epping market - Fresh State Ltd

september
01
2010
18
epping market
Fresh State Demands Answers
FREE Health
Checks for Men
forklift challenge
DATAFRESH
Price
reporting
MEET THE
FRESH STATE
BOARD
MEMBERS
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executive
committee
projects
meLbourne
markets
reporting
service
issue 01
september 2010
what’s on:
4
9
10
Market relocation:
Fresh State demands
answers from Government
on Market move.
Feature – mangoes:
Vital information about
Australian Mangos plus
a bonus recipe.
Meet the board:
Profiles of all 7 Fresh
State Board Members.
Professional and personal.
12
14
18
Forklift challenge:
Separating the men
from the boys.
Around the markets:
Pictorial spread of
members at work.
Men’s health:
Put your chassis to the test
and take a Pit Stop!
2 |
What’s on
16 |
Membership services
24 |
Young Executive Committee
3 |
President’s message
20 |
Melbourne Markets
25 |
Fresh State full memberships
CONTENTS
8 |
Fruit and vegetable
residue testing
Published by:
Credit Service (MMCS)
23 |
Melbourne Markets
Reporting Service (MMRS)
memberships
Fresh State CEO:
Design:
Print:
Editor / Advertising:
Photography:
Distribution:
John Roach
john.roach@freshstate.com.au
Sonja van Eijk
sonjav@freshstate.com.au
Contributors:
www.freshstate.com.au
27 | F resh State associate
Kate Adamson
Megan Mcnaught
Flying Dog Designs
www.fddesigns.com.au
Wuttke Photography
www.wuttke.com.au
Casamento Photography
www.casamento.com.au
King Print
www.kingprint.com.au
Fresh State of Affairs is
produced by Fresh State
Ltd and is a free publication.
03
president’s message:
From the President
Welcome to the first edition of Fresh
State of Affairs, Fresh State’s new
bimonthly magazine.
There have been a number of ‘firsts’ for
Fresh State this year. In March we held
our first Pit Stop – a health check for men.
Together with our partners the Royal
flying Doctors Service and GlaxoSmithKline, Pit Stop highlighted the unhealthy
lifestyles that the market
community leads and the
effects that our antiquated
hours of operation impose on
our health.
And now Fresh State of Affairs! The Fresh
State Board took up this initiative to
ensure that members, the market community and external stakeholders are
consistently informed of the latest issues,
developments and initiatives that affect
their working lives.
This first issue looks at the big ticket item
of relocation – We put the ‘Minister on
the Spot’ as to “where is the information
With Fresh State of
Affairs the aim is to
start to ‘demystify
the fence.’
June saw the first Forklift
Challenge, a skills based test
of our forklift drivers developed by the Fresh State
Young Executive Committee.
Our partners Toyota Material
Handling and Kleenheat with
assistance from Hino supported this pilot
for what will become an exciting annual
event.
September see’s the First Fresh State Gala
Ball – the Spring Fling. This is the ‘Wholesalers Ball’ – an event aimed at acknowledging the importance of the sector, its
businesses and individuals. Our partner
Kleenheat Gas has been very supporting
of this initiative.
our wholesale market. They do not see
the hard work, the shocking hours, the
urgency of moving huge quantities of
fresh produce nor the spirited negotiations to achieve the best price. Its time
this changed!
Therefore, on behalf the Board and management it gives me great pleasure in
launching the first edition of Fresh State
of Affairs.
Shane Schnitzler
President
Fresh State Ltd
on allocation, rents, leases, equity and
forklift access” at Epping – why the mystery? We introduce the Fresh State Board
and we feature action from ‘around the
markets’ as well as from Pit Stop and the
Forklift Challenge.
With Fresh State of Affairs the aim is to
start to ‘demystify the fence’. For too long
the rumour mill has misinformed people
of the true nature of what happens inside
Disclaimer:
Fresh State Ltd makes this magazine available on the understanding the users exercise their own skill and care with
respect to its use. Before relying on, or altering any business
practices, users should carefully evaluate the accuracy,
completeness and relevance of the information for their
purpose and should obtain appropriate professional advice
relevant to their particular circumstances. This magazine
contains views and recommendations that do not necessarily reflect the views of Fresh State Ltd.
Fresh State does not in any circumstances accept responsibility for the accuracy or suitability or otherwise of any in-
formation published in Fresh State of Affairs. Fresh State Ltd
specifically disclaims all and any liability for loss or damage
of any nature whatsoever and however arising, whether
due to accuracy, error or omission or any other cause.
In addition, by using the information in this magazine,
each user waives and releases Fresh State, its staff and
agents from any and all claims relating to the use of this
document. In no event shall Fresh State Ltd be liable for
any consequential damages resulting from using the
information in Fresh State of Affairs.
© Fresh State Ltd 2010
This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted
under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced
by any process without prior permission from Fresh State
Ltd. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and
rights should be addressed to:
The Editor
Fresh State of Affairs Magazine
Market Box 113, 542 Footscray Road
West Melbourne VIC 3003
04
issue 01
september 2010
market relocation:
OF AFFAIRS
The new Epping market in Melbourne’s north is touted
to be state of the art. But market tenants remain in the
dark about the basic details, less than two years from
the new market opening its doors, according to Fresh
State President, Shane Schnitzler.
Market users still don’t know how much
rent they will be paying or what they will
receive for their equity in the existing market, Mr Schnitzler, of Kapiris Brothers, said.
Fresh State of Affairs put Mr Schnitzler’s
concerns to the Victorian Government
recently, in an attempt to clarify these
concerns.
“This makes it impossible for people to plan
their businesses. There seems to be a lot of
things we can’t get answers to in regard to
relocation,” he said.
Rents
The community wants answers to the issue
of rents, allocation, equity, warehousing
and forklift access, and these issues must
be resolved immediately to give certainty
to a nervous market community, Mr Schnitzler said.
Market users remain in the dark about how
much rent at the Epping market will be,
despite build costs being confirmed.
“There is nothing stopping them publishing a rent figure,” Mr Schnitzler said.
“They know what their cost is, know what
their build costs is yet they are keeping rent
costs under wraps.
“People need to know now so they can
plan their business model going forward.
They need to decide if they are capable of
an increase in rent. The more time they’ve
got the better.”
Major Projects Minister Tim Pallas who is
responsible for the new market told Fresh
State of Affairs he hopes the Government
will be in a position to give advice on rents
before the end of the year.
“It’s a critical issue for market tenants and
an issue that really goes to the attractiveness of the relocation offer and the future
of their businesses. We don’t want to rush
into this,” he said.
05
“The community wants answers to
the issue of rents, allocation, equity,
warehousing and forklift access,
and these issues must be resolved
immediately to give certainty to a
nervous market community.”
market relocation:
06
OF AFFAIRS
issue 01
september 2010
Mr Pallas said the Government was working
with the MMA and the market community
on the issue, but couldn’t speculate what
the rates will be.
ments that people have spent over the
years. This gives them the opportunity to
transfer their improvements over to the
new site.”
“The thing that is motivating us is making
the market a viable ongoing concern and
as possible for existing operators to move,”
he said.
Market users recently engaged a third-party surveyor to quantify their improvements
and those values have been forward to the
Government.
Allocation
Mr Pallas told Fresh State of Affairs the new
market will offer far more superior facilities
that will meet the needs of the market users for decades to come.
The Victorian Government has approved
a design and fixed the contract price with
Bovis Lend Lease, yet allocation of market
sites remains an unknown.
“What we want to know is who will be
where and who gets what and how that
will be allocated,” Mr Schnitzler said.
The new market will continue using the
three site models: A store, B store and trad-
He said the Government was committed
to give tenants the opportunity to operate
and or own the new Epping market.
“We’re essentially prepared to work with
tenants to give them an opportunity to
look at the future management of the
The new market will offer
far more superior facilities
that will meet the needs
of the market users for
decades to come.
ing floor, with many market users currently
operating from a mix of three or two.
“Again this uncertainty clouds people’s
judgment going forward because they
don’t know if they can run similar business
models to what they have at Footscray
Road, at Epping,” Mr Schnitzler said.
According to Mr Pallas, the Department of
Innovation, Industry and Regional Development was compiling information on
current store holdings and will determine
space offered to tenants in the new market.
“It’s an enormous exercise and later this
year we will be able to talk to tenants how
that process will work,” he said.
Equity
With more than 40 years of equity built
up in the Footscray market’s wholesaling
business, knowing how that equity will be
transferred to the new market is critical for
business operation, Mr Schnitzler said.
The Government has earmarked $34.2 million for an industry assistance package, but
it is not known how this will apply and how
the issue of equity will be fairly compensated for, in the new market.
“There’s been no word at all from the Government on this issue,” Mr Schnitzler said.
“Effectively we’d like to see the Government
apply the $34.2 million to the improve-
facility and operate and or own the new
markets. It is an issue we are certainly open
to. The market community ultimately will
be the masters of their own destiny,” Mr
Pallas said.
In relation to the industry assistance package, the Minister was unable to specify how
it might be applied.
“It’s a resource we can tap into for the
purpose of making the move as attractive
as possible to the industry,” he said.
Warehousing
The market community has asked the
Government for the opportunity to buy
freehold land for warehousing at the new
site, yet the Government has not responded, Mr Schnitzler said.
“Because the Government is silent, we can’t
make a decision on these issues,” he said.
Mr Pallas told Fresh State of Affairs that
proximity warehousing issues was the next
issue on table, with the Department currently conducting interviews with tenants
on this matter.
“We are looking into the total amount of
warehousing actually required and who is
best placed to deliver it… and considering whether it will be long term lease or
freehold,” Mr Pallas said.
07
Forklift access
One of the most contentious issues at the new market relates
to forklift access. The Government has agreed a building
contract with Bovis Lend Lease with forklift access in trading
stands or growers floor, but not at the front of trading modules or wholesale premises because of ventilation issues. Currently forklift access is allowed throughout the market floor.
“We want to
create a safe work
environment for
tenants where
business can thrive.”
This creates an uncompetitive environment with the growers’
floor being allowed access, but wholesale premises not, Mr
Schnitzler said. At the same time it doesn’t make operational
sense, he said. With 95 per cent of retailers using forklifts
to transport produce, it is imperative that there is access
throughout the market floor.
“It means all of our retailers are going to have to buy at the
rear of our stores, not the front of our stores. Buyers effectively
can’t see the goods at the front unless they walk,” he said.
The Government’s argument that it is a ventilation issue
indicates a problem with the design that must be addressed,
Mr Schnitzler said.
According to the Minister, market tenants would be treated
equally in terms of forklift access, while occupational health
and safety was paramount in the new market.
“We want to create a safe work environment for tenants
where business can thrive,” Mr Pallas said.
“Forklifts will be permitted on the trading stands and stalls,
being the rear of stores and stands, and pedestrian access at
the front. Separate forklift access and pedestrian access is the
key to our thinking here.”
The
s
’
t
n
e
d
Presi
View:
Rents
In late 2009 we were told no later than March of 2010.
Now it’s the end of the year, (an election year !!).
There seems no doubt that rents will be a blow out otherwise
they would have been released…
Allocation
Government have a fixed contract with Bovis Lend Lease based on
a fixed design….
So what’s the hold up?
We can only assume that the design does not meet the needs
of current business holdings.
Equity
A & B store holders will be supplied with nothing more than two
walls with front and rear doors (rear being a roller door). Not even
a ceiling is being provided!!
The statement of a far more superior facility seems to be a
smoke screen.
Own and Operate the Market - Government has held no discussion
with the market community on the management or ownership
models to date, however they have published that the MMA will
be the operator.
Warehousing
The government acquired 133 ha of land for the purpose of the
fruit and vegetable market but are only dealing with approx 54 ha.
There seems to be an intention to sell the remainder to developers
to the detriment of the market community.
If we push people out of this precinct the facility will fail, as
proven overseas.
Forklift access
The Minister’s comment of forklift access to the rear of stands can
only be classed as uneducated, stands are lines on the ground,
and stand holders can simply turn their stock around to face any
direction.
Stands don’t have a front or rear!!
The store holders will simply lose the market atmosphere to the
growers floor and trade will move to the rear of their stores.
08
issue 01
fresh test:
OF AFFAIRS
september 2010
Please note the new pricing below which is effective immediately.
Prices exclude GST. As at 22nd Jan 2010.
TEST CODE
ANALYSIS
PRICE / SAMPLE
Members
Non Members
PESTICIDES
Fruit &
vegetable
residue
testing:
C3
C3 Full Residue Analysis
(Organophosphates, Organochlorines, Halogenated
Pyrethroids, Carbamates, Fungicides, Acaracides,
and selected Herbicides)
$125.00
$145.00
C4
Dithiocarbamates (measured as CS2)
$100.00
$120.00
C5
Miscellaneous chemicals
$100.00
$120.00
C6
C3 + C5
$200.00
$220.00
HEAVY METALS
HM1
Cadmium
$55.00
$65.00
HM2
Cadmium/Lead/Mercury
$65.00
$75.00
HM3
Arsenic
$55.00
$65.00
MICROBIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
M1
E.coli
$28.00
$38.00
M2
E.coli + Listeria
$58.00
$68.00
M3
E.coli + Listeria + Salmonella
$85.00
$95.00
M9
All of the above + Staphylococci and Faecal Coliforms
$150.00
$160.00
M5
E.coli + Listeria + Salmonella + Staphylococci
$150.00
$160.00
advertisement
Fresh Test is an Australian Chamber Initiative
which monitors and tests chemical and microbial levels
in fresh produce. Fresh Test is a state of the art testing
program designed to promote and maintain high quality
produce standards within the Fresh produce Industry.
Benefits:
•Daily collection of Fresh Produce
•Quick, easy and reliable
•24 hour online access for wholesalers
•Up to date results
•Improved audit efficiency
•All results held in complete confidence
•All laboratories used are accredited by
NATA to IEC/ISO17025
•Cheaper than it’s competitors
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including major retailers
•Has regular liaison with third party QA
certification bodies to ensure testing meets
increasingly stringent requirements
•All tests are conducted through independent
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To organise collection and testing of your produce,
please contact your State Chamber office.
FreshTest Online has a live connection to the Fresh Test database
that allows you to obtain information and reports for yourself
or your growers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
To access FreshTest Online go to www.freshmarkets.com.au
Note: you must first register with the Chamber to receive a logon and password.
09
Market
Mangoes from the Darwin area have
been on the market for the last couple
of weeks. Kensington Pride (also known
as Bowen) and R2E2 varieties are both in
light to moderate supply at present and
building.
The overall quality can best
be described as mixed
and a wide price range
is operating as a result.
Quality needs to improve
from what we see at the
moment.
Reports from the growing areas generally predict a good level of supply given
favourable conditions.
The Queensland season should start in
November and overlap with the NT.
The early Queensland fruit which will
come from the Burdekin area has in past
years been of poor to average quality
and expectations are similar this season.
Mango and Chicken
San Choy Bau
Quality will be significantly higher when
the Mareeba fruit starts in November and
continue until February.
Late September / early October also see’s
the arrival of stone fruit from Southern
Queensland and northern NSW.
Australians eat their way
through eight million trays
of mangoes a year.
The Darwin season will continue until mid
November when the Katherine area kicks
in and will go on until the end of November / early December.
Mango facts
Kensington pride makes up approximately 70% of all mango fruit with the
next most popular being Calypso and
R2E2. Over 80% of mangoes are sold on
the fresh market with the remaining 20%
being used for processing. Approximately
10% of fresh mangoes are exported.
What to look for when buying
A ripe mango should have a fragrant tropical fruity aroma, a full colour and will give
slightly to the touch. An unripe mango
has no scent and can have an unpleasant
chemical taste if eaten raw.
Ingredients
Method
• 2 ripe juicy mangoes, diced
• 1 butter lettuce washed and
separated
• 2 poached chicken breasts,
shredded
• 1 red capsicum sliced
• ½ cup chopped
coriander
1. Arrange the lettuce in a pile on
a serving platter. Combine the
chicken, mango, capsicum and
coriander and set aside.
Dressing
3. To serve, fill a lettuce leaf with
some of the chicken and
mango salad then roll up
and eat!
•
•
•
•
section indicator:
feature:
Mangoes
2 cloves crushed garlic
¼ cup lime juice
1 tbsp fish sauce
2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
Storage
To get the best taste, mangoes should not
be refrigerated until ripe. To ripen, store at
room temperature. Fully ripened mangoes
can be stored in the refrigerator for a few
days, and never store them in a plastic bag
as they need air.
recipe:
2. Combine the dressing ingredients and mix through the
chicken and mango salad. Pile
beside the lettuce leaves.
Serving suggestion
Add 1 large handful of bean
sprouts and ¼ cup chopped
roasted peanuts to the salad.
Makes:
Prep time:
Cooking time:
2 serves
10 – 15 mins
10 mins
10
issue 01
september 2010
board members:
OF AFFAIRS
Shane Schnitzler
Joe Amalfi
Vince Brancatisano
Shane Schnitzler – President
Joe Amalfi – Vice President
“The future of our industry
is in the palm of our
hands, and is only limited
by our imagination.”
“I like a challenge, and this
industry certainly throws
its challenges at you.”
Unlike many in the market, Shane is the
first in his family to embark on a career in
the fresh produce industry. Yet the CEO of
Kapiris Brothers says he was born to work
with fruit and vegetables.
A part time job in a fruit shop in Lilydale
at age 14 sparked a lifelong interest in the
industry which led Shane to manage Woolworths’ fresh produce business for nearly
15 years before joining Kapiris Brothers 13
years ago.
“I love the fruit and vegetables and the
people,” Shane says. “Every person you meet
in this industry has the best product and
knows everything about everything. There’s
a lot of passion. It’s awesome.”
As President of the Fresh State board, Shane
wants to take the 105-year-old organisation
towards a sustainable business model that’s
truly representative of its members, which
ultimately will become a member-owned,
private equity business.
Shane believes travelling to other markets
and continuously learning from others is
the key to moving the industry forward.
“The future of our industry is in the palm
of our hands, and is only limited by our
imagination,” he says.
Outside of market hours Shane spends as
much time as possible with his other loves,
wife Linda and children Brett, 19, Gabrielle,
16 and Charlie, 3.
A 30 year veteran of the market, Joe knew
from an early age that an ordinary day job
was never for him.
“I don’t enjoy that mundane, nine to five
lifestyle,” Joe says. “I like a challenge, and this
industry certainly throws its challenges
at you.”
Working at the market with his father during school holidays led Joe to becoming a
carrier agent at 17, before buying his own
stall and establishing Brescia Wholesalers in
1988, which he sold to his brother, before
establishing his current company, The Fruit
Specialist.
Joe joined the Fresh State board four years
ago after realising there were issues in the
market affecting all the users that needed
an industry approach.
“My focus used to be purely and simply
with my business. It just got the stage
where there were things in the market we
needed to work on as an industry,” he said.
As part of his role, Joe is a director of the
Melbourne Market Credit Service which is
owned and operated by Fresh State. He
is wants to see more market users switch
from dealing in cash to using the credit service which provides security and cheaper
rates the more it’s used.
“I’d prefer to know we have safe funds
rather than unsafe funds,” Joe says.
Joe is married to Rosalba and has four
children, Frances, 22, Bernice, 19, Daniella,
13 and James, 11 and is president of the
Banyule Football Club.
Phillip Brancatisano
Vince Brancatisano – Deputy Vice
President
“I’m very excited about
what Fresh State can
achieve.”
Although Vince began working in the market as a 10 year old, he had no intention
of joining the family wholesaling business
after completing his business degree at
university. But graduating in the 1990s
recession meant good jobs were hard to
come by and Vince realised he was lucky to
have his holiday market job.
“After a few months I really started to enjoy
it and then the challenge bit me and I never
thought of doing anything else,” he says.
Vince is in his 20th year at Prestige Produce,
the third-generation family business he
runs with his two younger brothers and for
the past 12 of those has been on the Fresh
State board.
“I’m very excited about what Fresh State
can achieve. It’s got several business
units, all profitable and is becoming a
leading organisation in the Australian
horticultural industry.”
Vince believes Fresh State plays a key role
in supporting the industry to improve
the way it does business and building the
industry’s profile in the community.
Outside of business, Vince enjoys spending
time at his family farm with his wife Katie
and children Carla, 6, and Max, 4, and their
Belted Galloway cattle.
11
Meet the Fresh
State board
Grant Nichol
Vince Natoli
Steve Grillo
They have fresh produce in their blood, are driven by a passion to
improve the industry they love and are dedicated to representing the
people who make up the dynamic marketplace they are so proud of.
Phillip Brancatisano – Board Member
“Growers are our family,
customers are our
partners.”
One of two new members of the Fresh State
Board, Phillip joined the team four months
ago, drawing on his leadership experience
with other boards and sporting clubs.
The director of the Apple Arcade, a wholesale
business specialising in apples, pears, nectarines, cherries and grapes, Phillip has been in
business for 19 years but came to the market
at 16, to work with his father, a retailer.
He has a motto for business, which has
been the key to his success.
“Growers are our family, customers are our
partners,” he says. “It’s no good trying to
stitch a customer up today, because they
won’t be back tomorrow.”
Phillip says attracting good staff is one of the
industry’s challenges he hopes to address.
“It’s a real issue getting good workers
because they’ll give it a go and they disappear because they just don’t want to do the
hours,” he says.
But despite the early hours, he believes the
market is a great place to work.
“I love the fact I’ve got the day to myself f I
want to do anything. I enjoy the wheeling
and dealing and the challenge of making
a dollar. And the people in the market are
really good people.”
Phillip enjoys spending time with his wife
Angela and children Katrina, Natasha, David
and Matthew. He also enjoys water skiing
and his role on the board of the East Keilor
Football Club.
Grant Nichol – Board Member
Four years ago Flavorite’s wholesale business manager Grant Nichol joined the Fresh
State Board to be involved in the market relocation to Epping in 2012. Grant describes
the move as the biggest event impacting
the industry, and hopes to help facilitate a
good transition to the new market.
“We want to negotiate a good deal for our
wholesalers and ensure the move to Epping is a positive one that is adds value to
all our businesses,” he says.
Along with his role on the market relocation
advisory committee, Grant is also a director
of the Credit Service and sits on the policy
council and wholesaler advisory committee.
Grant has been around the market since
he was a teenager and today runs his
third-generation family business Flavorite
Marketing, with his two cousins. Originally
a banana wholesaler, Flavorite grows and
markets hydroponic tomatoes, cucumbers
and capsicums, plus a range of produce
from other growers around the country.
“But you develop a passion for the industry
and get drawn into it,” he says. “The key
thing to what I love about it is it changes,
not just day to day but minute to minute,
and you constantly have to evaluate things.”
Grant has travelled the world as an Australian skydiving team member, a sport he
continues to enjoy with his wife Julie. He
enjoys skiing and other sports with sons
Lachlan, 10 and Liam, 8.
Vince Natoli – Board Member
Getting young people involved in running
the market was one reason why Vince Natoli
joined the Fresh State board eight years ago.
As chairman of Fresh State’s Young Executives Board, Vince is focused on developing
the next generation of market leaders.
“I joined Fresh State because I wanted to see
changes in the market and thought the only
way you can help is by getting involved and
trying to make things better,” Vince said. “By
getting young people on board, it’s bringing
in the future of the market and helping the
guys be stronger and better leaders.”
Under his stewardship, the young executives have organised successful market
events including the recent Forklift
challenge, and presented Victorian Major
Projects Minister Tim Pallas with a plan to
address the issue of market hours.
Vince has been around fruit and vegetables his entire life, helping his parents Betty
and Gino run fruit shops in Melbourne’s
outer east. He began his current wholesale
business AMV Fresh seven years ago, with
his brother Claude.
“I have a passion for what I do,” Vince says.
“Every morning is an exciting challenge
and reading the market is like reading the
stock market. It’s a great feeling when you
get it right.”
An accomplished fisherman, Vince has held
the Australian record for a 154kg Marlin
which he caught at Narooma, on the NSW
coast. He is also a mad Richmond supporter, where he helps out before games. Vince
is married to Teresa, and has a daughter
Nadia, 11, and son David, 8.
Steve Grillo – Board Member
Steve joined the Fresh State Board this year.
As state manager of Moraitis, one of the
largest rent holders in the market, Steve
has a unique perspective of the industry
working for a national organisation which
operates wholesale, packaging and banana
ripening businesses.
“I actually love this industry, the dynamics
and it’s ever-changing face. You come in
each day and never know what you’ll be up
against,” Steve says.
Steve joined the industry as a 15 year old
at Woolworths before working in fruit
shops and various wholesalers, with a 10
year break out of the industry in between.
As a Fresh State director he hopes to
help address issues that matter right
now from the use of Chep pellets, to
the move to Epping.
“I really want to make a difference for
wholesalers in the market and be their
voice,” Steve says.
With 30 years of karate training under
his belt, Steve also runs a karate school
in Keilor Downs. An Essendon supporter,
Steve is married to Joanne and is father to
seven-year-old twins Connor and Jordan.
forklift challenge:
12
OF AFFAIRS
Forkies take to
the floor in formula
one style
issue 01
september 2010
13
Truck Course: Each participant had to
neatly load and unload produce, packed
in various types of packaging, on a truck.
“The forkies are sort of the unsung heroes
of the market, they deserve some recognition,” Lukasz said.
Justin grew up on a cauliflower, lettuce and
silver beet farm in Werribee South and made
the move into the market five years ago.
Lukasz said hundreds of forklift drivers
worked at the markets overnight, to make
sure that fresh produce was ready to sell
each morning.
He is now a sales representative for his own
company, Agosta Produce, and said concentration and consistency were the keys
to being a good forklift driver.
“You need to be fast but more importantly,
you need to be consistent,” he said.
“Growing up on the farm we would often
have races and we always joke that I would
win a competition – but I never thought I
would actually compete in one,” he said.
He said winning first place was a thrill, but
competing in the event had other benefits.
It gave him a chance to meet people who
he works alongside with every night but
never had reason to speak to before.
It had all the trappings of Formula
One: speed, precision, expensive
machines and fierce rivalry between
highly skilled drivers.
But it was another event that took over the
Melbourne Wholesale Market trading floor
for a day in June – the inaugural Forklift Challenge.
The competition was held
after drivers finished work in
the morning to give them a
chance to get to know each
other on a social level.
It was so successful it is
likely to become an annual
fixture in the calendar.
“There are plenty of people that I have
always seen around the market, but never
crossed paths with, so this gave me a
chance to get to know them,” he said.
That was exactly what organisers of the
event were hoping for, according to Fresh
State Ltd Young Executive Committee
member Lukasz Gorajek.
In an industry where quality and freshness
are paramount, there is no room for error.
“There is no point growing, picking and
transporting produce only to have it damaged in the final stages,” he said.
“If you drop a pallet of tomatoes they can’t
be returned. Fruit and vegetables are big
business and it needs to be done right.”
“Forklift drivers need to be reliably good at
their job.”
Lukasz said the competition was so successful it is hoped it will become an annual
fixture in the calendar.
He said the quality of drivers in the competition was extremely high and he expects it
to be even higher next year.
“We had a lot of people say to us that they
wished they had entered … we think we
could double our entries next year.”
Second place getter Shane Clay, who works
for fruit wholesaler G Ferlazzo, commended
the organisers of the event.
“The forkies are sort of
the unsung heroes of
the market, they deserve
some recognition.”
Twenty seven drivers completed three different courses under the
watchful eye of judges, who were looking
for speed, accuracy and safety.
Each mistake was penalised and the driver
with the lowest score at the end was declared the winner.
24 year old Justin Agosta took out the overall prize with a score of 329, well ahead of
nearest rival Shane Clay, with 374 and just
ahead of Elliot Ward in third place on 377.
Justin attributed his success to a childhood
spent driving machinery around the farm.
“You can’t sell bruised produce so you learn
to be accurate pretty quickly,” he said.
The three courses competitors had to
complete were:
Pallet Course: participants moved,
re–stacked and moved again a number
of pallets in a particular order.
Obstacle Course: Each participant had to
accurately navigate around a tight course
of obstacles in both forward and reverse.
The committee decided to hold the event
to promote a sense of unity at the market.
“There is nothing like a bit of friendly rivalry
for bringing people together,” Lukasz said.
He said while retailers and agents often
received recognition for their hard work,
forklift drivers, who worked through the
night, often missed out.
“Everyone stayed around and
had a BBQ afterwards and chatted to each other.
“We all work together but it was
good to be able to relax and
have a bit of fun as well.”
The 30 year old, who won one
of the challenges, said being a
good forklift driver meant being
a perfectionist.
“Especially when it comes to loading
the trucks, because if the pallets aren’t in
straight then the produce will be damaged.
“It needs to be done right every time.”
Lukasz wanted to thank sponsors Toyota
Materials Handling, Kleenheat Gas, Melbourne Market Authority and
Hino Trucks.
14
around the markets:
OF AFFAIRS
1.
6.
Clockwise from top:
1. Sam, Tripodi Produce P/L
5. Phil, Chris and Ralph, Westmores
2. John and John, Kapiris Bros
6. Robin, Westmores
3. Tony, Fresh Berry Co
7. Albert, Wong & Co P/L
4. Tony and Mario, Regal Produce P/L
8. Ang, LA Produce
issue 01
september 2010
15
3.
2.
4.
5.
7.
8.
membership services:
16
OF AFFAIRS
issue 01
september 2010
Representing
market
community
Fresh State Ltd (“FSL”) is the representative body of wholesalers operating at
the Melbourne Markets and Membership Services is the primary business
unit of FSL. It is in fact the founding
business of FSL and its’ earlier organisational structures over the last 105 years.
FSL represents more than 95% of Melbourne wholesalers and this support
reflects the directions and programs taken
by FSL to provide proper representation,
value and services to members.
The current 163 member businesses represent wholesalers, growers, retailers and
providores as well as numerous ancillary
supporting businesses within the Melbourne Market community. These include
warehouse tenants, transport companies,
food outlets, hire companies, unloaders
and many other businesses which support
the primary wholesalers. Accordingly, FSL
now provides considerably more value
added services and representation for
members benefit.
In 2006 Fresh State undertook a Class action
against the State to protect the equity rights
of members. This class action has since
been parked whilst further negotiations are
undertaken with the State, but remains alive
and will be re-instated if need be.
In recent years, FSL has obtained considerable legal advice on common issues such
as relocation, lease renewals and variations,
and the mandatory code - all issues that
impacted on members businesses.
FSL is committed to reviewing its goals and will
face the challenges and opportunities ahead.
What are the services available to members
of FSL?
Representation
FSL communicates with the Melbourne
Market Authority and the State Government on industry matters, acting in the
members best interests. Site issues such
as credit, pallets and market hours are the
primary areas of focus.
On a national basis, FSL is a member of the
Australian Chamber of Fruit and Vegetable
Industries, and makes representation to the
Federal Government on relevant issues
and initiatives.
Meetings
The FSL Annual General Meeting for all members is held each October with our half yearly
General Meeting held in March each year.
The Board consists of up to 8 Directors who
are elected by the members, and meet
monthly to manage the FSL business. The
Board and management also participate in
a strategic planning workshop each April to
focus on the direction and annual budget
for the upcoming year.
Incoming Product Volumes
FSL collects manifest data of incoming
product volumes. This information is only
available to members and is free of charge.
Insurance & Rental Bonds
FSL has arranged for special group rates
on Public Liability Insurance and Insurance Rental Bonds for members. These
group schemes provide members with
considerable savings when compared with
individual insurances. Competitive rates are
also available on other types of insurance.
Fresh State equipment & secretarial
services
The latest in photocopying, word processing, binding or facsimile facilities are
available for member’s requirements at a
nominal fee. Secretarial services can also
be arranged for members.
Purchasing discounts
FSL Members can take advantage of special
purchasing deals with a number of prestige
car makers such as Toyota, Mitsubishi, Mercedes, BMW, Audi, VW, Lexus, and also with
Toyota forklifts and Hino Trucks.
Job Seekers
FSL lists employment vacancies and relevant
job seekers in our weekly Newsletter. This
service saves members recruitment costs.
FSL repres
Melbourn
reflects th
taken by th
representa
members.
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
TRAINING
FRESH STATE WEB SITE
MEETING FACILITIES
FRESH SPECS
sents more than 95% of
ne wholesalers and this support
he directions and programs
he FSL to provide proper
ation, value and services to
.
17
The market is required to observe
employment conditions covering
Clerical & Administrative, Storage
Services and Transport Employees.
Fresh State is an active member of
the Victorian Employers Chamber of
Commerce & Industry (VECCI) which
provides instant assistance for any
employer, employee conditions or
disputes. FSL has access to the most
recent information on employment
conditions and advises members on
their employment requirements.
Training courses, seminars and
conference facilities are available for
both in-house and external courses
for business and personal development. Fresh State has facilitated in
house Fork Lift License Testing and
has developed and conducted comprehensive training for members on
the Mandatory Code of Conduct.
FSL has a comprehensive website
which provides considerable information on our organisation as well
as a listing of all members. The FSL
website publishes each member’s
Terms of Trade as required under
the Mandatory Code of Conduct.
Members contact details and types
of produce are listed and members
have the opportunity to have a hot
link to their own web site.
www.freshstate.com.au
Facilities are available for members
to hold their own company or group
meetings in the Boardroom, with
overhead projector, television, video
and white board on hand.
Call 9689 3233 to arrange your
booking.
FSL members are entitled to use
“FreshSpecs” as their product
specification standards. Having a
recognised product specification
assists with meeting quality assurance standards and also minimises
difficulties with rejection of product
on delivery from suppliers.
men’s health:
18
OF AFFAIRS
issue 01
september 2010
Put your chassis
to the test and
take a
t
i
P
!
P
O
T
S
“Pit Stop was a much needed wake
up call for many of us, and hopefully
we will start looking after ourselves
a lot better as a result.”
19
That was the call to the market community at the inaugural
Pit Stop for good health event at the market in March this year.
More than 300 market users took up the
challenge and got themselves checked
out by the Pit Stop team of doctors who
hit the market floor.
Organised by Fresh State and supported by the Royal Flying Doctors
and GlaxoSmithKline, Pit Stop was an
initiative encouraging wholesalers
and other market users to take stock
of their health and wellbeing.
And it was lucky they did, with
results showing health was a major
problem for many men working in
the market. Most averaged only
three hours sleep a night and
had poor diets, while many had
high blood pressure and several
were identified at risk for bowel
cancer and referred to their GP.
To attract the mostly male participants, the Pit Stop health check up
was designed as a series of car-themed
medical tests including the chassis (waist)
check, exhaust (smoking), oil pressure
(blood pressure) and duco (skin cancer)
tests.
Victorian Minister for Major Projects Tim
Pallas, celebrity dietician Judy Davie and
former Essendon footballer and cancer
survivor Adam Ramanauskas were on hand
to spread the message of how important it
was to get regular check-ups to prevent a
serious illness.
Adam Ramanauskas was particularly passionate in his plea to the men to take care
of themselves.
``There are 7000 people who work here
and walk through the door. If we can get
a quarter of these guys tested it’s a great
achievement,’’ he said.
``Just do it, it’s such an easy thing.’’
Fresh State president Shane Schnitzler said
Pit Stop was designed as a fun way to approach a very serious issue.
“We work horrible hours, we don’t eat
healthily, we don’t feel we have the time to
exercise and we have all sorts of excuses,’’
Mr Schnitzler said.
“Pit Stop was a much needed wake up call for
many of us, and hopefully we will start looking after ourselves a lot better as a result.”
Wholesaler Phil Basile took the Pit Stop
test and since has been working to improve his diet and get more sleep in a bid
for better health.
“The hours we work are not very good for
our health,” he said.
“I’ve been working in that environment for
22 years, and it’s all the things you do on
top of eating fruit and vegetables that are
not good for you, like drinking coffee and
smoking, to stay awake.”
“It was an excellent event and I think they
should come again soon,” he said. “I think a
lot of other people would want to take part
who didn’t get to do it the first time.”
Rick Giurini of Pignataro’s said Pit Stop was
a good way to educate men about their
health while being a fun social event.
“I thought it was good idea because blokes
tend to not worry about their health as
much,” Rick said.
“And anything to get the blokes together is
good. There’s probably 4000 or 5000 people
working at the market and you never really
see them outside of work hours because
their busy doing deliveries, busy selling,
and after market everyone goes upstairs to
do their paperwork.”
He was not surprised to be told to stop
smoking and drinking and improve his diet.
“But it’s pretty hard when we do work different hours. And we are having hamburgers at 5am in the morning because we’ve
been up since midnight.”
For wholesaler Harry Kapiris, Pit Stop was a
real eye opener.
“I’m not the fittest bloke about; I’m reasonably healthy but not fit. You just don’t think
of those things and how the body works,
and how things can affect your life,” Harry
said.
“The younger generation are a bit more
alert and in tune with their bodies but the
older blokes keep going until the whole
thing wears down. “
Since Pit Stop, Harry has had a full check up
with his GP.
“I probably wouldn’t have gone otherwise
because you only go to the doctor if something was really wrong.”
issue 01
OF AFFAIRS
september 2010
Lagging payments hurting half
of Aussie firms – are you one of these?
The latest business-to-business payments figures released by Dun and
Bradstreet reveal that Australian
firms took an average of 53.4 days
to settle their accounts during the
June quarter. Payments now exceed
the standard 30 day term by more
than three weeks and remain above
pre-crisis levels.
According to the Dun & Bradstreet report,
the latest data provides a clear sign that
businesses must continue to focus on the
fundamentals of cash flow management.
The report said that Australian firms need to
recognise the value of their accounts receivable. A solid receivables process, which is
dependent on firms taking action to collect
their bills promptly, can generate significantly more operating cash for the business.
Business-to-business payment data provides
a strong indicator of the cash position of
firms and access to cash is vitally important
during a recovery period as firms seek to
meet growing demand. The report stated
that to positively affect the cash flow of
firms, executives need to take prompt action
to collect their bills and to make accounts
receivable a key priority.
58
So how do you sharpen up? By utilising the
Melbourne Markets Credit Service (MMCS)
you get paid in 14 days – a huge advantage
when compared to other industries and lets
you sleep soundly at night. To find out more
contact the MMCS office on 03 96877333
or mmcs@melbmcs.com.au
57.4
57
56.6
56
55.6
55.6
55.3
54.8
55
53.9
54
53
54.1
53.4
52.6
51.8
52
51
50
49
Q4
2007
Q1
Q2
2008
Q3
Q4
Q1
Q2
2009
Q3
Q4
Q1
2010
Q2
Average Payment Days
Joe Toscano: Toscanos
testimonials
Joe Toscano began going to
market 53 years ago and he
still thrives on the buzz, sharing
buying duties with sons Damian and Patrick for the family’s
three stores in Melbourne’s
eastern suburbs.
“I just don’t want to give it
up, I love it,” Joe says. “There’s
no case of fruit the same, no
piece of fruit the same. You’ve
got to continuously monitor
your quality.”
The Toscano legacy began
when Joe’s parents opened
their first fruit shop in the mid-
Steve Wirtz: R. Anguey
melbourne markets credit service:
20
Named after its Chinese
founder, R. Anguey began at
the Victorian Market after World
War II, and is today one of the
last specialist pea and bean
agents in the market.
Stephen Wirtz has operated the company since 1996
and says he follows the old
fashioned ethos of bringing in
produce fresh daily.
“We don’t have warehouses, we
don’t have delivery trucks, we
get our stuff in fresh and aim to
1930s, before launching the
Kew flagship Toscano’s store in
1950. Today the store operates across 4 shop fronts, and
involves Joe’s extended family.
“We just work well together. We
all have an opinion... the reason
you have strong opinions you
have passion for the business,
which we each have.” Joe says.
Joe says hard work and focusing
on making customers happy is
what Toscano’s is about.
something is scarce, you look
after him when it’s plentiful…
Most of us work with that ethos
because you don’t get far the
other way. It’s the same with
customers. If anyone has a problem we fix it. We do our very
best so you go home happy.”
Joe has welcomed the development of Melbourne Market
Credit Service which he says has
been good for his business and
for the industry.
“All business is about relationships,” he says. “If a grower
is looking after you when
“The credit service is convenient
with one bill at the end of the
day,” he says.
sell it every day fresh… whatever the prices are,” he says.
“The credit service is fantastic,
I swear buy it,” Stephen says.
“It really suits retailers as they
want the ease of paperwork.”
“We’ve always been top shelf
agents and we’ve always had
top growers,” Stephen says.
“We are specialised and people
get to know you for what you
handle. Most of our customers
are regulars and they trust us”.
He said prompt payments are
appreciated and the Melbourne Market Credit Service
has aided this process.
“We have touch screen computers and once we’ve done our
trading for the day it gets transferred into credit service buyers
and casual bookings. With
credit service buyers, it’s an
invoice and docket on the day,
and it’s all on email. It’s such a
time saver.“
21
mmcs
Keith Hanslow: Millens
Keith is the newly appointed Chair
of the Melbourne Markets Credit
Service (MMCS). He is a familiar
face with a number of Fresh State
members having facilitated the four
strategic planning and governance
workshops over the last three years.
Keith brings to the position of Chair of
the MMCS a wealth of experience in both
the legal and business professions. He has
combined degrees in economics and law
and has been a practicing solicitor for over
30 years.
Keith’s areas of expertise include corporate
and commercial, property, employment
law, family business and pharmaceuticals.
He has substantial business management
advertisement
Audit . Tax . Business Advice
experience and proven competence in
establishing, managing and interpreting
financial information.
Keith is a Fellow of the Institute of Company Directors and an inaugural member
of its “Super 5 Club” for conference speaking and education. He was the first lawyer
appointed by the Victorian Government to
the Pharmacy Board of Victoria; is a former
member of the Property and Environment
Law Section of the Law Institute of Victoria
and a former member of the Institute’s
Employment Law Section.
Keith’s ability and experience in business
and cultural change and his understanding
of the direction, development and position
of both Fresh State and the Credit Service
are major pluses for the business.
Our law firm really understands your industry
With more than 20 years’ involvement
in assisting the fresh produce industry,
WilmothFieldWarne has the insight and
experience to be a valuable and reliable
legal partner to your business.
We are the trusted solicitors of
Fresh State Limited assisting them in
numerous matters including commercial
negotiations with the State in respect
of the relocation to Epping, providing
advice for members’ store and
warehouse leases at Footscray Road
and many commercial matters.
We have provided legal services
for a number of key clients at the
markets for the last two decades.
Our track record stands for itself.
WilmothFieldWarne offers legal
services in numerous areas of
law including:
•Corporate Restructures
•Sale and Purchase of business
•Property and Finance
(Commercial and Residential)
•Leasing (Commercial and Retail)
•Wills and Probate / Estate
and Succession Planning
•Family Law
•Commercial Litigation and
Dispute Resolution
•Building and Construction
•Town Planning
•Insolvency: Corporate and Personal
•Recoveries
•Personal Injuries / Medical Negligence
Don’t hesitate to call our liaison partners
Euan Luff or Anthony Desiderio
Tel: 9224 1000 Fax: 92241099
Level 13, 440 Collins Street Melbourne Victoria Australia 3000
tel: +61 (03) 9224 1000 | fax: +61 (03) 9224 1099 | email: info@wfw.com.au | web: www.wfw.com.au
23
Are drawn out trading terms
crippling your business?
A Solution to payment problems
The nature of the fresh produce industry
can often mean a level of uncertainty when
it comes to your daily transactions. Deciding which buyers to sell to can be tricky.
Are they a bad risk? When will they pay?
Will they pay at all? As a seller, these are all
questions that can weigh heavily on you
whenever produce changes hands. There’s
no doubt it’s a stressful way to do business,
not to mention a drain on your cash flow.
Imagine if you could choose who you sell
to based on factual up to date evidence
of their payment history and current debt
status? Melbourne Markets Reporting Services (MMRS) now makes that a reality. This
new and innovative service means you can
sell with confidence and the peace of mind
that you are dealing with a reputable buyer.
What Is The Melbourne Markets
Reporting Service?
The Melbourne Markets Reporting Service
is an on-line register which:
• Identifies buyers outside the Melbourne
Markets Credit Service ledger
• R
ecords total amount of outstanding
debt accumulated with sellers
• Identifies those buyers who are in arrears
• C
an assist sellers in the recovery of
accumulated debts
• H
elps buyers realise debts with repayment plans
This information then allows you to make
fact based decisions on which buyers you
will sell to – more information means more
security!
• D
evelop an informed opinion as to
whether a particular buyer is a reasonable credit risk
• M
ake an educated decision regarding whether to sell produce to a buyer,
taking into consideration the amount of
outstanding debt
How does it work?
As a seller your input is important in making the register an effective and accurate
tool for all users. When you join the service
you will be asked to enter your aged debtor
details and other nominal debtor information on a weekly basis. Not only does this
provide an accurate debtor report but
more importantly highlights those buyers
in arrears. This means that you and fellow
sellers can simply log on to the report and
receive accurate up to date information on
which to base your weekly sales decisions.
Not only does this help your short term
cash flow, but in the long term hopefully
encourages wayward buyers to improve
their payment behaviour – and that’s good
for everyone.
Training
Two Easy to Use Functions
Accessing Debtor
Information:
Entering Debtor
Information:
Log on via your
security P.I.N.
Log on with your
security P.I.N.
Click to accept
Terms & Conditions
Click to accept
Terms & Conditions
Search for a
particular buyer
Upload a pre
configured CSV file
or manually enter data
Search results
are displayed
Review debtor
information
MMRS also offers FREE training,
so you and your staff can use the
system with confidence with no
downtime or cost to your business.
Security and Confidentiality
The MMRS utilises an independent
third party to validate security of
the system, so you know that all
recorded information is secure and
confidential.
Want to Know More?
For additional information
contact Melbourne
Markets Reporting Service:
Postal Address:
PO Box 560
Footscray VIC 3011
Tel: (03) 9687 7333
Fax: (03) 9687 7611
Email: info@melbmrs.com.au
melbourne markets online register:
Melbourne Markets Reporting Service
young executive committee:
24
OF AFFAIRS
YEC
wholesale businesses; and the operating
“disadvantage” resulting from early buyer
entry and little or ad-hoc compliance by
the operator.
The format of the YEC was revamped late
last year so as there is a mix of people and
a mix of undertakings or projects. Some of
these undertakings relate to the YEC itself
and some to the broader market community. The YEC currently has six members
with a number of observers and is chaired
by Vince Natoli (AMV Fresh).
Put simply, the study found that
the present operating times
do not reflect 2010 business
models nor workplace health
and safety and that there is an
urgent need to change the market hours to 6.00am five days a
week with effective compliance.
The study also looked at the results of the
‘Pit Stop’ health checks, recent research
studies on sleep deprivation and workplace
safety from both an individual and business perspective. The impact on peoples’
health is disturbing and the definition of a
‘safe and healthy workplace’ is brought into
question at the Footscray Road site.
Market Hours Review
Market operating hours have been a major
issue for attracting and retaining young
people in the market. The history can be
traced back over half a decade with the
most recent review and changes resulting
from the 2007 YEC submission to the MMA.
At the start of 2010 the YEC undertook to
revisit the issue with the development of a
detailed review of market hours under the
context of economic and social impacts.
The Minister requested the YEC and the
Fresh State leadership present the review
findings directly him (May 2010). After a detailed presentation, the Minister agreed that
the hours need to change and suggested
that he would like to see a consultative
approach used rather than a directive approach from him. The YEC expressed concern that some individuals have a history
of threats against those wishing to change
hours in the past and that a more direct approach from the minister is required.
The 75 page study compared the starting
times in other central markets in Australia
and Melbourne’s competitive “disadvantage” (first to open and everyone bases
the pricing equation on us); the changing operational requirements of modern
The YEC is yet to receive the Minister’s
official reply and action plan.
1.00am
2.00am
3.00am
summer
4.00am
summer
5.00am
6.00am
7.00am
8.00am
9.00am
10.00am
11.00am
12.00pm
M–F
M–T
Sydney
Growers
F
M
T–F
Brisbane
MF
TWT
Adelaide
MWF
Perth
TT
MTF
TW
Melbourne
YEC Recent activities:
Forklift Challenge
(See feature on pages 12 & 13)
An initiative of the YEC, this event
was aimed at acknowledging and
‘testing’ the abilities of our forklift drivers. It was a fun event that
highlighted safe forklift operation,
the importance skill and precision
and presented an opportunity
for the ‘forkies’ to chat over a BBQ
breakfast.
YEC fund raising
The YEC has conducted a number
of fund raises that are used to supplement costs for YEC participants
to attend the Australian Chamber
Conference, PMA Aust-NZ Fresh
Event and the National Vegetable
Leadership course. This provides a
broader platform for development
of our young people and allows
them to gain experience outside
their day to day work environment.
Blood bank
The YEC have arranged for the
Australian Red Cross Blood Bank
to commence visits to the markets.
Please support this initiative.
YEC monthly BBQ
To grow support, the YEC hold a
monthly BBQ on the last Thursday
of the month outside the Fresh
State office for interested young
people (up to 40 years) to find out
more about the YEC, share their
views and participate if they so
wish. All under 40s welcome!!
Market operating hours review by State
Sydney
Produce
september 2010
The leaders
of tomorrow
The Fresh State Young Executive
Committee (YEC) is designed to
promote opportunities for young
people to voice their views and improve their working environment.
Many of today’s business owners
have passed through the YEC on
their way to either establishing their
own business, taking over the reins
of their family business or achieving
higher representative positions.
Recent activities of the YEC include,
issue 01
M–F
Proposed
Melbourne
25
Full Member Companies
Contact
Telephone
Abix Investments (A Pignataro)
Andy Pignataro
03 9689 9396
Email
All Produce Traders Pty Ltd
John Dennehy
03 9687 6418
AMP Produce P/L
Mario Fabbian
03 9687 3147
AMV Fresh
Vince Natoli
03 9362 7340
amvfresh@optusnet.com.au
Anguey, R. Pty Ltd
Stephen Wirtz
03 9687 6358
r_anguey@bigpond.com
Antonello Produce P/L
Dino Antonello
03 9687 6699
ant.prod@bigpond.net.au
Australian Strawberry Distributors Pty Ltd
Joe Ripepi
03 5964 4371
asd2@bigpond.com
Avanti Fresh Produce P/L
Mark Lorenzetto
03 9687 7677
avantif@bigpond.net.au
Bao Loc Investment
Bao Loc Nguyen
03 9362 7615
jlocbrosproduce@gmail.com
Barkers Melbourne
Ross Barker
03 9396 1777
barkers@barkersmelbourne.com.au
Betta Produce
Tony Butera
03 9687 2669
bettaproduce@iprimus.com.au
BGP Produce Pty Ltd
Glen Saunders
03 9689 9132
admin@bgp.com.au
Big Valley Produce Pty Ltd
Joe Scarso
03 9689 7600
scarso@bigpond.com
Biodynamic Marketing Co. Ltd
Peter Podolinsky
03 9689 1972
admin@biodynamic.com.au
BRP Wholesalers
Garry Pasini
03 9687 9355
garrypasini@bigpond.com
Brancatisano, V. & Sons (Fruit) Pty Ltd
Vince Brancatisano
03 9687 1370
vbfruit@ozemail.com.au
Brancatisano, V. & Sons (Veg) Pty Ltd
Vince Brancatisano
03 9689 4600
admin@vbveg.com.au
Brescia (Vic) Pty Ltd
Gerard Amalfi
03 9687 6011
brescia@brescia-ws.com.au
Camptara
Alex Campisi
03 9687 3499
Chin, S. H. Bros. Pty Ltd
Alby/Nick Chin
03 9687 2859
nick@comcen.com.au
Coolibah Herbs
Brett Williams
03 9687 2922
market@coolibah.com.au
Costa’s Pty Ltd
Anthony Costa
03 9689 8099
bananas@costas.com.au
Dennis Hanger P/L
Dennis Raftopoulos
03 9687 2038
Dimattina Provedoring Pty Ltd
Anthony Pirera
03 9689 5511
admin@dimattina.com.au
Dykes Bros Pty Ltd
Brian Dykes
03 9687 9150
brian@dykesbros.com
Eco Farms Pty Ltd
Phil Rougon
03 9362 0489
tsullivan@ecofarms.com.au
Elite Produce- Ace Holdings Pty Ltd T/A
Frank Barbaro
03 9396 1900
elitefruit@bigpond.com
F Legudi P/L
Dominic Legudi
03 9689 4401
Ferlazzo, G. & Co. Pty Ltd
Shane Clay
03 9687 6890
info@ferlazzo.com.au
Ferrinda Fresh Pty Ltd
Ross Ferrinda
03 9687 0111
ferrindafresh@bigpond.com
Flavorite Marketing Pty Ltd
Grant Nichol
03 9687 2444
grant.nichol@flavoritemarketing.com.au
Flowerdale Fresh
Darren Younger
03 9396 1920
Flowerdale Sprout Farm
James Rattray
03 57802347
james@flowerdalesproutfarm.com.au
Fonzie’s Produce Pty Ltd
Fonse Muratore
03 9689 0525
fonziesproduce@bigpond.com.au
Fresh Berry Co
Ian Mills
03 9739 1305
freshberryco@bigpond.com
Fresh Centre Wholesalers Pty Ltd
Ian Mills
Fresh Crop Vic P/l
Vince Corrone
03 9737 9458
freshcropvic1@bigpond.com
Fresh Cut Processors (Aust) Pty Ltd
Ken Alush
03 9687 1509
freshcut@optusnet.com.au
Fresh Exchange
David Hayford Hobbs
03 9687 5271
david.hayford-hobbs@tradingexchange.com.au
Fresh Generation
Gerry Katiforis
03 9687 9225
freshgeneration@bigpond.com
Fresh Growers
Carmelo Motta
03 5997 1343
motta@mottaproduce .com.au
Fruit Avenue
Thomas Lamanna
03 9687 2602
tiklara@bigpond.com
Gangelhoff, Alan Produce (Nom) Pty Ltd
Alan Gangelhoff
03 9687 6636
sales@gangelhoff.com.au
Gazzola Farms
Paul Gazzola
03 5977 8921
mail@gazzolafarms.com.au
Geelong Citrus Packers P/L
Andrew Thierry
0418 506 619
office@geelongcitrus.com
Granieri’s Fresh Produce Pty Ltd
Anthony Granieri
03 8080 7180
granierifreshproduce@iprimus.com.au
Great Australian Mushroom Co
Wes Arnott
03 9689 1390
gramcoadmin@bigpond.com
Great Southern Fruit Growers
Mark Paganoni
03 9689 6857
atlanta@surf.net.au
Hai Ha Supplies Pty Ltd
Ha Lu
03 9890 2478
HC Produce
Horace Cucinotta
03 9687 3218
hcproduce@bigpond.com
Holman Fresh
Anthony Holman
03 9689 5122
anthony@holman.com.au
JP Fruit
Peter Cheesewright
03 937 07160
pcheesewright@bigpond.com
Just Onions Pty Ltd
Alan Thierry
03 5229 7499
justonions@bigpond.com
allproduce@three.com.au
ian@freshcentre.com.au
memberships:
Fresh State full memberships
memberships:
26
OF AFFAIRS
issue 01
Kapiris Bros. (Vic) Pty Ltd
Harry Kapiris
03 9689 6711
kbmail@kapirisbros.com.au
Kelly, I. & J. M. Pty Ltd
Geoffrey Kelly
03 9687 4022
iankellycitrus@three.com.au
L A Produce Pty Ltd
Laurie Usai
03 9687 4382
jammu6@westnet.com.au
Lamanna Bananas Pty Ltd
Bernard Treacy
03 9687 5300
admin@lamanna.com.au
Latorres Fruit & Vegetable Wholesalers P/L
Rocky Grillo
03 9362 7922
latorres@bigpond.com.au
LIS Future Development
Elvis Haykal
03 9687 5263
elvis@msafco.com
Louis Melbourne
Con Karinicolos
03 9689 9033
info@louismelbourne.com
Lowe, P & R
Peter Lowe
03 9798 6548
rhondalowe62@hotmail.com
M & M Wholesale Fruit & Veg Pty Ltd
Mario Mamo
0415 850 131
M. & N. Fresh Produce
Nick Conidi
03 9687 9889
Market City Fruits Pty Ltd
Laurie Thompson
03 9689 9071
marketcf@bigpond.com
Mason Fresh
Chris Mason
0412 339 495
ckmason@bigpond.net.au
Melba Fresh Pty Ltd
Lou Ponte
03 9687 2950
accounts@melbafresh.com.au
Melbourne Pear Co Pty Ltd
Robert Apted
03 9687 1269
melbournepear@bigpond.com
Mildura Fresh Pty Ltd
Fred Pascale
03 9689 2600
jpascale@bigpond.com
Moraitis Fresh (Vic) Pty Ltd
Steve Grillo
03 9687 1408
sgrillo@moraitis.com.au
Moraitis Wholesale Pty Ltd
Steve Grillo
03 9687 1408
sgrillo@moraitis.com.au
Moss, J. & Sons Pty Ltd
Josh Moss
03 9687 3166
Mountain Harvest Produce Pty Ltd
Nic Moro
03 9689 1133
nmoro4@hotmail.com
Mumford Wholesalers Pty Ltd
Frank Maiuto
03 9687 5234
info@mumfords.com.au
Mushroom Centre Melb Pty Ltd
Alfonso Luezzi
03 9584 8953
aleuzzi@bigpond.net.au
Mushroom Mania
Jim Loe
03 9813 8802
MV Napoleone & Co (Red Rich Fruits)
Tony Divencentis
03 5964 4596
red_rich_orchards@bigpond.com
My Personal Fruiterer
Harry Paskins
03 9314 1607
myfruit@bigpond.net.au
NNH Fresh Produce Pty Ltd
Cuong Pham
0433 449 060
richiepham1@yahoo.com.au
Omega Produce
Bill Prokopiou
03 9689 1006
office@omegaproduce.com.au
Opaljade Pty Ltd
Charles Chan
03 9687 0488
opaljade@optusnet.com,au
Organic Growers Group
Don Edwards
03 9687 4334
info@organicgrowersgroup.com.au
PC Produce
Paul Cristiano
03 9687 1744
pcproduce@bigpond.com
Perfection Fresh Pty Ltd
Brett Collins
03 9687 6989
brettcollins@perfection.com.au
Piccolo, F & L
Frank Piccolo
0412 329 143
piccolomarketing@bigpond.com
PJ Nash Pty Ltd
Phillip Nash
03 9687 1687
westmor@bigpond.net.au
Ponte, C. & S. Produce Pty Ltd
Lou Ponte
03 9867 5689
jmp@ponte.com.au
Premier Fruits Pty Ltd
Joe Petroro
03 9687 7725
premierfruits@premierfruits.com.au
Prestia Wholesalers Pty Ltd
Frank Prestia
03 9689 4569
prestia@primus.com.au
Prestia, A. Pty Ltd
Tom Prestia
03 9687 5500
Prestige Produce
Vinnie Brancatisano
03 9687 6449
vince@prestigeproduce.com.au
Priest Bros Marketing
Shane Priest
03 5941 2416
priestorchards@bigpond.com
Produce Connection
Joe Pignataro
03 5964 8188
admin@produceconnection.com.au
Produce of Virginia Pty Ltd
Michael Evangelou
03 9687 3248
pproduce@bigpond.net.au
Raft Produce (Aust) Pty Ltd
Michael Raft
03 9689 6555
raftproduce@bigpond.net.au
Ray Gregory & Sons
Joe Gregory
0438 359 275
Regal Produce Pty Ltd
Tony Gallace
03 9687 3393
regalproduce@bigpond.com
Rich River Produce Pty Ltd
Dominic De Pietro
03 9689 5186
dominicdepietro@bigpond.com
Rosengal Wholesale Pty Ltd
David Galati
03 9687 2331
rosengalwholesale@bigpond.com
Sacca Bros
William Hilsaca
03 9334 2508
saccabros@optusnet.com.au
Sam Velisha Pty Ltd
Sam Velisha
03 9742 1922
sam@velisha.com.au
Sculli & Co. Pty Ltd
Dean Sculli
03 9687 2255
sculli@sculli.com.au
Silk Bros (Melb) Pty Ltd
Peter Silk
03 9687 6821
peterksilk@bigpond.com
South East Asia Produce P/L
Van Nguyen
03 9687 8400
vankiem@net2000.com.au
Star Fruit Pty. Ltd
Mick Sgro
03 9687 3277
nick@bananasplus.com.au
Sunzest - The Organic Grower
Bill Gennimatas
03 9689 2059
sunzestorganic@bigpond.com
T C Produce Pty Ltd
Sam Cutrale
03 9687 3414
tcproduce1@bigpond.com.au
The Apple Arcade
Phillip Brancatisano
03 9689 9160
apples@bigpond.net.au
The Fruit Specialist
Joe Amalfi
0418 869 011
The Grape House
Charlie Costa
03 5026 4869
charlie@grapehouse.com.au
september 2010
27
Tripod Farmers
Frank Ruffo
03 5367 4861
frank@tripodfarmers.com.au
Tripodi Produce Pty Ltd
Sam Tripodi
03 9687 6684
atripodi@yahoo.com
Universal Fresh
Don Garita
03 9689 0931
Veli Velisha Fresh Produce
Veli Velisha
03 9689 9384
velivelisha1@bigpond.com
Vemark Pty Ltd
John Salvestrin
03 9311 1422
vmark@primus.com.au
Venuto, A. & Co. Pty Ltd
Ross Venuto
03 9687 6818
ross@venuto.com.au
Verona Fruit Supply Pty Ltd
Ross Madafferi
03 9687 5300
VFS Produce
Paul Angelucci
03 9687 9090
vfspro@bigpond.net.au
Young Sang & Co. Pty Ltd
Joe Palumbo
03 9687 2427
youngsangaus@bigpond.com
Fresh State associate memberships
Associate Member Companies
Contact
Telephone
Berkis, G. & H
Steve Berkis
03 9689 8679
Bonadio Wholesale Fruit Dist Vic Pty Ltd
Sam Georgi
03 9857 5836
Brighton Hall Investments Pty Ltd (East End Hire)
Vince Calavetta
03 9687 2022
Brightsons Technology Pty Ltd
Min Jau Chai
0401 479 972
minjchau@bigpond.com
City Fresh Wholesalers
Anthony Mutton
03 9354 7377
anthony@cityfreshwholesalers.com.au
Clemmens, David
David Clemmens
03 9397 3278
Commercial & General Coolrooms
Cyril Saltmarsh
03 9397 3278
Dalson P/L - Vito Hire
Vito Silvaggio
0412 532 459
El Sheikh, N L & I
Abe El Sheikh
03 9689 4517
Eurofruit Pty Ltd
Fred Viglione
03 9362 0000
fred@eurofruit.com.au
Fairbanks Selected Seed Co
Brendan Foley
03 9689 4500
fairbanks.seeds@fairbanks.com.au
Favero Gardens
Silvio Favero
03 5996 0314
favgar@bigpond.com
Freni & Doria
Vince Doria
03 5998 1233
frenidoria@bigpond.com.au
Fresh 2 U
Vince Demarte
03 9687 9322
enquiries@fresh2u.com.au
Fresh Centre Unloading Service Pty Ltd
Robert Rain
03 9687 6897
fcus@bigpond.com
Gioia Group Pty Ltd
Frank Anile
03 9331 0859
Gaylon Agencies Pty Ltd
Sam Richter
03 9687 5392
Guys Freight Service
Sam Guy
03 9687 1646
guysfreight@bigpond.com
Harris Refrigerated P/L
Wes Pickering
08 8260 9999
wespickering@harrisrefrigerated.com.au
Inner City Refrigeration
Orfeo Panaccio
03 9311 0911
orfy@innercityrefrigeration.com.au
JED Cleaning
Jim Edmonds
Koch & Co Pty Ltd, HE
Karl Papaioannoy
08 9741 4999
karlp@koch.com.au
Konidaris, J & S
John Konidaris
03 9689 4627
Lake Boga Produce
Michael Armstrong
0408 996 850
micka@weterntruckrepairs.com.au
Lu Ve Contardo Pty Ltd
John Mignano
03 9464 1433
john@luve.comau
Market West Hire
Grant Cockburn
Melbourne Insurance Brokers
Mark Perree
03 9686 0688
mark@mibrokers.com.au
Melbourne Markets Credit Service Pty Ltd
Ralph Blakeley
03 9687 7333
mmmcs@melbmcs.com.au
Murray Produce Metro Pty Ltd
Melissa Grylls
0418 559 822
Nu Fruit Pty Ltd
Jason Campagna
03 9689 8936
Orino Pty Ltd
Terry Konstantakakis
03 9687 3230
Paul Philips Transport Pty Ltd
Paul Phillips
03 5996 7343
Piscioneri Transport Services
Larry Piscioneri
03 5025 7118
larry@pts-transport.com.au
Rainfresh
Ernesto Campagna
03 8379 9300
rainfresh@rainfresh.com.au
Robinsons Unloading
Scott/Mark
03 9687 1155
robinsonsunloading@bigpond.com
Rudge Produce Systems P/L
Terry Rudge
03 9689 1234
admin@rudge.com.au
Sculli Strathmore
Frank Deluise
0409 238 731
Stanley Hall Pty Ltd (Piedmonte)
Joe Piedmonte
03 9481 1600
Stokes & Hammond
Email
sgeorgi@optusnet.com.au
commgen@satline.com.au
patersonm@nufruit.com.au
03 6234 3754
Tas Freight
03 6426 1201
Toyota Material Handling
Steve Lelean
0411 721 112
Victorian Polystyrene Recyclers
Peter Scoleri
03 96872110
info@victorianpolystyrenerecycling.com
*Source: Logistik Journal 2009
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