Premier Fruits Group is proud to be a sponsor of the Melbourne Market Authority's Schools Program.

The fantastic initiative run by the Melbourne Markets visits primary and secondary schools all over Melbourne and its surrounds each and every day of the schooling calendar, seeking to teach the benefits of healthy fresh produce in a bid to change eating habits.

The children and teenagers alike are given a lesson in various fruits and vegetables as well as the role of the Wholesale Markets. The kids then have a chance to sample all the produce which is a highlight for most.

Premier Fruits Group's contribution extends to Seedless Watermelon, Rockmelons and Capsicums. According to Marketing Manager David Fussell, "....the melons have been a runaway success and have enhanced the program."

Management at Premier Fruits Group congratulates the Market Authority on this very important initiative and looks forward to continuing as a valued sponsor and to play a role in re-educating the younger population in the importance of healthy eating.

Premier Fruits Group is pleased to be sponsoring Brothers Aston Villa F.C. located in Bundaberg, Queensland.

Premier Fruits Group aims to provide support to regional districts such as Bundaberg to ensure junior sport and health are promoted and receive as much small business support as possible.

Premier Farms Alloway Operations Manager, Mal Dunn whose son is Goalkeeper with Aston Villa F.C. says, "the kids are excited about the new Jerseys and really like the Premier Fruits Group and Rockstar Melon logos emblazoned on the front".

If you have any queries regarding the Premier fruits Group or wish to discuss community sponsorship feel free to call our National Office on (03) 9687 7725 or alternatively contact Mark Benvenuto at markb@premierfruits.com.au.

With planning & development stages now complete, production at Premier Farms new Gordon's Road Alloway farming & packing operation is well underway. This season's first Alloway crops include vegetable lines zucchini, capsicum, eggplant and fruit lines, rockmelon & honeydew.

Premier Farms Manager Edwin Tesch is clearly optimistic about the operation highlighting the following points:

• Water supplies at full capacity


• Seed varieties chosen for quality consistency


• Re-furbished modern 'onsite' packing facility, equipped for cold chain management, quality control, grading & packing.


• Farm Management & Quality Control aided by Agevo Farm Manager software systems, provide real time picking/packing information & full block traceability.


• Smart new branding appropriate for Premier Farms in developing an identity.

For more information regarding the new Premier Farms Alloway farming operation or to enquire about Premier Farms products, please call our National Office on 03 9687 7725 or email our National Sales Manager Dean Gall at dean@premierfruits.com.au.

Premier Fruits Group is pleased to announce it is now a PMA International Gold Circle member.

Gold Circle is a division of PMA (Produce Marketing Association) aimed at helping the fresh produce industry by conducting, communicating and educating critical food safety research.

For access to the PMA Gold Circle website to keep yourself informed on the industry visit http://www.pma.com/

The Premier Fruits Group Logo is now displayed on the PMA website as a Gold Circle member: http://www.pma.com/goldcircle/gc_logos.cfm

If you wish to discuss PMA/Gold circle or for all enquiries regarding Premier Fruits Group Products and services feel free to call our National Office on 03 9687 7725 or your local Premier Fruits Group representative.

Premier Fruits Group was most pleased to support the recent Australian Melon Conference held at Ipswich, Queensland to further promote the growth of the industry.

As part of the sponsorship, Premier Fruits Group announced branding initiatives aimed at growing the melon category. These initiatives include the "Rockstar melon" program. During the conference, Premier Fruits Group, National Sales Manager, Dean Gall had the opportunity to address conference delegates on the following key topics:

Premier Fruits Group Overview.
- Fully integrated national group of companies.
- The "Premier model" enables us to manage and balance the volatility of the lines we handle. Our aim is to add value through the supply chain.

Farming.
- Modern farming operations in prime NSW & QLD growing regions.
- Our working with seed companies on varietal development and agricultural science specialists on farming techniques and practices.

Marketing.
- Central market trading floors in major capital cities.
- Branding Initiatives such as "Rockstar" Melon Program.

Logistics.
- State-of-the-art warehousing & distribution centres around the country offering all trade partners logistical services, support and Q.A.
- The "Premier Model" provides our trade partners solutions right throughout the supply chain.

If you wish to discuss melon marketing with the Premier Team or learn more about these exciting initiatives please do not hesitate to contact Dean Gall our National Sales Manager on 03 9687 7725 or your local Premier Fruits Group representative.

Premier Fruits Group is pleased to announce the arrival of Rockstar Melon.

The Rockstar Melon range consists of quality Honeydew, Rockmelons and Seedless Watermelon all grown, harvested and packed in the distinctive Rockstar Packaging at the Premier Farms / Clear Lake Joint Venture Farming Operation in Whitton, NSW.

Through Premier Fruits Group’s network of business partnerships around Australia the new Rockstar branded melons are now available through the Australian central wholesale trading markets.

Premier Fruits Melbourne Sales Manager, Frank Di Pietro has been impressed with the Rockstar branded fruit saying, “Consistency is the key in regards to the Rockstar Melons. So far the fruit produced on our Whitton farms has been very good and that should continue. Our customers enjoy reliable quality.”

Whitton Farms Manager, Patrick Mancini is enthusiastic about the Rockstar Brand saying, “I really like it. It’s fun, innovative and fresh, a perfect compliment to our Melons & further disciplines our quality specifications.”

Plans are now underway for exciting marketing and promotional opportunities for consumers and to further promote the Rockstar Melon Brand. To express your interest in Rockstar Melons including supply and/or marketing opportunities, please contact the Premier Fruits Group National Office on (03) 9687 7725.

Fresh Choice W.A. is pleased to announce the completion of 5 new state-of-the-art banana rooms at its Perth Warehouse and Distribution Centre, further enhancing the company’s reputation as a leading fresh produce wholesaler and marketer.

The double-decker rooms feature temperature management capabilities such as high humidity, reversible airflow, co2 monitoring, tarp-less forced air cooling and an ethylene trickle system for the ripening of fruit.

According to Fresh Choice General Manager Mark Hobbs, “the new rooms will dramatically increase our company’s banana capacity as well as our customer/grower service capabilities. The technology is world class and the first of its kind in Australia”.

Premier Fruits Group CEO Anthony Di Pietro adds, “Fresh Choice is a model member company within the Premier Fruits Group. The increased value of Fresh Choice within the supply chain is demonstrated through continued growth in servicing capabilities and industry leadership”.

For enquiries regarding the new state-of-art banana rooms at Fresh Choice W.A. please contact Fresh Choice General Manager Mark Hobbs.

Premier Fruits and Fresh Choice are undertaking a major upgrade and expansion program of their Perth facilities.

The Canning Vale warehouse has recently been upgraded to meet the new business growth of the company and preparations are underway for a further expansion of the facilities.

New panelling for the interior of the warehouse has been installed to enhance the cold storage and temperature management systems, along with new racking in the cool rooms.

General Manager Mark Hobbs said the new facilities would enable to company to meet the unprecedented growth in the industry, and to provide customers with a further illustration of the company’s commitment to stringent quality control management systems

In line with the industry growth, the company will begin construction of five new state-of-the-art double-decker banana rooms.

“These rooms are the first of their type in Australia,” said Mr. Hobbs. “They are a further example of our focus on the future of the industry and to the needs of our growers and retailers.”

Planting of rockmelons at Premier Farms Whitton is now in full swing. With recent warm humid conditions in the region Premier Farms Whitton is experiencing an un-interrupted planting program.

Currently at the Premier Farms Whitton operation 151 acres of rockmelons have been planted, the first 40 acres of seedlings which are developing well. A further 130 acres has been set aside for Premier Farm’s honeydew and pumpkin crops with the combined production expected to commence at the end of December.

Management at Premier Farms Whitton are pleased to announce the completion of a major project in managing its water with a new submersible stainless steel bore pump. Whitton farms manager Patrick Mancini says, “Water management is a key issue now and in the future. The new pump will be carefully managed to ensure efficiency of water use throughout the season”.

Premier Fruits are bringing a “healthy smile” to the faces of children at the Royal Children’s Hospital every week.

It is donating cartons of fresh fruits & vegetables to the children in the Cancer Centre and for their visiting families as part of its community support program.

Premier Fruits C.E.O. Anthony Di Pietro said that the company was strongly committed to helping the RCH and the important role it plays in medical research and the health of young people.

“Fruit is an ideal way for us to play our role,” he said, “because it is not only something the children and parents look forward to receiving, but it is also providing health and nutritional benefits.

“If you look at it on a broader scale our program also means that our growers are also making a contribution to a very worthy cause because they are the one's growing the fruit.”

The company has been involved with the Royal Children’s Hospital for more than 12 months and the community program brings the highest quality fruits from Premier’s farms in Queensland and NSW.