Australian Central Market System still strong

 The ACCC's report following its six-month investigation into the retail grocery industry and the effectiveness of the Horticulture Code of Conduct has gone to the Federal Government and is now available for industry review.

More will be said about the review and the recommendations made over the coming weeks, once they have been scrutinised.

Brisbane Market turnover for the 2007/08 financial year, as assessed by the independent consulting firm, Market Information Services, has achieved a new record figure of $1.067 billion, up by 5.5% on last year's record figure.

This followed a strong start to the financial year with firm prices across most lines of produce.

However, increasing supply volumes and tightening economic conditions in the second half of the financial year saw an easing in demand and declining prices.

The throughput volume reported by Market Information Services of 574,938 tonnes was up by 3.2% on the previous year. While this shows strong growth, throughput tonnages remain under previous record figures achieved prior to the impacts of citrus canker, Cyclone Larry and the recent droughts.

The ongoing strong performance of Australia’s Central Markets remains a vital part of the industry in providing a clearing house for production volumes and a mechanism for matching supply and demand.

The economic slow-down and rising costs will having an ongoing impact on the fruit and vegetable industry with both the growing and wholesaling sectors fighting to contain costs.

Both State and Federal governments need to ensure they can do all they can to remove unnecessary red tape that adds costs to small business in all sectors of the industry.