The Melbourne Market community came together for the seventh annual Fresh State Gala Ball recently.
This year was the first at the Peninsula, Central Pier, Docklands and the new venue was well received with a record attendance.
Fresh State president Shane Schnitzler was thrilled with the outcome which coincided with not only the one year anniversary of the new market opening in Epping, but also the 110th year that Fresh State has been in operation.
“This event grows every year and now with a bigger venue we can cater for the demand as well as continue to acknowledge the successes of wholesalers and the entire market community” Mr Schnitzler said.
“Fresh State remains to this day just as vital to the industry as it was 110 years ago in representing wholesalers and the market community and we are very proud of the strong organisation it has become and the outcomes achieved.
“A highlight of the night was the launch of the Fresh State video which sums up Fresh State’s impact on the industry and can be viewed here .”
A number of wholesalers were acknowledged on the night including the Fresh State Business of the Year awarded to Prestige Produce; Fresh State Personality of the Year awarded to Chris Mertikas from Louis Melbourne, and the popular Young Marketeer of the Year won by Jason Cugnetto also from Louis Melbourne.
Mr Cugnetto now packs his bags to attend Fresh Summit in 2017 in the USA as part of his prize.
The This is your Life presentation was awarded to Tony Siciliano from VFS Produce.