In this edition
In this edition of Fresh Perspective we are focussing on our industry, taking a look at the Brisbane Markets and what has been happening at this important hub of the Queensland produce sector.

We also ‘talk to the floor’ and find out from the sales team all the latest Market trading information, and of course, for your enjoyment we have included a really bad joke.

Before we go…be on the lookout for our next edition of Fresh Perspective, where we will be unveiling some exciting new developments at Pershouse.

Enjoy!

Brisbane Markets Master Plan Moves Forward
The south-east corner of Queensland has seen a population boom in the past 10 years, which has helped to push throughput values at the Brisbane Markets to record levels.

While this is one of the benefits for the fresh produce industry, congestion on our roads has created many problems for city planners struggling to keep up with the necessary infrastructure to cope with the ever-increasing traffic.
We have not been immune from traffic problems at the Brisbane Markets. With only one main entry point off Sherwood Road, the congestion caused by heavy vehicles delivering produce and vehicle traffic due to the thousands of people who work at or use the Markets each day, was recognised as a priority issue that needed to be addressed.

As part of the Master Plan for the Brisbane Markets, a further access point at the western side of the site was planned, along with additional car parking areas and the establishment of a new building platform in the north west corner of the site.

The new road will provide another major access road into the Markets and will take the pressure off the existing main gate. It will assist in removing congestion on Sherwood Road and provide for better access in and out of the site for heavy vehicles and the additional car parks will remove some of the congestion inside the Markets caused by vehicles in and around the warehouse areas.

With the necessary approvals now in place, BML is set to begin the civil works associated with the construction of this access road, car parks and the further building platform, which will be located to the west of the existing IGA Distribution Facility.
The project will cost approximately $6.7 million and will continue BML’s planned growth of the Brisbane Markets’ site. The building platform will accommodate a significant new warehouse of approximately 4,000 square metres and it is anticipated that this next stage, being construction of this building, will begin in the first half of 2010.

This project lays the foundations for a range of other initiatives contemplated under the Brisbane Markets Master Plan for the site. It also brings to fruition what was a lengthy exercise in gaining Brisbane City Council approval for the project, and will work to maximise the usable area of the site.

Submitted by Brisbane Markets Ltd.

Karalee Grocer announced
When husband and wife team Darin and Maree Giles open their doors this week their customers can be assured that they shop at the best fruit and vegetable greengrocer in South-East Queensland.

Karalee Fruit Plaza at Karalee was named the Brisbane Produce Market Fresh Tastes Retailer of the Year.

The announcement was made at the Brisbane Produce Market Gala Dinner, held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday, 13 March 2009.

The award is part of the Brisbane Produce Market Fresh Tastes program in which 153 South-East Queensland local and independent fruit and vegetable retailers participated in 2008.

A top 25 were short listed to battle it out for the title of Retailer of the Year. The Giles family have been working with fruit and vegetables for four generations, so it came as no surprise when Darin and Maree opened the Karalee Fruit Plaza store eight years ago.

The couple maintain an exceptionally high standard, which has seen their store win various awards including Retailer of the Month in July 2008 and being named a Retailer of the Year finalist in 2006. Darin visits the Brisbane Produce Market daily to ensure that the team at the store can deliver top quality product to their customers.

The Fresh Tastes program is an initiative of Brisbane Markets designed to encourage excellence in fresh produce retailing. The program is open to independent greengrocers in South East Queensland who buy produce at the Brisbane Produce Market on a regular basis.

Brisbane Markets Chief Executive Officer Andrew Young said that the Retailer of the Year element of the Fresh Tastes program was a positive way for the industry and retailers to initiate improvement in key areas such as product quality, customer service and product knowledge.

“South-East Queensland’s fruit and vegetable retailers set a high standard, and we wish to acknowledge their commitment to providing quality, fresh fruit and vegetables and outstanding service,” Mr Young said.

Brisbane Markets Marketing and Communications Manager Ann-Marie Johansen said the Fresh Tastes program meant customers were the winners. “Each year the bar is raised and it is becoming increasingly difficult to select the winner from the group,” Ms Johansen said.

“Karalee Fruit Plaza was up against the best of the best local, independent greengrocers spread throughout South East Queensland so this is a real achievement for Darin, Maree and their team.”

“The store came out tops in the judging criteria which looked at a number of factors including customer service, quality produce, product knowledge, shop appearance, merchandising and their commitment to Brisbane Markets initiatives.”

As the winner, Karalee Fruit Plaza received a trophy and a $5,000 promotional prize. Karalee Fruit Plaza is located at Karalee Shopping Village, Junction Road, and is open Monday to Friday 7am-6pm and Saturday 7am-5pm.

This Month in Vegetables
Vegetables are going bananas!! Can we say that without offending our friends in fruit?

As winter approaches the vegetable market hits another gear, with some of the finest quality product now available. Seasonal lines are in abundance and most lines are holding steady.

This is a very busy time for Pershouse Produce with some of our largest growers sending product to the Markets.

“This is a great time of year. The seasonal produce is of the highest quality and we always start to get interest from buyers early – particularly those who buy certain grower brands. They know what is coming and we are proud to have so many quality growers to supply the Market.” said Cameron Kedwell, from Pershouse Produce sales.

The Stanthorpe season has just finished and the Lockyer Valley season has just kicked in, which means there has been no real break in the supply.

Beautiful broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and shallots are now available and all in good supply, though supplies of broccoli have been clearing each day.

There is plenty of lettuce around and good quality product is still holding its price.

Sweet potatoes have been in higher demand with the cooler weather, and prices have been steady.

Beans from Bowen are also on the way...then things really go crazy!

This Month in Fruit
While it may seem like it is ‘all about vegetables’ at the moment, we cannot forget that the Queensland citrus season is well underway with plenty of juicy mandarins to be found on the Market.

The mandarins out of Gayndah are out in force with Imperials being the main variety available at present.

Apples are still in abundance, with new season Pink Lady’s starting to appear.

Honeydew melons and Rockmelons from Bowen will be arriving on the Market shortly, with premium product from the Price and Rapisarda farms arriving at Pershouse in the next week. Cameron Kedwell from Pershouse Produce sales, has been in touch with these growers and is excited about the quality.

“We are expecting some nice gear. These are quality growers with great reputations and Pershouse has been working closely with them in preparation for this season.” said Cameron.

“I am already taking inquiries now, so we see a strong demand for Bowen rockmelons in the coming weeks.”

Bananas are holding firm as the cooler weather bites. While the quality hasn’t been consistent, and the bananas are wearing their duller winter coat due to the cooler weather, most of the fruit on the Market is still good eating.

Joke of the Month
Another Nola special....


An elderly couple, Margaret and Bert moved to Texas.
Bert always wanted a pair of authentic cowboy boots, so, seeing some on sale,
He bought them and wore them home.

Walking proudly, he sauntered into the kitchen And said to his wife,
'Notice anything different about me?' Margaret looked him over. 'Nope.'

Frustrated, Bert stormed off into the bathroom, undressed and walked
back into the Kitchen completely naked except for the boots. Again he asked
Margaret, a little Louder this time, 'Notice anything different NOW?'

Margaret looked up and exclaimed, 'Bert, what's different? It's hanging down today, it
Was hanging down yesterday, it'll be hanging down again tomorrow!'

Furious, Bert yelled, 'AND DO YOU KNOW WHY IT'S HANGING DOWN, MARGARET?'
'Nope', she replied. 'IT'S HANGING DOWN, BECAUSE IT'S LOOKING AT MY NEW BOOTS!!!!'

Without changing her expression, Margaret replied, 'Shoulda bought a hat, Bert. Shoulda bought a hat.'

If you have a story or article that you think would make a great addition to Fresh Perspective contact;

Laura Koman
Ph: 07 3379 3034
Email: laura@pershouse.com.au