Embed Size (px)
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.
Citation preview
Bayford Volkswagen Epping350 Cooper Street, Epping LMCT8954
Tel. 9409 9000Email. [email protected]
Your Volkswagen Partner
• Market employee discounts available• Fully equipped workshop with factory trained technicians• Loan vehicles available, including vans & utes - Booking Required• On-site finance• Full range of Commercial Vehicles available• Specialist Commercial Vehicle consultants
Your New Vehicle Partner
BayfordVolkswagen
Directly Opposite the New Market
OF AFFAIRS292015
oct
CELEBRATING A NEW LOOK, A NEW ERA AND A NEW HOME
OF AFFAIRS
OF AFFAIRS
OF AFFAIRS
OF AFFAIRS
2 issue 29 oct 2015
ISSN: 1838-7829
FRESH STATE CEO:John [email protected]
EDITOR / ADVERTISING:Sally Piper [email protected]
DESIGN:Flying Dog Designsfddesigns.com.au
PHOTOGRAPHY:Sally Piper [email protected] Oswald eoimages.com.auHamish Heath hamishheath.com.au
PRINT:Revolution Printrevolutionprint.com.au/
DISTRIBUTION:Fresh State of Affairs is produced by Fresh State Ltd and is a free publication.
PUBLISHED BY:
freshstate.com.au tel: 03 9408 6627
MMCS SHAKES IT UP
A system upgrade brings the Melbourne Markets Credit Service into the 21st century.
FRESH STATE BALL
A kaleidoscope of fun and colour that make up the 2015 Fresh State Ball.
JOURNEY DOWN THE SILK ROAD
Silk Bros (Melb) Pty Ltd winds down after 100 years of market history.
18
CONTENTS 02 What’s on
03 President’s message
04 Epping news
10 Fresh State Gala Ball
21 Top ten
22 Fresh Summit 2014
24 Market on the Move
27 Q&A: Grant Nichol
ADVERTISING09 One Stop Shelving
16 VIA Network
23 Shisham Stanley
25 Epping Plaza Hotel
26 Iceland Cold Storage
28 Bayford Volkswagen Epping
12
09
what’s on
3
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 MagazineStore 36, Melbourne Market 35 Produce Drive Epping VIC 3076
DISCLAIMER:
Shane SchnitzlerPresident Fresh State Ltd.
Welcome to a new look Fresh State of Affairs magazine, the first from our new home at Epping. In this edition we have a look at what has happened in the last couple of months and why we have so much to celebrate. And we tie it in with our new logo as well.On 9 October we held our 6th Fresh State Ball to a sold out crowd. It was a special night as we handed over $44,000 to Very Special Kids and the 20th Man Fund as part of the Market on the Move charity drive. This has been a major achievement for the market community and part of our social responsibility, so well done to everyone!
The Commemorative Magazine highlighting the 46 years at Footscray Road was launched at the Gala Ball. This publication took over six months to pull together and is full of never before seen photographs as well as memorabilia from the old market. If
you haven’t seen it yet, I recommend you get your hands on a copy.
We have also launched the new look Fresh State Website at www.freshstate.com.au which enables all Fresh State members to have their business and
product details listed and searched for easily and is in line with our new look and feel. Go online and check it out yourself.
The Fresh State AGM took place on 6 October with Mark Harvey, the assistant coach at Essendon, talking about the importance of leadership and the development of young people – subjects that are close to home.
And of course we are here … After ten long years we are finally at Epping. Fresh State and the Melbourne Markets Credit Service has a new office in the heart of the market at Store 36 for your convenience so drop by and say hello.
I hope you enjoy the new look magazine as we settle into our new home at Epping.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
WE HANDED OVER $44,000 TO VERY SPECIAL KIDS AND THE 20TH MAN FUND AS PART OF THE MARKET ON THE MOVE CHARITY DRIVE. THIS HAS BEEN A MAJOR ACHIEVEMENT FOR THE MARKET COMMUNITY AND PART OF OUR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.
OF AFFAIRS
OF AFFAIRS
OF AFFAIRS
OF AFFAIRS
4 issue 29 oct 2015
EPP
ING
TWO MONTHS IN – WHAT IS THE VERDICT?
AS TENANTS SETTLE INTO THEIR NEW HOME AT EPPING, THE MOST COMMON QUESTION BEING ASKED ALL AROUND AUSTRALIA IS:
THE ANSWER IS “PRETTY GOOD – SOME FRUSTRATIONS BUT PRETTY GOOD!”
YES, IT IS NEW AND THAT IS A BIG PLUS, BUT IT IS ALSO CLEAN – SO LET’S KEEP IT THAT WAY!
“HOW’S IT GOING?”
5
Most businesses say that they are doing
similar trade to the old market but you
also get some ups and downs like – “bet-
ter than what we were doing” or “a bit
less than the old market”. The variance
could be in product lines or a bit of luck
with regard to their position.
STORES:
The real bonus has been the control tempera-
ture cool rooms and new facilities. Refreshing,
good lights and “breezy on a windy day,” are the
general descriptions.
The new premises are really appreciated after
tired old Footscray Road, even allowing for the
eerie quietness of the buyers walk (or should it
be called golf cart alley!). With buyers now work-
ing out where their wholesalers are, the most
pressing question is where buyers are parked on
a particular day. This is still taking some sorting
and there appears to be many empty spaces, a
bit of a shame when others are forced to park so
far away from the trading area.
From a store holder’s perspective and after
having invested in their fit outs, the real test
now starts as the monthly bills commence
rolling in. Higher operating costs with rent,
outgoings, increased costs due to the distances
around the market, and often more staff to
provide the same or better service than at
Footscray Road, lead the agenda.
A few store holders have had refrigeration
troubles and this is concerning where it has oc-
curred outside of their premises. Hopefully some
of these teething problems will soon be sorted.
CAFES:
The cafes are clean and refreshing although
they are being impacted by the nonexistent
opening time which is similar for wholesalers
(see below). The Flower Market café is still
being fitted out but will hopefully open in early
November.
TRADING STANDS:
One area still going through change is the
trading stands. Some license holders say
they are doing well although their space is
only about two thirds of the space they had
at the old market. Others say that business
is poor and have been looking for a store to
buy, sub lease or to exit completely. A few
want more space but with no defined process
for reallocation of stands, calls of bias and
favoritism will soon emerge.
FLOWER MARKET TRADING STANDS:
Many license holders are not convinced that
the move has been as successful as anticipated.
The lack of a premanent café has not helped
but they are saying fewer florists are coming to
the market. The gate keepers indicate that this
is not the case.
SMALL AREA WAREHOUSING:
Some of these have suffered due to fit out
issues by over committed contractors. In the
main they are working ok for those that went
down this path. One area of uncertainty has
been the truck parking to load and unload
stock during trading hours.
LARGE WAREHOUSING:
The convenience of the large warehouse has
certainly suited some. The flexibility that it
brings to their businesses has helped make the
transition to Epping easier notwithstanding the
delay in many of their fit outs.
The down side for everyone else has been the
“deals” to let retailers into their warehouses way
before opening time! Are there any sub-leases
in place? It doesn’t appear so!
An emerging issue is the notice to the
leaseholders which does not allow them
to leave their trucks parked against their
warehouse space out of hours. This appears
contradictory to the mantra before they signed
their leases.
Overall, the number of users entering the
market is similar to the old market although
now everyone is getting charged for the
privilege. There are some new faces but not
many. With additional onsite warehousing,
numbers should increase as fit outs are
completed.
TH
E U
PS
IDE
“HOW’S IT GOING?”
OF AFFAIRS
OF AFFAIRS
OF AFFAIRS
OF AFFAIRS
6 issue 29 oct 2015
EARLY ENTRY:
The early entry of buyers, often from 1.00am,
is doing everyone a major disservice and
disadvantaging all these legitimate buyers
doing the right thing. It is not a level playing
field and it needs addressing quickly. The start
times are 3.30am and 4.30am or did someone
get their daylight saving times
mixed up?
The loophole that allows
buyers into the market to use
warehousing needs attention.
Maybe it is time to ask what
happened to the statements
by the operator that any buyer
coming into the trading area
will lose their early access?
THE APPLICATION OF THE OPERATING
RULES:
A detention centre would appear to be an
easier place to do business than what appears
to have been occurring at the new market.
Mixed messages from the operation staff
has led to uncertainty at a time when clear
messages are important. When one guard (is
that an apt name?) tells market users they can
do one thing and the next day another guard
says they can’t, then that doesn’t help anyone.
Coupled with this, has been the application
of demerit points after the first month’s grace.
These apply to both the access holder and
on the lease or license holder. This appears far
different to the rhetoric that “a common sense
approach would be taken”.
An interesting example is with car parking
which, hopefully, is finally being sorted after
two months of operation. How could this
have been so difficult? And to think what it
would have been like if the market opened
on 3 August! Fortunately, common sense did
prevail in this instance (for the operator too)
and the market opened on 31 August.
The disabled car parks are over 200 metres
from the closest store – a challenge for many
people, let alone someone with a disability.
As well, some store administration staff don’t
arrive until after the “official closing time,” but
they or anyone else can’t park undercover
close to their store holding after closing time
(7.30am). We know that the place needs to
be cleaned but a logical and sustainable
resolution is quickly needed.
With a hot summer predicted and locked
cars a long way away from the premises, the
outlook appears to be uncomfortable and
possibly dangerous for many. It would not be
a good look for all concerned if something
goes wrong.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS:
The other big complaint has been phone
lines. The installation of phone lines went
one of four ways – they actually worked (very
few); many were slow; had issues; or they just
did not happen. In addition, it appears that
Telstra ran out of ADSL 2 lines and businesses
were forced back to the old ADSL 1 lines – no
fun when you are trying to run a business
without interruptions. I wonder if anyone has
formally approached the telecommunications
ombudsman for the debacle that took place –
it could make interesting reading!
* COULD HAVE BEEN HIGHER BUT POINTS
WERE DEDUCTED DUE TO NO OPENING TIME,
PARKING ISSUES AND DEMERIT POINTS.
TH
E D
OW
NS
IDE
MIXED MESSAGES FROM THE
OPERATION STAFF HAS LED TO
UNCERTAINTY AT A TIME WHEN
CLEAR MESSAGES ARE IMPORTANT.
7
EPP
ING
7 ½10
THE VERDICT AFTER TWO MONTHS OF OPERATION:
*
OF AFFAIRS
OF AFFAIRS
OF AFFAIRS
OF AFFAIRS
8
WHAT IS THE UPGRADE?
The system will be held in a secure iCloud. This will help with flexibility for all users while maintaining security of information. The advantages for users is that you will be able to go to the new combined Fresh State and MMCS website at www.melbmcs.com.au , which will take you to a link to enable you to download your information at any time and from anywhere in the world.
This is a long awaited upgrade for the MMCS, based on the successful model at the Brisbane Market.
HOW WILL THE SERVICE CHANGE?
The MMCS will continue its business as usual operation through the upgrade and a staged approach to some system changes will occur:
1. The first stage will be for sellers to download their Distribution Summary. In this way, sellers will get used to using the facility first hand.
2. The second stage will be that buyers can download their Billing Statements. This stage is designed to get users used to logging in to the system and will alleviate the reliance on the mail system inevitably speeding up the process.
3. The third stage will be for the Buyer and Seller to lodge credit notes and short payments on line. Buyers and Sellers will be encouraged to communicate with each other regarding discrepancies and sort out any issues at the Billing Statement stage as opposed to the payment stage.
4. Training will be provided either in small groups or one on one if required, to assist with the transition.
5. The Credit Service will move to EFT only payments. Approximately 70% of buyers are currently using this method of payment.
issue 29 oct 2015
THE CREDIT SERVICE – WHAT IS HAPPENING?
The long anticipated planned upgrade to the Melbourne Markets Credit Service (MMCS) is due to occur in early November which will provide a number of benefits for users in line with modern day practices.
STAGE 1: SELLERS TO DOWNLOAD DISTRIBUTION SUMMARY >
REDUCING ERRORS ON SCHEDULESIN THE PAST SIX MONTHS, THE CREDIT SERVICE HAS BEEN CONCENTRATING ON REDUCING THE ERROR RATE ON SCHEDULES RECEIVED, BY WORKING WITH BUSINESSES TO REFINE PROCESSES.
COMMON ISSUES IDENTIFIED HAVE BEEN:
• WRONG ACCOUNT NUMBERS USED
• NO ACCOUNT NUMBER BEING USED
• SELLERS SENDING THE PREVIOUS WEEK’S SCHEDULE IN BY MISTAKE
• INCLUDING NON MMCS USERS ON THE SCHEDULE
• WRONG ADDITIONS ON SCHEDULES
THE NEW SYSTEM UPGRADE COMBINED WITH CONTINUED USER TRAINING, WILL ASSIST IN REDUCING THIS ERROR RATE FURTHER WHICH IS A WIN-WIN FOR EVERYONE.
9
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
03 8343 0000 | 2-4 Sunline Drive, Truganina, VIC, 3029
STAGE 2: BUYERS CAN DOWNLOAD BILLING STATEMENTS
STAGE 3: BUYER AND SELLER TO LODGE CREDIT NOTES AND SHORT PAYMENTS ONLINE
STAGE 4: EFT PAYMENTS ONLY> >
Tel: 03 9408 6627 | Fax: 03 8405 3746 [email protected] | www.melbmcs.com.au
The Melbourne Markets Credit Service is now in a new office at Store 36 at the Melbourne Market, located in the trading floor complex. Trading hours are from 6.00 am until 2.00 pm Monday to Friday.
Please come and visit the MMCS team and say hello.
New credit service applications are welcome – please inquire with the team.
OF AFFAIRS
OF AFFAIRS
OF AFFAIRS
OF AFFAIRS
10 issue 29 oct 2015
Fresh State members and friends dressed up in their cocktail attire and really enjoyed celebrating what has been a mammoth year in our market history. “What a night,” said Fresh State Presi-dent Shane Schnitzler. “We put the Fresh State Ball back on the agenda six years ago in an effort to unite the Melbourne Market Wholesalers and it has gone from strength to strength”.
The Ball featured the presentation of annual Fresh State Awards and this year was able to hand over substantial fun-draising cheques to charity. “Fresh State has a huge heart and takes its social responsibility very seriously,” continued Shane in relation to the charity fund-raiser Market on the Move (see page 24 for more details).
The Fresh State Awards went off with a drum roll! We saw Premier Fruits Group nearly take a clean sweep of the
board picking up two awards, however no one could compete with Mr Bean winning the competitive Personality of the Year.
Once more the Young Marketeer of the Year walked away with the coveted prize to the 2016 Fresh Summit confer-ence in the USA. This was generously provided by Fresh State as part of their commitment to encouraging young people in the industry to reach their full potential.
2015
FRESH STATE OF AFFAIRS COMMEMORATIVE MAGAZINE LAUNCHED
The launch of the Fresh State of Affairs Commemorative Magazine was an-other special moment on the night. This Limited Edition publication celebrates 46 years at 542 Footscray Road, West Melbourne and cap-tures the essence and history of the market. “A feature of the magazine is some never before published photographs of the construction of the Melbourne Wholesale Fruit and
Vegetable Market at Footscray Road” says Shane in the opening pages.
The magazine captured the attention of all guests who were wowed from the front cover to the back.
Limited copies are still available at the market cafes, the Fresh State Gas Station and the Fresh State Office located at store 36 but they won’t last long.
THE 6TH ANNUAL GALA BALL WAS AGAIN FULL TO CAPACITY LAKESIDE AT THE CAROUSEL, ON A BALMY MELBOURNE EVENING IN OCTOBER.
11
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR FRESH STATE GALA BALL 2015 SPONSORS:
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING FRESH STATE AWARD WINNERS:
PETER SILK – THIS IS YOUR LIFE.“It is a great honour to be recognised by Fresh State and the industry. Market hours are tough but can be rewarding after all these years. I would like to thank my wife Leonie for her continued support and Fresh State for presenting me with this accolade.”
This is your life captured everyone’s attention as they waited with baited breath on who the recipient would be …
“This person is a popular face and name at the Melbourne Wholesale Market. He is a third generation wholesaler and has been working in the market for the last forty years” Shane announced. “Peter Silk – this is Your Life”.
The room went silent as Peter, with his wife Leonie, were honoured for Peter’s dedicated involvement in the industry and at Fresh State during his time at the market. This was additionally poignant with Silk Bros closing its trading doors after celebrating its 100th birthday this year (see page 18 for a special feature on the Silk Dynasty).
FRESH STATE WHOLESALE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR:
Premier Fruits Group
“To be recognised by our peers for our efforts over the
last 12 months is very satisfying. As a proud member, we would like
to thank Fresh State, the sponsors and everybody involved in organising the Fresh State Ball.” Steven Skruzny, General Manager (Melbourne), Premier Fruits Group.
FRESH STATE PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR:
Ross (Mr Bean) Ferrinda Ferrinda Fresh
“I was pretty shocked to receive this award. When
you’re the boss, you are sailing the ship and you don’t expect
a pat on the back. It feels good to be recognised by my peers at Fresh State.”
FRESH STATE YOUNG MARKETEER OF THE YEAR:
Joe Manariti Premier Fruits Group
“It was a privilege to win the Fresh State Young
Marketeer of the Year. I have always wanted to go to Fresh
Summit and am looking forward to the experience. Bring on 2016!”
2015
2015
COMING SOON TO EPPING
A new Market location means new opportunities for business
owners and Market workers with the upcoming opening of a new
VIA Network office at Epping.
The VIA Network partners with training
providers, industry bodies and employers
in a number of industries to provide labour hire,
staff development and training opportunities across
Australia.
Since it’s founding in 2012, Community Training
Initiatives (CTI) has grown to meet the needs of students
and businesses across Australia. As part of that growth, CTI has
become the VIA Network.
The VIA Network provides businesses and students access to a wide range of exciting services and opportunities:
> Over 100 Nationally Accredited Training Courses
> Labour Hire and Recruitment Services
> Workforce Development and Skills Assessment
LABOUR HIRE AND RECRUITMENTThe VIA Network provides comprehensive labour hire and recruitment solutions and can help you source, develop and maintain a wide range of workers. We have assisted with the recruitment of:
> Picker / Packers
> Cashiers
> Admin Workers
> Forklift and Truck Drivers
> Warehouse Managers
By operating from the Market Admin Building, the VIA Network is able to provide training on-site and work with workers and employers to ensure seamless integration of new and temporary staff.
With a strong focus on safety and risk reduction, the VIA Network covers all legal responsibilities for clients and ensures that all workers meet Fair Work Australia and WorkSAFE requirements.
Talk to The VIA Network about your recruitment and staffing needs to discover how we can help your business.
TRAININGFrom Business to Warehouse Operations, the VIA Network partners with Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to provide nationally accredited qualifications at Certificate, Diploma and licence levels.
The VIA Network’s training partners also provide training and licensing for machine operators and drivers on a number of machine and vehicle types, including:
> Forklift Trucks (including Order-Picking Forklift Trucks)
> Medium and Heavy Rigid Trucks
Forklift Refresher Courses are also available. These courses provide on-site training to Markets staff, ensuring all operators are familiar with the machines and environment of the Melbourne Wholesale Markets.
Through our training partners, the VIA Network offers Melbourne Wholesale Markets businesses on-site training in a number of qualifications, including Warehouse Operations, Work Health and Safety and Business.
Come into the VIA Network offices to find out what courses we have on offer.
IT SUPPORT AND TRAININGIf you have IT issues or need training in a software package, the VIA Network can help with that, too. The VIA Network partners with Wizard Corporate Training to provide high-quality professional development and IT training solutions to get you up to speed.
Courses are constantly running in a variety of topics, including:
> Microsoft Office
> iPad operation
> Adobe Creative Suite
If you need training in a specific piece of software, or would like on-site, tailored, training, talk to the staff at the VIA Network to see what options are available.
New changes mean new challenges and, with a little help from the VIA Network, new opportunities for success.
Drop in to see the new VIA Network facilities and have a chat to our friendly staff to find out what the VIA Network can do for you and your business.
You can find the VIA Network in the Market Administration Building, to the left as you enter through the main doors.
WW
W.V
IAN
ETW
ORK
.CO
M.A
U
If you’re in need of a meeting
room or training space, the VIA
Network can help you out. Rooms available
for hire are suitable for conducting training
and classes, presentations, lectures, and meetings.
OF AFFAIRS
OF AFFAIRS
OF AFFAIRS
OF AFFAIRS
18 issue 29 oct 2015
THE SILK BROS DYNASTY
MOSES ZIEDEN (SILK)
ISRAEL SILK ABRAHAM SILK
KEVIN SILK
HYMAN SILK
MICHAEL SILK PETER SILK
ABRAHAM
Silk Bros are an iconic wholesaling business spanning three generations. With multicultural roots from Poland, Ireland and France, they were at one time a dominating force in the Melbourne wholesale industry and beyond, through shrewd investment and a lot of hard work. Their story exposes the importance of succession planning in business and the outcome when an industry does not support a modern day lifestyle - risking the loss of intergenerational experience, history and passion.
19
KEVIN MICHAEL PETER
Silk Bros celebrated their historic 100th year in operation in 2015 and also the end of an era at the Melbourne Market. This is their story …Abraham (Abe) Gershom Silk was the youngest of three boys, Hyman (Hymi) and Israel (Isaac). Their father, Moses had immigrated to Australia from Po-land in the 1870’s. His original surname was Zeiden but as was the common
practice with immigrants of the time, his surname was changed to Silk to make it easier to pronounce. Zeiden translates roughly to Silk in English.
The three Australian-born brothers started a business at the Queen Victoria Market known as Silk Bros in 1915, as fruit merchants and commission agents, after being involved in market life for the previous twelve years. “They sold a billion bananas,” recalls Abe’s grandson and third generation whole-saler Peter Silk.
The family was entrepreneurial for the time and not content to rest on their laurels. They opened up a Silk Bros in
Adelaide and Isaac moved to Sydney and opened an arm of the business known as Silk Bros Interstate Traders.
Meanwhile, Abe and Hymi concentrated on the Melbourne business and began dabbling in horse racing. As well as owning a substantial property portfolio around Melbourne (at one stage Abe owned over 30 properties), the brothers invested in renowned racing stud Glen Deven in Werribee (now a housing estate).
They had huge success in racing with a champion horse called Carbon Copy who won the Cox Plate, AJC Derby and Sydney Cup. “Abe and Hymie would come into the market after being at the racetrack with pockets of cash,” says Michael Silk, Abe’s grandson and Melbourne Market veteran of 27 years. “They would empty all the money out of their pockets for their book keeper, Miss Day to count”.
Abe developed one of the biggest banana businesses in Victoria employ-ing 175 people at one time and was the first Victorian Wholesaler to import bananas from Northern Queensland.
“At the time all Vic-torian Wholesalers were supporting the New South Wales industry and were skeptical about the newer banana areas in Northern Queensland”, remem-bers Peter. “But Abe knew better. A cy-clone wiped out the New South Wales crop and the rest is history”. Silk Bros became known as the Banana Kings.
Continuing in their entrepreneurial style, the banana side of the Silk Bros business was sold to COD Fruit Marketing in Queensland and the remainder became Silks Vegetables Pty Ltd from 1952.
Abe met and married Kathleen, and they had three children, two older girls - Joan and Judith and a son named Kevin. Kevin studied law and become a solicitor but was intent on following in his father’s footsteps, so in the early 1950’s came to work in the market. He married a French provincial girl named Francoise (affectionately known as Tikki) who he met at a neighbouring high school in inner Melbourne and they had eight children.
Unfortunately, the tax man caught up with the brothers in the 1960’s after an audit derailed some of their fortune, but Abe was a shrewd businessman. He was out of the market at around 60 years old with a lot of success under his belt and a son who wanted to work in the market. Hymi did not have a child willing to work in the market and when
THE END OF AN ERA
THE THREE AUSTRALIAN BORN BROTHERS STARTED A BUSINESS AT THE QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET KNOWN AS SILK BROS IN 1915 AS FRUIT MERCHANTS AND COMMISSION AGENTS, AFTER BEING INVOLVED IN MARKET LIFE FOR THE PREVIOUS TWELVE YEARS.
OF AFFAIRS
OF AFFAIRS
OF AFFAIRS
OF AFFAIRS
20
he retired, like his other brother Isaac, the line stopped.
Kevin was the only son left flying the Silk banner and took over the busi-ness Silk Vegetables Pty Ltd, concen-trating on three areas – providoring, exports and the market stand. Like his father before him, Kevin was also known for wearing the telltale suit and tie around the market. In 1970, Kevin changed the name to Silk Bros (Melb) Pty Ltd to accommodate his family.
He developed an export trade to New Guinea and the Solomon Is-lands (mainly potatoes, onions, citrus and apples – the popular staples of the day) and picked up government providoring contracts.
In 1977, Kevin’s son, Peter had just completed a hospitality course and like his father, started his apprentice-ship in the market the next day. At the time, they were selling mainly veg-etables and Murray Bridge Tomatoes.
“The contracting and export side of things had become very competitive” remembers Michael, Kevin’s eldest son who joined the business in 1988. “We tried to resurrect the export side of the business but it just wasn’t viable so we made the decision to stick to the market floor”. Michael, a qualified accountant, had worked for ten years in private practice before also joining the family business. “Dad suggested I work in the office while Peter manned the stands and it has been that way ever since”.
Kevin Silk was an active member of the Melbourne Market community. He was the Vice President of the Victorian Chamber of Fresh Produce Wholesalers from 1975 to 1977 and was also awarded a Life Membership. Abe (Kevin’s father) had also been awarded a Life Membership for his involvement in the Wholesale Fruit Merchant’s Association, which later became known as the Victorian Chamber. Kevin retired in 1985 and handed over the business to Peter to manage with the strong support of Michael.
Kevin continued to follow his pas-sion for property investments and horse racing – a gene carried down the Silk line. He owned a successful racehorse called Naturalism who won two group one races and came
second in nine group one races. He died of Parkin-son’s Disease at the age of 75 years.
Silk Bros contin-ued to evolve its produce lines as opportunities and gaps appeared in the market. They developed their mango line and were one of the first wholesalers to source the fruit from the Northern Terri-tory as well as selling capsi-cums, tomatoes and zucchinis from Northern Queensland. This then morphed into
passionfruit, pineapples and sub-tropical fruit.
Peter, a chip of the old block (except he did not wear a suit and tie), also served on the Victorian Chamber of Fresh Produce Wholesalers (now known as Fresh State) from 1985 to 1996 including a four year term as President. This year Peter was awarded the ‘This is Your Life’ acco-lade from Fresh State recognising his contribution and dedication to the industry and to Fresh State.
Peter married high school sweet-heart Leonie and they had three boys. The boys all tried the market lifestyle over the years but it wasn’t for them and the hope for a fourth generation of Silk Bros quickly faded. “The current market hours are killing our industry and any new blood,” Peter sadly admits. “My boys didn’t want to work these hours – they are just unrealistic to a modern lifestyle.”
With Michael also not having any offspring to succeed in the family business a tough decision was made.
“There is no sentiment in business in this industry when family don’t want to be involved,” says Peter. “The timing was right with the move to Epping to wind down”.
And so, after 100 years in operation, Silk Bros (Melb) Pty Ltd have now closed their doors and with them the end of a Silk Dynasty. Luckily Peter and Michael are happy to share their knowledge and experience and have joined AMV Fresh to help them expand their business before they retire like their father and grandfather before them.
Above: an advertisement placed in The Fruit World of Australasia (1 January 1919) advising they were the ‘Specialists in the Fruit Business – The Physician must know his job; so must the Chemist; so must the Fruitgrower; and so must the Fruit Salesman,’ it states.
issue 29 oct 2015
THERE IS NO SENTIMENT IN BUSINESS IN THIS INDUSTRY WHEN FAMILY DON’T WANT TO BE INVOLVED … THE TIMING WAS RIGHT WITH THE MOVE TO EPPING TO WIND DOWN.
21
4 12
KIDDING AROUND Peter St Albans is the youngest jockey to win the Melbourne Cup – he was only 12 years, 357 days old, riding Briseis, in 1876. QUICKEST CUP
The fastest winning Melbourne Cup time was run in 3 minutes, 16.3 seconds by Kingston Rule in 1990.
TICKING TROPHY The original Melbourne Cup trophy was a hand-beaten gold watch – won by Archer in 1861.
THIRD TIME (very) LUCKY Until 2005 only two horses had won the Melbourne Cup twice: Archer (1861, 1862) and Peter Pan (1932, 1934). Makybe Diva was the first horse to win the Cup three times (2003, 2004, 2005).
FASCINATING (if you’re a Milliner) Nearly 52,000 hats and fascinators were bought for the 2009 Melbourne Cup.
FIRST LADY Maree Lyndon was the first female jockey to ride in the cup on Argonaut Style in 1987, she ran second last in the 21 horse field.
2
4
5
7
6
8
3
WITH THE MELBOURNE CUP JUST AROUND THE CORNER AND THE SPRING RACING
CARNIVAL IN FULL SWING, HERE ARE SOME FACTS AND FIGURES YOU MAY NOT KNOW …
Source: www.au.timeout.com
SCALE OF ECONOMY Prize money in 1861 was £1,420. In 2012 it was $6,200,000.10TOP 10
MELBOURNE CUPFACTS
9
BACK TO BLACK 17 cup-winning jockeys have worn black as their main colour, the last, however, being George Podmore on Evening Peal in 1956. Navy blue and royal blue come second with 14 wins.
LUCKY NUMBERS The saddlecloth numbers 4 and 12 have won the Melbourne Cup a record 11 times each. If you’re struggling to find a horse to back, go 4 or 12.
1
10BAYWATCH Bay (reddish-brown) coloured horses have proven winners with 66 Melbourne Cup victories. Brown horses make up for 35 wins and chestnuts count for 34 wins, with 6 greys, 3 blacks and 7 brown/bay/black winners making up the difference.
OF AFFAIRS
OF AFFAIRS
OF AFFAIRS
OF AFFAIRS
22
Each year a young Fresh State Member in the Melbourne Market is awarded the Fresh State Young Marketeer Award which includes an all expenses paid trip to visit the Fresh Summit Conference in the USA.In 2014, Mark Grillo from Latorre’s Fruit and Vegetable Wholesalers was awarded this privilege and has provided the following update to inspire colleagues in the market to jump out of their comfort zone and see what the rest of the world is up to in the fresh produce space.
In October of 2014, I was extremely fortunate to be in Anaheim for the PMA Fresh Summit Conference thanks to Fresh State. It was an experience that I will remember for the rest of my life and that I recommend to anyone that is involved in our industry.
From the Welcoming Dinner to the last day of the Trade Show, everything was organised exceptionally well, and it was an experience that opened my mind to the future possibilities that we can implement in our business.
The main thing that struck me was the amount of packaging concepts and innovation – from farming through to
retail options. A lot of produce in the USA is pre packed and most
of this happens on the farm.
The technology and machinery
on display also blew me away. From a machine that has the ability to cut just about anything using water jets, to produce graters that looked like they came from outer space with their length, width and ability to do everything without human interference.
Thank you to Fresh State and all the members for their support and assistance. I hope that we can continue to keep this program in the future for all young people to strive to win and experience everything that Fresh Summit has to offer.
issue 29 oct 2015
2014
“ATTENDING FRESH SUMMIT MADE ME REALISE THAT MARKETING IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE CONTINUOUS GROWTH IN OUR BUSINESSES TODAY AND INTO THE FUTURE.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Fresh Summit 2014 had a record breaking 22,400+ attendees – including 1,159 retailers and 1,090 exhibiting companies making it the largest fresh produce conference in the world.
BY FRESH STATE 2013 YOUNG MARKETEER OF THE YEAR, MARK GRILLO
DISPLAY STANDS WERE AMAZING WITH MANY COOKING WITH THEIR PRODUCE OR WITH FRESH FOOD DISPLAYS THAT INCLUDED THEIR PRODUCE AS MASTERPIECES.
PMA
FR
ESH
SU
MM
IT
2014
FOLLOW US ON
PALLET RACKING SYSTEMS
AUSTRALIAN FAMILY OWNED COMPANY WITH 0VER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE1 Bennet Street Dandenong Vic 3175 Email: [email protected]
Australian Trade Mark No: (847603) Copyright 2014 Shisham Stanley, All Rights Reservedc
RIPENING DRIVE-IN RACKING
CUSTOM STAIRWAYSBOLLARDS & DOOR GUARDS
EVAPORATOR SUPPORTS
CALL US TODAY ON (03) 9791 4622 OR GO TO www.shisham.com.au
Heavy Duty Welded Drive-in & Selective Racking.
Stairways
Ripening Drive-inRacking
Evaporator Supports
Bollards & DoorGuards
Guard Rails
Walk Ways & Platforms
Spread some festive cheer and place
a Christmas message in our special
Christmas edition of our magazine,
Fresh State of Affairs
To book your Christmas message, contact Sally at the Fresh State Office
on 03 9408 6627 by 20 November 2015 or send an email to Sally at [email protected]
¼ page $350*½ page $540*Full page $950** Prices are exclusive of GST.
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL EDITION
OF AFFAIRS
OF AFFAIRS
OF AFFAIRS
OF AFFAIRS
Christmas edition due out on
12 December 2015
OF AFFAIRS
OF AFFAIRS
OF AFFAIRS
OF AFFAIRS
24
The Melbourne Market community were able to see the results of their hard work at the Fresh State Ball in October where final cheques were handed over to the charities for Market on the Move.“It was with great pleasure that we were able to present the sum of $22,000 to both Very Special Kids and the 20th Man Youth Fund” said Shane Schnit-zler, Fresh State President. “We have worked hard to raise these funds in a variety of ways and also raise the profile of both charities.” Shane said the chari-ties were chosen because they were instrumental in helping kids in need which was important to the market community who have strong family connec-tions. “I would like to thank the market community and all of our sponsors for digging deep to contrib-ute to this initiative” continued Shane.
Market on the Move Committee Chairman and Fresh State Vice President Joe Amalfi was also proud to be part of the fundraising effort. “It was great to see Fresh State, the Melbourne Market Authority and the Mel-bourne Market Lions Club all coming together to raise as much money as possible”, he said. “We will continue this partnership and our fundraising efforts by hosting the Melbourne Market Golf Day which will be held early in 2016 to raise funds for the Debra Foundation.”
issue 29 oct 2015
THE MELBOURNE MARKET DIGS DEEP
THE CHARITIES WERE CHOSEN BECAUSE THEY WERE INSTRUMENTAL IN HELPING KIDS IN NEED WHICH WAS IMPORTANT TO THE MARKET COMMUNITY WHO HAVE STRONG FAMILY CONNECTIONS.
The brainchild of Market on the Move was the forklift procession (on trucks) that transported forks from Footscray Road to Epping raising a substantial amount towards the final tally.
The very popular Market on the Move vests proudly sponsored by Toyota Material Handling and Continental Tyres.
25
Addy Wetzler from Very Special Kids accepts the $22,000 cheque from Fresh State Vice President Joe Amalfi and Fresh State President Shane Schnitzler.
“Very Special Kids is grateful for the generous support of Fresh State and the Melbourne Market Authority. The $22,000 will help us to continue providing free-of-charge services and support to many than 900 Victorian families – including several who are part of the Market community.”
Fresh State Vice President Joe Amalfi with the 20th Man Youth Fund Founder Les Twentyman and Fresh State President Shane Schnitzler
presenting a cheque for $22,000.“We are very grateful for Market on the Move’s support of the 20th Man Fund. These funds will assist our youth in a number of ways from getting them involved in sporting programs to putting them through our Youth Leadership Personal Development Program.”
Epping Plaza Hotel Cnr High & Cooper Streets, Epping Ph: (03) 9408 9309 www.eppingplazahotel.com.au
Moving the Melbourne Market to Epping has had a big impact on everyone in the fresh produce industry in Victoria. Wholesal-ers, retailers, growers and as-sociated businesses all continue to adapt to the new location and with that brings some unexpect-ed opportunities.
Iceland Cold Storage opened its $18 million temperature con-trolled facility in August 2015
and is the largest cold storage facility in the northern suburbs. The purposely designed Am-monia Refrigeration plant along with other innovative energy efficiency techniques ensures the facility runs effectively and efficiently.
The new facility is capable of holding 10,000 frozen pallets at any one time and with six loading docks, the time to load and unload is minimized. In ad-dition, the facility includes six Blast Freezers with the capacity to freeze 950 tonnes a day.
“Iceland is ideal for wholesalers, growers or retailers to use as it is so close to the market,” says
Ravi Prasad, joint business own-er of Iceland. “We have both cold storage and warehouse facilities so we can accommodate all vari-eties of produce ensuring that it is kept as fresh as possible.”
Melbourne Market wholesaler Joe Brancatisano (pictured) from VB Sculli met Ravi and his business partner Chas Gill dur-ing the construction of the new Iceland Cold Storage premises.
“It was pure luck to have Ice-land build opposite the VB Sculli warehouse” says Joe. “We now use their chilled storage facili-ties to complement our ware-house facilities and it couldn’t be better.” Joe says with the facility so close to the Market, tenants should come across the road and check out what Iceland has to offer. “It has everything here,” continues Joe. “There is no need to travel long distances or set up your own cold storage when we have such perfect facilities right on our doorstep.”
STATE OF THE ART COLD STORAGE ON OUR DOORSTEP
Iceland Cold Storage 81 Gateway Boulevard Epping VIC 3076 | T: 9437 9444 | F: 9437 9446 | W: ilcs.com.au
BENEFITS OF USING ICELAND COLD STORAGE INCLUDE:
> Ability to hold 10,000 frozen pallets at one time
> Six loading docks
> Six Blast Freezers
> AQIS Quarantine inspections
> Shrink wrapping
> Transport and export documentation
> 24/7 online monitoring of temperatures in all chambers
> Access to inventory information reported on a daily/weekly basis via the web system
> Security/Surveillance
> Warehouse management system
Iceland owners Chashampal Gill and Ravi Prasad who bring together a combined
experience of over 20 years in transport and all areas of cold storage management
Iceland is ideal for wholesalers, growers or retailers to use as it is so close to the market.
27
Grant Nichol is a man of mystery no more! Behind his day job in the fresh produce industry, Grant is a well-travelled, past World Champion and World Record Holder.
WORKS:As a Director and Wholesale Manager at Flavorite Marketing.
SUBURB WHERE I LIVE:Plenty – only a 17 minute drive from Epping!
MOST OF MY DAY IS SPENT:In the market in the early morning and then off to Ravenhall where Flavorite have a warehouse and office facility.
THE FOOTBALL TEAM I BARRACK FOR IS:
St Kilda.
THE QUALITY I RESPECT MOST IN AN EMPLOYEE IS:Trustworthiness, punctuality and hardworking.
AS I HAVE GROWN OLDER I HAVE LEARNT:You shouldn’t always judge a person by the first impression.
IN MY SPARE TIME I ENJOY:Skydiving and snow skiing but most of all spending time with my family.
MY FIRST JOB WAS:Working in the market with my Dad in the school holidays when I was about 12 years old.
THE ASPECT OF MY JOB I IIKE THE MOST IS:The ever changing trading environment which keeps you on your toes.
THE THING I DISLIKE THE MOST IS:Chasing pallets and debts.
THE PLACE IN THE WORLD I WOULD MOST LIKE TO GO IS:Back to Africa. I love the people, animals and landscape.
THE THING A LOT OF PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME IS:I am scared of heights!
MY FAVOURITE FRUIT OR VEGETABLE IS:The Jazz or Kanzi Apple and Chinese Broccoli.
Grant started working in the market full time at the age of 16 years in the family’s business A Nichol & Sons. However it wasn’t until four years later that he tried something that would shape his future in more ways than one.
Grant, with a group of mates decided they would give sky diving a go and after the first jump he became addicted. Specialising in formation skydiving, Grant made the Australian Team and decided to leave the market for two years to follow his dream.
Formation skydiving is an event where multiple skydivers complete pre-
determined formations in sequence while being filmed by a free form photographer.
This took him to Empuri-abrava in Spain in 1998, where the Australian Team came first in the World Cup in the 16 way sequential formation skydiving event. The win was also the world record for the next eight years.
Skydiving runs in the family with Grant’s wife Julie also in the same Australian Team, and their two boys Lachlan aged 16 years and Liam aged 13 years completing their first tandem jump earlier this year.
Skydiving has taken Grant all around the world. He has been to Slovakia, Russia and Thailand (where his team
still hold their 2006 World Record formation jump with 400 people), but his favou-rite place to jump is Florida because of the people, weather and the specialised aircraft. The 2006 World Record used five Hercules flying in formation from 25,000 feet.
In total, Grant has complet-ed five and a half thousand jumps since he was 20 years old.
After completing his two year tour of duty around the world and up in the skies, Grant landed back in the market and now heads up the wholesale division of Flavorite Marketing at the Melbourne Market, jumping in record breaking attempts when time permits.
GRANT NICHOLQ&A:
This year, Grant was part of the Australian World Record when 119 Australians jumped over the Perris Valley in California.
IN TOTAL, GRANT HAS COMPLETED FIVE AND A HALF THOUSAND JUMPS SINCE HE WAS 20 YEARS OLD.
Bayford Volkswagen Epping 350 Cooper Street, Epping LMCT8954 Tel. 9409 9000 Email. [email protected]
Your Volkswagen Partner
• Market employee discounts available• Fully equipped workshop with factory trained technicians • Loan vehicles available, including vans & utes - Booking Required• On-site finance• Full range of Commercial Vehicles available• Specialist Commercial Vehicle consultants
Your New Vehicle Partner
Bayford Volkswagen
Directly Opposite the New Market
OF AFFAIRS
