03 Aug 2018

Fresh Produce Retailers compete for the 2018 Awards in Excellence

The 2018 Market City Retailer of the Year Awards were presented at the Market City Ball at the Crown Ballroom, Burswood on Friday evening 27th July.

This prestigious event has been running for 16 consecutive years and is an initiative of Market West and supported by Perth Markets Limited.

The awards are open to all retailers including independent retailers, small stores and supermarket chains.  Stores can nominate and compete in eight award categories.

Member Services Manager for Market West, Inci Humberstone said that this year’s pool of entries has been the largest in the award’s history.

“This year we have had a record 194 entries, with categories including independent metro and regional retailers all the way through to the national supermarkets. Each were independently judged by mystery shoppers assessed on criteria of quality, customer service, consumer information and shop presentation”.

The 2018 Market City Ball and Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year Awards night was a great success with a record 589 guests, representing a broad cross section of the horticulture supply chain including retailers, wholesalers, transport companies, growers and industry sponsors.

“The finalists are all outstanding retailers and through their commitment to excellent customer service and quality fresh produce, thoroughly deserve their recognition. Congratulations to all the winners” said Rod McPherson, CEO of Market West.

Winners of the 2018 Fresh Produce Retailer Awards are listed below.

WA Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year Award
Metropolitan Store
Napoli Mercato

WA Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year Award
Regional Store
Katanning IGA

WA Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year Award
Best Small Store
Wagin Foodworks

WA Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year Award
Best Fresh Produce Section within a National Supermarket – Metropolitan
Woolworths Singleton

WA Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year Award
Best Fresh Produce Section within a National Supermarket – Regional
Coles Eaton Fair

WA Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year Award
Best Fresh Produce Section within an Independent Supermarket – Metropolitan
Swanbourne Market & East Perth IGA

WA Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year Award
Best Fresh Produce Section within an Independent Supermarket – Regional
Ningaloo IGA

Great Green Grocer Retailer of the Year 2017 Award
The Floreat Market

12 Dec 2017

2017 Annual Charity Cherry Auction

The Annual Market City Charity Cherry Auction was held in the Central Trading Area on Friday 8th December and was very well supported.

Donations on the day on behalf of Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation totaled $92,838 with long-time supporter John Ale from Tony Ale & Co crowned Cherry King taking out the 5kg box of cherries with a bid of $45,000.

Since the Cherry Auction began in 1992 the Market Community has raised just over $1,109,000.

An amazing combined total of $47,000 was raised for the first boxes by the following bidders:

  • John Ale, Tony Ale $6,000
  • Rodney Dullard, Key Produce $5,000
  • Gilbert Correia, Gilberts Fresh Markets $10,000
  • Tony Gatani, SJ Fresh $7,500
  • Jimmy Park, Jimmy’s Mushrooms $6,000
  • Hayden Conti, DAC Refrigeration Services $5,000
  • Basil Gotsis, Fresh Provisions $4,000
  • Ahmad Albirkawi, Mirrabooka Fresh $3,500

 
We also acknowledge Toyota Materials Handling for running the sausage sizzle and raising $723 in donations, WB Pit Stop for providing coffees and collecting $115 in donations, Peter Holmes our auctioneer, Simon Bloomfield for assisting and the Perth Markets Limited staff for providing their ongoing support for the event.

Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation Ambassadors, Eva and Andie McAuliffe also presented four generous supporters plaques in recognition of their past contributions:

  • John from Tony Ale & Co over $180,000
  • Joe from Napoli Mercato over $100,000
  • Shawn from Fresh Provisions over $40,000
  • Janine from Toyota Materials Handling over $10,000

 
Cherry boxes were kindly organised by Gary Ferguson and donated by Cherry Lane Fields Manjimup, Newton Bros Manjimup and K Smart from Manjimup. The Donnybrook Mens Shed again provided the ceremonial box for the 5kg of cherries.

Thank you to our generous Market City community for supporting our charity partner, Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation, and we look forward to continuing the tradition next year.

18 Nov 2017

2017 Annual General Meeting

The AGM of Market West and the Credit Service was held on Tuesday 14th November 2017 in the Market West Board Room.

President Trish Skinner (Australian Produce Brokers) and Vice President Rick Smith (Smiths Enterprises) were re-elected unopposed. Also elected as Executive Committee were James Ryan (Perfection Fresh), John Mercer (WA Farm Direct), Paul Neale (Mercer Mooney) and John Travers (Allied Farms Australia). The President thanked outgoing committee member Sebastian Galati for his contribution.

The AGM was well attended and the President provided the background to the years performance across a number of areas, highlighting the dividend income stream from the investment in Perth Markets Ltd, the considerable work done in association with Fresh Markets Australia on the new Horticulture Code, the record numbers in attendance at the Market City Ball and the achievement of tax exemption of the Chamber.

17 Nov 2017

2017 Market City Golf Day

The Market City Golf Day for 2017 was held on Friday 17th November at Glen Iris Golf Course with 17 teams participating for the Market City Classic Trophy.

This was the first golf day since Market City was purchased by an industry consortium from the government in 2016. A four ball ambrose event, the teams are competitive yet want to have fun. The event was sponsored by Perth Markets Ltd (the new owner of Market City), Toyota Materials Handling, Market West and Chep.

There were some great prizes on offer including a $30,000 forklift for a hole in one at the 12th hole, sponsored by Toyota Materials Handling. Other prizes were provided by Prosser Toyota, Market City Tavern, Kleenheat and Glen Iris.

Overall the winners were:

  • KGC Transport aka Golden Eagle 17
  • Quality Produce 2 aka Peas and Gravy
  • Aldi aka Albertruss Tomatoes

All in all a very successful day and we look forward to teeing up again with hopefully a few more teams next year to make it even more competitive.

01 Aug 2017

Fresh Produce Retailers compete for the 2017 Awards in Excellence

The 2017 Market City Retailer of the Year Awards were presented at the Market City Ball at the Crown Ballroom, Burswood on Friday evening 28th July.

This prestigious event has been running for 15 consecutive years and is an initiative of Market West and supported by Perth Markets Limited.

The awards are open to all retailers including independent retailers, small stores and supermarket chains.  Stores can nominate and compete in eight award categories.

Member Services Manager for Market West, Inci Humberstone said that this year’s pool of entries has been the largest in the award’s history.

“This year we have had 142 entries, with categories including independent metro and regional retailers all the way through to the national supermarkets. Each were independently judged by mystery shoppers assessed on criteria of quality, customer service, consumer information and shop presentation. This year we also introduced the Great Green Grocer of the Year award, recognizing excellence from within our independent retailer program members”.

The 2017 Market City Ball and Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year Awards night was a great success with a record 540 guests, representing a broad cross section of the horticulture supply chain including retailers, wholesalers, transport companies, growers and industry sponsors.

“The finalists are all outstanding retailers and through their commitment to excellent customer service and quality fresh produce, thoroughly deserve their recognition. Congratulations to all the winners” said Rod McPherson, CEO of Market West.

Winners of the 2017 Fresh Produce Retailer Awards are listed below.

WA Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year Award
Metropolitan Store
Napoli Mercato

WA Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year Award
Regional Store
Geraldton Fruit & Vegetable Supply

WA Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year Award
Best Small Store
BG’s Fruit & Veg Busselton

WA Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year Award
Best Fresh Produce Section within a National Supermarket – Metropolitan
Coles Fremantle

WA Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year Award
Best Fresh Produce Section within a National Supermarket – Regional
Woolworths Bunbury Plaza

WA Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year Award
Best Fresh Produce Section within an Independent Supermarket – Metropolitan
Woodvale IGA

WA Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year Award
Best Fresh Produce Section within an Independent Supermarket – Regional
Wonthella Supa IGA

Great Green Grocer Retailer of the Year 2017 Award
The Herdsman

Market West Meritorious Service Award 2017
Trish Skinner
President Market West, Vice Chairman, Perth Markets Limited, Director Fresh Markets Australia and General Manager Australian Produce Brokers

05 Jan 2017

FreshTest™ available in WA

We are pleased to inform you that we are re-launching FreshTest™ in WA.

FreshTest™ was developed by the wholesaling sector to reduce costs and co-ordinate the thousands of produce tests being conducted annually by the wholesalers for verification of their own food safety & QA systems.

The produce is sent to NATA Accredited laboratories for testing and the results sent back to FreshTest™ for distribution to the wholesalers and onto the growers. There is a system of investigation, corrective action and re-testing if a product returns an adverse detection.

Fresh Markets Australia (Australian Chamber) has negotiated very competitive pricing which we are able to pass on to our members and their growers, you can now save money and quickly and easily have your produce tested.

Pricing information for the most common tests along with further information on LORs and a test request form are available upon request.

If you have any questions or would like to send samples for testing please give me a call on 0416 276 437 or call our office on 9455 2742.

21 Nov 2016

Annual Charity Cherry Auction 2016

The Annual Market City Charity Cherry Auction was held on Friday 9th December and was very well attended with a record amount raised for the Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation.

There was a good atmosphere created generating a competitive bidding vibe.

Donations on the day on behalf of Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation totaled $107,959.70 with  Sam Napoli taking out the last box of cherries with a record bid of $55,000 crowning him the 2016 Cherry King.  Since the Cherry Auction began in 1992 the Market Community has raised just over $1,017,000.

Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation Ambassadors, Alexey and Clare also presented Frank Galati from the Galati Group with a plaque and photo collage in recognition of their past contributions of over $150,000.

An amazing combined total of $ 50,200 was raised for the first boxes by the following bidders;

John Ale, Tony Ale                                           $2,000

Shane Patching, SJ Fresh                               $2,500

Ahmad Birkawi, Mirrabooka Fresh              $4,000

Sam Napoli, Balcatta Fresh                           $4,200

John Ale, Tony Ale                                           $20,000

Rodney Dullard, Key Produce                       $4,000

Basil Gotsis, Fresh Provisions                       $4,000

Jordan Brindle, Canning Bridge IGA           $3,200

Nav Bhandari, Ranford Fresh                       $2,300

Shawn Offer, Fresh Provisions                     $2,000

Jannet Patching, SJ Fresh                             $2,000

Sam Napoli, Napoli Mercato                         $55,000

In addition, John Ale paid $1500 for a framed and signed West Coast Eagles AFL jumper and Tina Smith from Smiths who paid $250 for a Strawberry painting.

We also acknowledge Toyota Materials Handling for running the sausage sizzle and raising $815 in donations, WB Pit Stop for providing coffees and collecting $194.70 in donations, Peter Holmes our auctioneer, Richard Bloomfield for assisting and the Perth Markets Limited staff for providing their ongoing support for the event.

Thank you to our generous Market City community for supporting our charity partner, Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation, and we look forward to continuing the tradition next year.

21 Nov 2016

Annual General Meeting

Our first AGM as Market West was held on the 25th October, the meeting was very well attended and very positive. Trish Skinner was returned as President and Rick Smith as Vice President.  We also welcomed two new committee members, Sebastian Galati from the Galati Group and Lloyd Williams from Mr Mushroom.  We would like to thank retiring committee members Steve Nunn of Quality Produce and Kevin Hoey from Allstates for their contributions over past years.

The members were informed that as a result of the Chamber led successful Industry bid to buy Market City and the resulting shares issued to the Chamber have strengthened the balance sheet net asset position by 228%.

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21 Nov 2016

Great Green Grocer

With the change of ownership of Market City, full responsibility of the Great Green Grocer campaign is now with Market West. We have developed a media plan, including an attractive deal with 7 West Media (TV, Yahoo, social media etc.) and revamped the Television Commercials will again be on your screens from November. Important strategic partnerships have been developed with WA Stonefruit and WA Citrus promoting seasonal ‘hero’ fruits and the best ways to enjoy them. Also look for the ‘Buy West East Best’ branded produce when shopping at your local Great Green Grocer.

29 Jul 2016

Fresh Produce Retailers compete for the 2016 Awards in Excellence

The 2016 Market City Retailer of the Year Awards were presented during the Market City Ball at Crown Casino, Burswood on Friday evening.

This prestigious event has been running for 14 consecutive years and is an initiative of Market West and supported by Perth Markets Limited.

The awards are open to all retailers including independent retailers, and Small Stores and supermarket chains. There are seven award categories which stores can nominate and compete in.

Member Services Manager for Market West, Inci Humberstone said that this year’s pool of entries has been one of the largest in the award’s history.

“This year we have had 108 entries, with categories including independent metro and regional retailers all the way through to the national supermarkets. Each were independently judged by mystery shoppers assessed on criteria of quality, customer service, consumer information and shop presentation.”

The 2016 retailer awards night was a great success with almost 500 guests, representing a broad cross section of the horticulture supply chain including retailers, wholesalers, transport companies growers and industry sponsors.

“The finalists are all outstanding retailers and through their commitment to excellent customer service and fresh produce, thoroughly deserve their recognition. Congratulations to all the winners” said Rod McPherson, CEO of Market West.

Winners of the 2016 Fresh Produce Retailer Awards are listed below.

WA Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year Award
Metropolitan Store
Fresh Provisions – Mt Lawley

WA Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year Award
Regional Store
Bunbury Farmers Market

WA Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year Award
Best Small Store
Newy’s Vegie Patch

WA Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year Award
Best Fresh Produce Section within a National Supermarket – Metropolitan
Woolworths Karrinyup

WA Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year Award
Best Fresh Produce Section within a National Supermarket – Regional
Coles Eaton Fair

WA Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year Award
Best Fresh Produce Section within an Independent Supermarket – Metropolitan
Stirling IGA

WA Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year Award
Best Fresh Produce Section within an Independent Supermarket – Regional
Augusta IGA

Click here for the the gallery of photobooth images and photos of the night.