Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) has welcomed
the sale of Perth’s wholesale fruit and vegetable
markets to the horticulture industry-based
consortium Perth Markets Limited, in which it
has a major cornerstone investment.
BML Chairman Tony Joseph said placing ownership of Perth’s Market City in the hands of the horticulture industry would enable the sector to control its own destiny and build a stronger future.
Perth Markets Limited’s other investors include fruit and vegetable growers, wholesalers, tenants of Market City and the South Australian Produce Market.
Mr Joseph said BML believed its industry approach and experience can be applied to other wholesale fresh produce markets, adding value to both the market operation and to BML Shareholders.
“BML’s investment expands and diversifies our business, offering opportunities for shareholders,” he said.
“It allows us to leverage our first-hand knowledge of the fresh fruit and vegetable industry and our longstanding relationships with other industry players, including in WA.
“It is anticipated that it will provide BML with potential for increased synergies and with a unique opportunity in BML’s core business, being one of only six central markets in Australia.
“We firmly believe, from our own experience, in the value and benefits of industry based ownership of critical social infrastructure like wholesale fresh markets.
“Industry’s vision and commitment to the long-term ensures it is well placed to manage its own infrastructure.
“We acknowledge the endorsement of the benefits of industry ownership of central produce markets that the decision of the WA Government represents.”
For more information, please visit www.brisbanemarkets.com.au.