The Australian Chamber of Fruit & Vegetable Industries Limited
Contact: George Giameos
Address: Adelaide Produce Market, Burma Road, Pooraka, SA 5095
Phone: 08 8262 1122
Fax: 08 8349 7866
Mobile: 0423 131 403
Email: [email protected]
Current Details
- Membership is currently 40 members
- Annual Turnover is in excess of $500 Million per year
Services Provided
- Credit Service
- Bendigo Bank Agency
- Telstra Agency
- Produce Testing
- General Support and Advice to Members
The marketing of fresh fruit and vegetables in Adelaide commenced in 1861 with Mr Richard Vaughan selling from a trestle in the backyard of the Stag Hotel, situated on the corner of East Terrace and Rundle Street.
In the late 1860s, business had grown and additional area was required. Sales were then made off-the-road on East Terrace every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
More shops were erected and hawkers operated until they blocked the streets. The City Corporation ultimately banned this operation. Although an alternative site was provided in Grote Street in the western part of the City, there were no covered selling areas. Also as most of the growers were located on the eastern side of the City, they refused to patronise the new site.
Mr Vaughan finally secured the right to purchase frontage along East Terrace from North Terrace to Rundle Street. In 1871 he built sheds to provide shelter for sellers and buyers. Following this an Act was passed by the State Government to allow only one market to operate in Adelaide.
The expense of running the market became too great and Mr Vaughan sold out in 1872. Over the next few years the East End Market Co., later referred to as the “Old Market” was formed. Their first meeting was held on 16 February 1875 with Mr Vaughan as Managing Director.
As trading increased the need for additional shelter became critical and a Mr William Charlick secured frontage along East Terrace, continuing on from Rundle Street to Grenfell Street.
Mr Charlick attempted to negotiate with the East End Market Co. to incorporate his area with the existing market area. This approach was rejected by the Market Company and in 1903 after some negotiations with the City Council, Mr Charlick finally obtained approval to build.
Because of the previously mentioned Government Act, allowing only one market, the new area was called the Adelaide Fruit and Produce Exchange and later was referred to as the “New Market”. This new area, bordered by Rundle Street, East Terrace, Grenfell Street and Union Street was fully covered.
During the 1930s and 1940s there was a great influx of wholesalers into the market and consequently, in 1943, the South Australian Chamber of Fruit and Vegetable Industries was formed. Foundation Membership totaled thirty one members with a Council of fourteen. The Founding President being Mr LC Heading and the Secretary was Mr DL Sobels.
