ready by then”? The answer is “probably.” Especially with the current progress being made on the fit out of the stores. But if it needs to be looked at closer to the date, then so be it.
The completion of warehousing is the other unanswered question and that is in the hands of Hansen Yukon. But most leasees understand that they will have 45 days from handover to complete their warehouse fit out.
The target date introduces us to our “Market on the Move” charity forklift procession to Epping. How do you
move 800 odd forklifts 30 kilometres and be ready to start work? Easy – you drive them!
Imagine, the Tulla Freeway with hundreds of forklifts all following one another and the line stretching from
Footscray Road and up past Essendon Airport. This is to signify that the market really is “on the move” to Epping!
We are challenging all the forklift owners to enter the procession to participate in the biggest forklift procession held in Australia (and probably the world). And yes, there is
an entry fee. Plus if you want to go first (or last), it will cost a lot more, but all the money raised is going to charity!
On another note, are they really magic mushrooms? It sounds like a Wes story to me but find out the answer in our
“magic mushroom” article along with the pallet recycling feature (not the blue or the red pallets!) inside this issue.
Imagine, the Tulla Freeway with hundreds of forklifts all following one another and the line stretching from Footscray Road and up past Essendon Airport. This is to signify that the market really is “on the move” to Epping!
President’s message
OF AFFAIRS issue 27 apr 201504
CONTRACTORS CONFIRMED FOR FIT OUT
“We are very pleased where we have landed with the chosen contractors and community support – it has worked well.”
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Mid-March saw the awarding of two building contracts to fit out the stores in the trading market complex at Epping – one to Schiavello Constructions and the other to Harris HMC.
The process, run by Fresh State, sought builders to fit out the stores and offices at Epping and provide occupancy permits for the store holders - within time and specification. It was a very competitive process and Fresh State thanks all the companies who participated.
RELOCATION
Shane Schnitzler, Fresh State President:
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“The thing that has really pleased us is that once we awarded the contracts, both Schiavello and Harris have been working together to negotiate the ‘extras’ that store holders want – meaning that the group discounts for the extras are being passed on to members.”
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When the contracts were ultimately awarded to Schiavello and Harris, the market complex was roughly divided into two halves to simplify the process during the construction phase. Since then, store holders have been finalising their designs and signing contracts with the builder on their side of the market. Physical construction by the builders (including refrigeration) will commence in mid-April, with this phase expected to take approximately two months.
OF AFFAIRS issue 27 apr 201506
RELOCATION
“Prices are way down on what was first quoted and
I am getting Harris to quote up our warehousing as well.”Bruno Roda, Roda Fruits
“The cost of my model
has decreased about 30%
(pending final confirmation
of our changes)!”
Rob Apted,
The Melbourne Pear Company
“I am really happy with our builder, Schiavello. They have followed up on things for us and nothing seems too much trouble.”
Van Nguyen, South East Asia
THE FEEDBACK SAYS IT ALL …
“Fresh State have taken
away so many headaches
that I don’t have to think
about getting ripped off – I
know it’s a good price and
that it will be delivered.”
Vince Natoli, AMV Fresh
“When Fresh State started this we had already spent good
money having to get our own architect, plans and quotes –
what a waste that was! We are really happy because costs
are far lower and we can now
do addition al work that we were not going to do.”Lou Ponte, Melba Fresh
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An address for the Epping Market: it has been reported that it is getting finalised and, no, we can’t get our own post code.
The IT configuration: if it’s a green suburb does it mean you can’t have more than 30 meters of “copper” and the rest optic fibre?
New phone numbers: when do we get our address and IT info.
Buyers parking bays: due in April.
Car parking for store holders: due in April, mindful that you will not use it until August!
Price of electricity: ??
Refrigeration running costs: any hidden costs?
Rules of operation: next version due out soon.
Fruit and vegetable stands: lines on the ground and numbers (due in May).
Reconfigured truck parking spaces: due in April.
Access cards: May to July.
The “app” for our phones: showing where everyone’s store is, and where buyers are parked (July – hopefully).
FOUR MONTHS TO GO – WHAT’S MISSING?
“Fresh State’s work has been so good. I was lost and did not know what to do and how to go about it. I am so thankful.”Nick Conindi, The Apple Arcade
“The cost of my model
has decreased about 30%
(pending final confirmation
of our changes)!”
Rob Apted,
The Melbourne Pear Company
“Now we, Fresh State
and store holders, g
et
out of the way and let
the contractors do their
work!”
Shane Schnitzler, Fresh State
“Fresh State has done
so much work it is
unbelievable. And it looks
like they have knocked
about $60,000 off my
original price!”
Ken Alish, Fresh Cut Processors
OF AFFAIRS issue 27 apr 201508
• Once in a lifetime opportunity
• Never seen before in Australia
• Huge media coverage
• Raise money for charity
• Unique way to transport your forks to Epping
‘Market on the Move’ is looking for sponsorship with a Sponsorship Prospectus available for interested businesses who want to be involved and raise money for charity.
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Market on the Move is a forklift procession that will take place on the freeway network to commemorate the move from our current Footscray Road address to the new market at Epping. Earmarked to take place on the 1st of August in conjunction with the official move date, this event is set to go down into the history books as the biggest of its kind Australia has ever seen.
“Market on the Move is a massive event that will provide us with a forum (and freeway!) to drive our forklifts – fork by fork – from Footscray Road to the new Epping market” says Joe Amalfi, Market on the Move’s Chair and Fresh State Vice President. “We have been working really hard behind the scenes to tick all the boxes and get this project ‘on the road’ as well as put the wholesale market on the map”.
A collaboration between Fresh State and the Melbourne Market Authority (MMA), both organisations are committed to making this event work. “The MMA are 100% behind Market on the Move” says Mark Maskiell , CEO of MMA. “This is a great initiative to unite the market community plus increase awareness amongst the general public of the Market’s role in the supply chain and position us as the epicentre of the fresh produce industry”.
Fresh State’s President Shane Schnitzler is also passionate about the event. “Fresh State have been talking about this concept for a while now,” he says. “At the end of the day we are moving to a new market and need to take our forklifts with us. There is no better way to do this than to drive them there!”
Benefits of taking part in Market on the Move are many and varied. Not only will it provide a never before seen forklift procession on our freeway network, it will also be raising some serious dollars for charity. “One million
dollars is our target” continues Shane. “That is what we want to raise and I think our market community is capable of making this quota”. Shane says that it makes sense that the market is aligned with charity raising as it is the very essence of this community. “We have a history of helping others” he says, “there is not a month that goes by where someone is not raising money for charity and it is what makes us who we are.”
Of course an event of this size and magnitude doesn’t happen on its own. Market on the Move is looking for sponsorship with a Sponsorship Prospective available for interested businesses who want to be involved and raise money for charity. The event also needs participants with their forklifts to confirm their spot in the line up. “A flyer is currently circulating the market and we are wanting commitment from businesses to get involved” concludes Shane. “Who will be the first in line to drive through the gates at Epping?”
To find our more and to download a Sponsorship Prospectus or Event Flyer log onto www.freshstate.com.au or www.melbournemarkets.com.au or contact Sally Piper at Fresh State on 03 9689 3233
Market on the move is coming our wayBuckle up!
M31
Tullamarine
HeidelbergWestCoburg
ReservoirFawkner
MelbourneAirport
Cooper St
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Ring Rd
Hum
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Tulla Fwy
Mahoneys Rd
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M8048
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Melbourne
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Epping
Footscray
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Held in partnership
with:
“Market on the Move is a massive event that will provide us with a forum (and freeway!) to drive our forklifts – fork by fork – from Footscray Road to the new Epping market.”
10
Open your mind to
changeChange in the workplace has been a hot topic for quite some time with the employment landscape and economic environment going through constant change since 2009. How we have always done things has all of a sudden become irrelevant.
by Carolyn Tarrant General Manager at Veritas Recruitment
The wholesale market community is faced with additional change with a move to a new market months away after 46 years at Footscray Road.
For most of us, this will be a very challenging time to adapt and to find our place of security and stability and so we are left with two choices:
We adapt and move with the change; or
We resist and fight an unwinnable battle.
Hopefully we all choose the first option and arm ourselves with some techniques to help us through these changes as discussed on the next page.
Vegetable Industry Economist Ian James, talked about the challenges ahead in his article in February’s edition which we found very relevant. By adapting to the change ahead as quickly as you can, you will set yourself up well to handle anything the future holds.
Accepting you have no control over the situation
Keep it in perspective
Talk to someone about how you are feeling
See the positives
Be part of the solution
Most of us like to have control. It makes us feel safe and if we hold the power to make decisions, any negative impact can only be blamed on ourselves. It’s normal to feel uncomfortable and distressed when significant change comes our way but it’s how we approach it that makes it less stressful. If you can accept that it is out of your control and there is no alternative, this step will help you come to terms with what is going on.
Work is work. It’s not your family and it’s not a terminal illness. Like a good friend of mine always reminds me, first world problems! Be thankful you have work and embrace whatever change is dealt your way with an open mind. Positive mind deliv-ers positive outcomes!
Verbalising what you perceive as a negative experience can help you work through the issues. Having someone you trust, similar to a professional mentor, will help you move through any roadblocks you feel you have. Talking to someone trusted, may help you turn the negatives into positives.
Every situation has a positive but it is up to you to find it. What can you learn from the experience? What lesson is it trying to teach you? The answer will be somewhere! If you constantly focus on what’s wrong with the situation, it will only make you more resistant to the change ahead and therefore provide more stress for you. Focus on the parts that can work for you and make it shine.
Change can be confronting, so rather than be part of the resistance, try to focus on solutions to some of the potential negatives. There is always a way to work around issues. Be flexible, create ideas to fix any problems, see change as an oppor-tunity to do something different and expand your horizons.
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E: [email protected] P: 03 9948 9499 | F: 03 9948 9488
Suite 5, Level 1, The Suites, 30 English Street,
Essendon Fields, VIC 3041www.veritasrecruitment.com.au
Your Racking Supplier!
Drive In Rack Selective Rack
Full Capacity StorageMaximum Storage Efficiency
European ProductThe Perfect Rack For The Markets Can Hold All Weights and Sizes
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Paul Blizard, The Market Racking Expert - 0417 693 076
SPECIAL EDITION
ADVERTISING RATES:
Full page: $3500 + GST
1/2 page: $2000 + GST
1/4 page: $1200 + GST Fresh State of Affairs invites you to be a part of its Special Edition Commemorative Magazine which will celebrate and recognize the last 46 years that the Melbourne Wholesale Market has been located at Footscray Road.
• Including history of the market, iconic businesses throughout the years, plus an array of general information and photos at Footscray Road.
• Collector’s item in years to come and a fitting memento for the market community.
• Opportunity to stamp your business into the history books by advertising in this collector’s edition.
To book an advertisement in this Special Edition or for any suggestions or historical information, please contact Sally Piper at Fresh State on 03 9689 3233 by Wednesday 1 July or send an email to Sally at [email protected]
Commemorative Issue
46 years at Footscray Road
Your Racking Supplier!
Drive In Rack Selective Rack
Full Capacity StorageMaximum Storage Efficiency
European ProductThe Perfect Rack For The Markets Can Hold All Weights and Sizes
Fully CustomisableModular Form - Easily Adjusted
Robust And Durable
Paul Blizard, The Market Racking Expert - 0417 693 076
cure
13
We love to highlight fundraising efforts in the market especially those that pack a punch!For this issue we put the spotlight on Graham Halliwell, a National Accounts Manager for Avocados at Costa Group. Graham has decided to challenge himself by riding 1,194 km over nine days, and aims to raise $15,000 for cancer research in the Tour de Cure Signature Tour 2015.
Graham understands first hand why fundraising for cancer research is so
important. In 2002, he had treatment to remove a tumour which was a big scare and the trigger for Graham changing his lifestyle habits and taking up cycling. “It was a big wake up call that’s for sure” he says. “The stats are pretty damning with one in three Australians having either suffered or have known someone close to them that has battled cancer”.
Ironically it was Graham’s brother who inspired him to take part in this event. “I watched my brother David complete the Tour de Cure last year shortly after cancer surgery and treatment,” he said. “He had guts and determination and it just blew me away. I knew if he could do it so close to treatment, then I had no excuse”.
One of the biggest challenges has been the training which can see Graham cycling 100 km a week in preparation. “It can be tough to juggle work, life and training especially working in the fresh produce industry with the early morning starts,” continues Graham. “I have been riding for the last ten years so I have the benefit of being generally saddle fit, but you still need to have the miles in your legs to be able to cope with the big distances day after day”.
So look out for Graham walking or riding the market floor and throw some fundraising cash his way. Alternatively you can log on to his profile page at: www.tourdecure.com.au.
Graham has decided to challenge himself by riding 1,194 km over nine days, and aims to raise $15,000 for cancer research.
Riding for a™
The Tour de Cure is an organisation with a clear mission – to cure cancer. It creates events all around riding to raise awareness and funds to cure cancer.
The ‘Signature Tour’ is Tour de Cure’s annual hero event. The organisation also runs Country Tours, a ball, the Day of Inspiration and several Corporate Tours.
Since 2007, Tour de Cure riders, volunteers, support crew, corporate sponsors and other supporters have raised in excess of $16 million and funded over 180 cancer research, support and prevention projects, leading to 13 cancer breakthroughs.
The 2015 Signature Tour will take place from 24 April to 2 May 2015 with participants riding 1,194 km along the coastline from Adelaide to Melbourne.
OF AFFAIRS issue 27 apr 201514
around the markets:
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01 Sampling the beans. Bozo from Werribee Fruit Supply, Laurie from LA Produce with Martha the Strudel Lady.
02 Mario and John at Regal Produce.
03 Sam & Phillip from TC Produce.
04 John from Dykes Bros with Steve from Moraitis.
05 The Brancatisano boys are sad on the last day of trading as VB Fruit.
06 Alice at Biodynamics enjoys a Friday morning in the market!
07 Joe fills up his Freshmax fork.
08 John Barker proudly displays his Hole in One trophy from the Melbourne Market Golf Day in Oct 2014.
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around the markets:
609 Patrick Senserrick & Michael Dennehy
catch up .
10 The coffee run with Joy.
11 Elvis from E & R with Lou Ponte from Melba Fresh.
12 John, Orlando and Samer on the grower’s floor.
13 Vince checks out the zucchinis at Lattore’s.
14 ‘We are the mighty Blues’ sings Bertie with Ron at Mumford’s.
15 Chris and Con from Louis Melbourne.
16 Issie from BRP Wholesalers gives a whole new meaning to a bunch of flowers.
17 Coffee time.
18 All smiles at G Ferlazzo with Jason and Darren.
19 He’s the man! Cemal from Global Farmers and Allan from Betta Produce.
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16 OF AFFAIRS
“A lot has happened over the last six months,” said Shane Schnitzler, Fresh State’s President. “This was a great opportunity to keep our members updated and also provide them with a platform for suggestions and queries”.
Shane said with only months to go until the proposed move to the Epping Market, it was important that members were armed with as much information as possible so that they were prepared.
issue 27 apr 2015
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
MAKE A FRESH START WITH CHEP AND WIN!
Open a CHEP Account before 31 May 2015 for your chance to win two tickets to this year’s AFL Grand Final!
We’ll be at the Epping Information Centre two days a week until the move. Whenever you see the CHEP
banners flying, stop in to find out how you could benefit by setting up an equipment pooling account with CHEP.
MAKING POOLING SIMPLE.
13 CHEP (13 2437) Melbourne.Market
@chep.com
half yearly meeting march 2015
Fresh State’s Half Yearly Member’s Meeting at Etihad Stadium once again provided a wealth of information to Fresh State members.
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“We also want the guys to be able to ask questions and provide feedback,” continued Shane. “We nearly had more questions from members than the presentations themselves which is great, and why we hold these meetings.”
Discussions on pallets, market hours, operating rules and new projects and programs were the hot topics on the table and of course the transition to the new market.
Access to the market is a privilege – not a right
Melbourne Market Authority (MMA) CEO Mark Maskiell presented more information on the move to Epping encouraging all members to make sure they visited the new site to have a look.
“All market participants should get out to the market at least three times before market opening,” he said. “We don’t want an outcome where we have store holders setting up the day before opening when they have never been there before”.
Mark says it was an easy process to set up an appointment to visit the new market and was just a matter of booking in a time with the MMA.
Under the new MMA brand, Mark and his team are very keen to spread the message that market access is a privilege and not a right, something Shane also supports. “This is our community and it’s our market” he said. “Without wholesalers there is no market but at the same time we need to respect the venue and clean up after ourselves”.
Mark said working in a clean environment was essential at the new market. “We don’t want coffee cups thrown on the ground and rubbish everywhere”. There will be a charge incurred for co-mingled waste at the new site with satellite recycling stations a feature. “Recycling only works if rubbish is separated at the source so again, we need tenants to be mindful of this”.
And in relation to the new forklift safety rules being enforced around the current site, Mark made no apology. “We want a safe, efficient and functional market” he said. “It is a no brainer – wear your seatbelts.”
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
MAKE A FRESH START WITH CHEP AND WIN!
Open a CHEP Account before 31 May 2015 for your chance to win two tickets to this year’s AFL Grand Final!
We’ll be at the Epping Information Centre two days a week until the move. Whenever you see the CHEP
banners flying, stop in to find out how you could benefit by setting up an equipment pooling account with CHEP.
MAKING POOLING SIMPLE.
13 CHEP (13 2437) Melbourne.Market
@chep.com
This was a great opportunity to keep our members updated and also provide them with a platform for suggestions and queries.
The Melbourne Pear Company’s Robert Apt with Just Onions’ Alan Thierry.
Fresh State’s Tony Nigro with Vice President Joe Amalfi.
OF AFFAIRS issue 27 apr 2015
Forklift Safety:In Edition 26 of Fresh State of Affairs Magazine we looked at how the MMA are enforcing forklift laws so that the market is safer for us all. Now, we continue this theme and examine what you can do to ensure that your forklift is running at optimal performance.
BRAKES: Don’t take the brakes for granted. If the brakes don’t work, the forklift is not safe. Don’t use it.
TYNES: Subject to wearing, this useful part of the forklift must be replaced if damaged. Don’t drag forklift tynes along the ground. If damaged they can be replaced here.
TYRES: Some tyres need to warm up, for around about 10-15 minutes before they perform correctly. This is caused by multiple com-pounds used within the tyres that provide for both cushioning and extended life.
FLUID LEAKS: Leaks are a sign that something is wrong: oil from the motor, transmission, hydraulic system or radiator coolant. Stop use immediately and seek repairs.
REGISTRATION: Forklifts are required to be registered, just as a car would be.
MIRRORS: Mirrors must be placed on either side of the forklift. If there is a crack in the glass, then it must be replaced.
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GAS BOTTLE GUARDS: Must have guards protecting the bottles from sparks and damage when they are placed on the roof of the forklift, they must also be equally spaced apart.
PA
RT
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SEATS: Damaged seats can cause accidents as well as being uncomfortable for the operator.
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Our resident expert on forklifts, Scott Bocksette from Toyota Material Handling, says forklifts must be repaired and maintained to remain roadworthy.
“If your forklift is not roadworthy then you should not drive it as you may not be covered by insurance or Worksafe. Bring it in to the workshop and we’ll fix the forklift so it does.” Scott says the most common components of the forklift they service other than the engine, are the brakes and mast lift chains. They also check forklift tyres.
The most time consuming issue was removing any plastic caught around the front and rear wheels and brakes. “This causes the most damage to the fork and could be avoided if forklift drivers removed plastics and debris as soon as they noticed it.”
With the Market on the Move event only months away, it is time to start thinking seriously about the condition of your forklift so that it is fit for the journey. “We want all market users to have the opportunity to drive their forklifts on the freeway from Footscray Road to Epping” continued Scott. “Forklifts will only be able to participate if they are registered. There will be a pit stop or two once the route has been finalised, however we prefer forks to be leaving Footscray Road in the best possible condition.” Scott is quick to add that the benefits of a good working forklift are not only for longevity and safety, but also to start off at Epping on the right, er wheel …
GAS BOTTLES: Automatic Fill Limiter (AFL) bottles must be aligned correctly or they will not fill properly. Rocking rear mounted gas bottles whilst filling is a dangerous practice and fixed by checking the alignment of the gas bottle.
WIRING: Old or damaged wiring can cause fires, as witnessed a few years back when a forklift was burnt out and the gas bottle exploded.
STRING AND PLASTIC: When caught around the wheels, loose items can lead to brakes being damaged, low performance braking and can damage axle seals. This can cause significant damage and repairs can be costly, so avoid driving over debris in the market.
“If your forklift is not roadworthy then you should not drive it.”
OF AFFAIRS issue 26 feb 201520
Mushrooms were scarce on the market floor prior to the late eighties and as they started to take off wholesalers struggled to keep up with demand.
“Retailers were known to come into the market early and line up just to buy mushrooms,” says Wes. The range was limited and spasmodic as Australian’s transitioned from mushrooms sold in cans to fresh cup and button varieties.
By the nineties, mushrooms had ‘bedded in’ to mainstream fresh produce lines so it was a good time to enter the mushroom
wholesale industry. “We wanted to emphasise that we were selling good quality mushrooms and open (Field) mushrooms were a niche product,” continued Wes.
Wes says Field mushrooms were only available as a by-product at the time. “They were not sold consistently in the Melbourne Market, until I sourced a supplier and starting selling Fields every day. The business grew from there.”
Wes was no stranger to the mushroom industry having owned his own fruit
and vegetable retail businesses as well as providoring and
working in a wholesale outlet for mushrooms. His love and knowledge of mushrooms developed and he soon recognised the potential of
tapping into the fungi industry.
It took a lot of hard-work to get the business up and
running but Wes rolled up his sleeves and got
the job done. It took them more than a year to purchase the company’s first forklift, until then, they were moving stock by using a pallet jack, land-trucks or by hand. “We were the business’s horse and cart,” Wes says proudly. Wes took over the business as a sole Director four years after opening and has been living the mushroom dream ever since.
Since 1994, GRAMCo has grown to include both state-wide and interstate customers as well as plans to export.
“Agaricus mushrooms still account for 90% of the mushrooms sold in the market and is the majority of our
Wes and Jim display the rare Cordyceps fungi. “The Cordyceps fungi is well known as an aphrodisiac as well as its other benefits,” says Jim. “Drink as a tea in a powdered form before your chosen activity and test it out for yourself!”
magic mushrooms!
We wanted to emphasise that we were selling good quality mushrooms and open (Field) mushrooms were a niche product.
The Great Australian Mushroom Company (GRAMCo), started back in 1994, when co-founders Wes Arnott and Ashley Cox subleased a B-Store in the West Melbourne Markets with only $500 each to start their new business. As an ex retailer, Wes knew that there were gaps in the mushroom market and a demand was there for more variety.
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business, but we are always looking for new opportunities”.
As well as the popular Agaricus mushrooms, GRAMCo have always sold wild mushrooms and an exotic range. “Historically, exotics have not been grown in Australia due to the cheap cost of importing, so they are primarily sourced from overseas” says Wes. “But the exotic market is expanding quickly as Asian culinary influences, health and wellbeing and
high profile cooking shows introduce them to a much wider market”.
To capitalise on the growing mushroom market, GRAMCo is expanding into vertical integration with the purchase of their own exotic mushroom farm, located in Melbourne’s outer northern suburbs close to the new Epping Market.
“This farm will grow and produce over a dozen varieties of mushrooms, some of which have never before been seen in the Melbourne Market,” says Jim Fuller, the General Manager of GRAMCo and soon to be business partner of the new farm. Texan bred Jim will bring his expertise of mushrooms to the business and says that an exciting new range of Australian grown mushrooms will be the focus of the farm. “I used to
grow over forty types of mushrooms in the United States including medicinal nutraceutical fungi, so Wes and I will use both of our mushroom knowledge to grow great quality mushies”.
Australian grown, freshly picked, clean and green mushrooms, will be the focus of the farm which will grow not only exotic mushrooms for the general public to support the wholesale arm of the business, but they are also throwing themselves into medicinal fungi.
The Cordyceps fungi is big business in Asia for its medicinal properties and is extremely rare and expensive. Scientific studies have shown that the compounds produced by the Cordyceps mushroom can increase blood flow, enhance healing, produce more stamina and energy, and create better focus. This type of fungi will feature in the GRAMCo medicinal range.
Exporting to the Asian market is the perfect way to grow the business with Asia’s appetite for high quality produce, but it won’t stop there continues Jim. “We also plan to sell the Cordyceps mushroom to the nightshift workers here at the markets, to boost their energy so when they get home after work they can actually have a life”.
Compounds produced by the Cordyceps mushroom can increase blood flow, enhance healing, produce more stamina and energy, and create better focus.
GRAMCo have been a user of the Melbourne Markets Credit Service for as long as Wes can remember and highlights the following benefits that make the Credit Service such a great accessory to his business:
1. Security.
2. Ease and convenience. Having only one cheque for 20 or 30 different customers is very convenient.
3. Less work spent on accounts.
4. Regular payments so that you know what payment you are going to get a week in advance. This allows you to plan your business.
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The Australian Chamber of Fruit & Vegetable Indus-tries’ are encouraging all growers, wholesalers and retailers to attend so that they don’t miss out on one thing!
“The Australian Chamber are once again proud partners of the event and will be hosting the Trade Show Day with the Central Markets of Australia As-sociation,” says Gail Woods, Executive Officer of the Australian Chamber.
“We can never stop creating new business alliances and Fresh Connections is renowned for doing just that”. Gail adds that it is also the perfect platform to show off the Melbourne Wholesale Markets fresh produce to the industry and source new customers.
“We will be displaying our fresh produce from our central markets at the Trade Show which will be the highlight (of course), so we are calling on our whole-salers and growers to participate.”
This year the program has a few twists and turns just to keep you on your toes with a NEW LOOK to spice things up!
“This will be the first time we have dedicated a whole day to the Trade Show uninterrupted,” contin-ues Gail. “It is a real positive as it is only one day out of the business if you can’t spare the time attending the whole three days.”
And for those who do have the time or will make the time, the best of the rest would be in the Special Interest Group Options, with a variety of topics relating directly to a range of businesses within the wholesale market such as:
OF AFFAIRS issue 27 apr 2015
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
It is Fresh Connections time again! Fresh Connections is the fresh produce industry’s major conference for the year. It is a one stop shop to keep you up to date with the latest gidgets and gadgets, catch up with old friends and learn a thing or two at the conference sessions.
This forum will not only assist you to understand what sustainability actually is, but how you can track and measure how sustainable your business is and how much further you have to go.
How can we meet the ever growing demand of the consumers for fresh produce? Experts will speak on how to capitalise on the opportunity, and what the industry must do to meet the growing need.
50 percent of the fresh produce market is controlled by independent retailers. This forum focuses on how independent retailers can differentiate themselves, plus an excellent opportunity for retailers to share successes and challenges.
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
To register to attend Fresh Connections 2015 or for more information log onto www.pmafreshconnections.com.au
A quarter of all fresh produce goes to the foodservice sector, this forum will help you to understand what the future holds.
An opportunity for industry members to build networks, establish relationships, and gain actionable career insights from guest speakers.
How can the industry take hold and understand the many Free Trade Agreements being signed? If you want to know about exportation, this is the forum you need to attend.
Many would say that it has never been a more important time to market your fresh produce. Marketing skills are a valuable asset and can reward hard work.
The Corrigan’s Produce Farm girls displaying their fresh produce at Fresh Connections 2012 – the last time the conference was held in Melbourne.
OF AFFAIRS issue 27 apr 2015
1. Hanging Gardens: Certain plants grow vertically which, when added to a pallet creation, can become a piece of art for your garden.
2. Coffee Tables: Start from a simple design of attaching legs to the corners or build multiple layers – it is up to you.
3. Wine Racks: Just one rung, with holes drilled into the side, will be enough or stack them up! There’s plenty of room to expand for the wine lover.
4. Raised Vegetable Gardens: Sure you sell vegetables at work but that doesn’t mean you can’t grow your own at home as well. Try filling the spaces in between the pallet with good soil and vegetable seedlings and watch your food grow grow grow!
5. Bed Bases: This could be as simple as putting four pallets together, or you could attach some legs or wheels to the bottom for that groovy warehouse look.
6. Tables, Chairs and Desks: For the more adventurous builder, why not make a dining table complete with a set of chairs, or even a desk for your new office at Epping!
7. Couches: You can stack a few pallets together with some comfortable cushions on top, or even cut one pallet in half and use a piece for a backrest.
8. Entertainment Units: Add a rustic feel to your living room by bringing your workplace home. Advanced designs feature cabinets, compartments or whatever you want really. Think outside the ‘pallet’.
9. Food Storage: Turn pallets into crates for your onions and potatoes or into a unit for all of your fresh food!
10. Shelving: With a few modifications even a single rung could be converted to store your favourite keepsakes.
ways to recycle wooden pallets
10TOP
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The market floor is often scattered with wooden pallets after a day’s trade. But did you know there are a number of ways you can recycle wooden pallets that can often be feature pieces in your home, office or garden? It’s affordable, it’s trendy and it looks good!
Here are our TOP TEN creative ways to recycle this useful item.
It’s affordable, it’s trendy and it looks good!
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26 OF AFFAIRS issue 27 apr 2015
It is time to start thinking about your insurance requirements for not only the move to Epping but also in your current everyday business. Below we look at what insurance is required as part of your lease as well as some optional extras to think about:
• Required – business property: The MMA require insurance to be taken out
on fixtures, fittings and stock against damage caused by fire, water damage, storm or accidental damage.
• Required – business interuption/income protection for your business:
The MMA require each Wholesaler to take out insurance cover to protect themselves against the financial consequences in the event that their business is not able to carry on trading. Similar to income protection but in this case for the business.
• Required – public and product liability: 20 million cover is the standard requirement of
the MMA.
• Rental bond/security amount: The cost effective option to parting with funds
that many Wholesalers already utilise, is the option to take out insurance to cover the bond required by the MMA.
• Transit risk insurance: Will provide cover for your fixtures and fittings
against any damage during the physical move to the Epping Market.
• Machinery breakdown insurance: As all the equipment at Epping will be new,
it should be covered under warranty. As prevention is always best, it is recommended that you have all machinery serviced at least every six months, and install temperature alarms on all coolrooms.
• Forklifts: Whilst forklifts are virtually indestructible,
they are subject to theft and can do a lot of damage to other vehicles and property. A Commercial Motor Policy will protect forklifts, buggies and other vehicles.
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.
Taking the Risk out of Insurance and the pain out of complying with your new lease.
Call 9686 0688
Sandi FulcherOffice Manager
Mark PerreePrincipal
Insurance matters…
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Guerino CarusiFrom Pignataro Wholesalers, “Greeno” is a popular personality in the market community.
Works:
As the director and partner of Pignataro Wholesale
Suburb where I live:
Lilydale – I have lived in the same house for 46 years.
Most of my day is spent:
On the phone talking to growers or in my garden.
The football team I barrack for is:
Essendon. Favourite player of all time – Bomber Thompson.
My favourite Melbourne Market moment is:
Start of a new season especially in May/June with the arrival of Queensland strawberries.
The quality I respect most in an employee is:
Honesty and cleanliness. If you respect the business, you respect the customer. I was lucky to have excellent mentors in (the late) Rocky Pignataro and Tony Pettinella.
As I have grown older I have learnt:
Treat others how you would like to be treated and be honest and forward with growers and customers. There is no use hiding anything.
The qualities I most enjoy about Melbourne Market are:
Love the people and socialising.Love selling and supplying fresh produce. Love doing favours for my customers.
The pets I have are:
Two dogs – Terrier cross called Abby and a Terrier Poodle cross called Tommy.
In my spare time I enjoy:
Gardening and watching movies – especially action and western movies. I love anything with Sylvester Stallone or Arnold Schwarzenegger. Favourite movie at the moment is “The Expendables.”
My first job was:
Store man and packer at Boral Installations.
My fondest memory is:
The birth of my first child was so exciting. I will never forget it.
The aspect of my job I Iike the most is:
Sales and communication with growers. I especially love seeing our growers every year and catching up.
The thing I dislike the most is:
People who don’t pay their bills on time.
I am passionate about:
My family (wife Rosie and sons Michael 21 years, Joey 18 years and Nick 16 years).
The place in the world I would most like to go is:
I went back to the Italian village where I was born for the first time three years ago and really want to go back again to Italy.
The thing a lot of people don’t know about me is:
I love growing roses.
My favourite fruit or vegetable is:
Pears and peaches.
Born in the little village of San Vittorino in Italy, Guerino (aka Greeno) came over to Australia at the age of seven. He was twelve years old when his father passed away suddenly and started working to help support his family.
“I helped out the local Carrier Agents picking up stock from the local farms,” says Greeno. “In those days there were no forklifts and it was all done by hand, so lots of lifting.”
It was in a very wet year when Greeno was working as a concreter, that his mate Andy asked him to come and give him a hand at the Melbourne Wholesale Markets. “It was good consistent work no matter what the weather and I enjoyed it. I have been at the markets ever since and that was 32 years ago”.
Greeno loves a lot of things. It is his passion and love of life that is infectious when you talk to him and what makes him such a popular personality in the market community.
He can be often found at Norm’s Café socialising after a hard day’s work, but when he is at home, he loves to watch Western movies, do gardening, or spend time with his family.
Greeno fell in love with the market community and being a salesman. He has a lot of pride in his work and values his relationships with colleagues, customers and growers.
From the moment he started working in the market, he made sure he moved around learning the different aspects of the business. “I have worked with all the lines of produce except bananas”. Greeno started off as a forklift/truck driver at RA & S Pignataro owned by Andy and the late Rocco (Rocky) Pignataro and then moved to sales at Pettinella’s (now known as Fresh Berry). He then moved across to Big Valley as the sales manager and then to Oz Fresh as the stand manager before becoming the partner in his current business at Pignataro Wholesalers – back to where it all began, with Andy.
Q&
A:
T H E N E X T G E N E R A T I O N
now open for business
Office: Mail Box 26 | e: [email protected] | T: 03 9687 2255 | F: 03 9689 9153
Stand B1243-250Joe Brancatisano 0418 533 694Vince Brancatisano 0418 111 388Chris Brancatisano 0418 111 288Daniel Taranto 0401 336 673
Stand A40-45Phil Basile 0418 391 610Frank Caravetta 0411 848 331
target: 3 August 2015