Click here for the photo report
As we arrived at 5am the day was drawing to a close for the traders, but it was still a hive of activity. The fruit and vegetable trade in Australia has a very defined structure, you have your growers, wholesalers, food service, independent retailers and the big retail chains. The system seems to work well and in line with this there are absolutely no consumers allowed on the wholesale market.
There are two specific sections in the market, at the sides of the hall there are the wholesalers, such as Kapiris Bros, who sell in bulk, pallets at a time, to the retailers, these can be either loose produce or packed. These traders have units for storage in the hall.
Click here for the photo report
In the centre of the market smaller growers have their stands where they sell the produce in smaller amounts, such as bunches or small boxes. Some of the produce on sale here is very specialised and a lot is bought by the restaurant buyers who come along everyday to see what is on offer, these guys are trusted by the Melbourne catering sector to select the best fresh produce for the hotels, restaurants and other food service businesses. The market also has a separate flower market, where the best cafe is!
There are mixed feeling about the new wholesale market, while it is very modern, clean, big and has great logistical advantages, some traders think it may take the heart out of the market, there certainly a great buzz in the old one while I was there and some think this will be lost at the new site. There is also the fear that some of the older traders will just stop trading rather than going through the big move.
There is also the question of higher costs for the traders, although David Whichelo, COO of the new facility said this would not be the case. The traders will also have less display space at the new site.
But all being said, the move is going ahead and the new site looks great, I hope the new wholesale market can match the buzz and excitement and good humour which I experienced at the present site.
Click here for the photo report