On Thursday 12 December, Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) and Brismark hosted approximately 30 guests from the National Farmers Federation (NFF), Horticulture Council, and representatives from state and federal government agencies.
The day commenced at 6.30am with a tour of the Central Trading Area followed by a BBQ breakfast and coffee.
The group then met for briefings and presentations from the NFF, BML, Brismark and Fresh Markets Australia.
It was an opportunity to hear about the year’s challenges and achievements from each organisation, as well as discuss 2025 priorities. Representatives from the Federal Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Queensland Department of Primary Industries attended the sessions, gaining an industry perspective on key issues and concerns.
Andrew Young, BML Managing Director and CEO, and Brismark Chief Executive Officer, presented on significant business enhancements and site developments in 2024, with more in the pipeline for the coming year.
BML has invested in new buildings, site developments and infrastructure upgrades that will increase the Markets’ capacity and efficiency. Mr Young was also pleased to announce the successful launch of the Brisbane Markets Price Report app.
This app, developed by Brismark, is the first of its kind in Australia and provides users with price data and trends based on actual sales transactions from Brisbane Markets wholesalers. The Price Report was developed in response to calls from grower representative organisations, the Federal Government and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) around the need for more price transparency in the Central Markets.
Launching the Report ahead of the anticipated review of the Hort Code of Conduct in 2025 will assist in arguing against further changes to the Code that may seek to impose price transparency requirements.
This is particularly relevant given the ongoing ACCC Supermarkets Inquiry, which has already identified a lack of transparency and other areas of concern in supermarket dealings with fresh produce suppliers. The ACCC’s final report from the Inquiry is due in February 2025.
The day finished with a networking event at a nearby local venue, giving everyone the chance to socialise and celebrate end-of-year.
