The first day of trade at the new Epping site for Melbourne Markets trader Frank Tropeano went ‘reasonably well’ for his rhubarb business, Baxter Valley Produce. “There are still a few things that have to be worked out, but overall the move didn’t make any difference, except we have to drive a lot further,” he said.
The Epping site is on the other side of town from where Mr Tropeano’s vans usually enter Melbourne, but he said that there seemed to be the same amount of people and buyers in the new site after it opened on Monday, August 31 at 3am. “Things are much the same as before, our stall is probably a bit smaller but our stock varies according to whatever we’ve got available, and is allocated by palettes.”
At the moment, Mr Tropeano said it is still worth doing the extra driving, as his main commodity, rhubarb, is selling at good prices because of reduced volume. “The price is up but I guarantee a minimum of $12.50 per bunch, and operate 12 months of the year. I can’t pick it for less than that,” he added. “In another six weeks or so the price will probably hit rock bottom again. It varies a lot based on supply and demand.”
Some of the traders have not yet moved into the new site, because they will begin when their produce is in season, but one of the main critics of the move David Wallace, President of the Victorian Vegetable Grower’s Association, said after the opening that it went ‘smoothly’ in media interviews.
For more information
Frank Tropeano
Baxter Valley Produce
Phone: +61359711891
E-mail: frank.bvp@outlook.com