The world’s wholesale markets will see how Australia does it when the World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM) Congress is held in Melbourne from October 23 to 27.
Melbourne will host the event for the first time, a fact made even more significant in that the event is rarely held outside of Europe.
The WUWM Congress is held every two years and attracts about 300 overseas and local delegates from the fresh produce industry.
The congress will see market operators from around the world explore the notion and impact of market modernisation.
The successful bid by the Melbourne Market Authority (MMA), Queen Victoria Market and Sydney Markets will put the new wholesale Melbourne Market at Epping and its infrastructure, on show.
The event will also be chance to show off the $250 million renewal of the iconic Queen Victoria Market, plus the Paddy’s Market and Flemington Markets.
MMA chairman, Peter Tuohey, said the markets are an important gateway for Australian grown produce.
“With globalisation and digitalisation, the landscape of wholesale and retail markets is changing. Markets around the world are looking to how they can maximise their relevance for their customers in the best possible way,” Mr Tuohey said.
Melbourne Mayor, Robert Doyle, event posted a special video welcome for delegates on YouTube.
With its special host partnership, this year’s congress has opened its doors to include retail market operators.
The event will host a strong line-up of local and international speakers exploring key issues including the changing retail landscape, infrastructure renewal or redevelopment, the digital revolution’s impact on the customer experience and customer expectations, sustainability challenges and solutions, as well as leadership through rapidly changing times.
The program can be viewed and downloaded here.
The congress will include technical visits to see the inner workings of the Melbourne Market and Queen Victoria Market.
Delegates are also able to spend the last day of the congress exploring Sydney’s Flemington (wholesale) and Paddy’s Market (retail), thus being immersed in the Australian market life.
- Visit www.wuwmcongress.org