Perth Markets is celebrating a significant milestone this coming Tuesday (31 March), recognising 10 years of supporting Western Australian growers, businesses, and communities as a privately operated company.

On 31 March 2016, the state’s fresh produce market entered a new era when it was acquired from the Western Australian government as part of its asset sales program.

Since then, the 51ha site in Canning Vale has evolved into a “leading force” in the state’s fresh food supply chain and Perth’s premier cold-chain precinct.

Over the past decade, the organisation says private operation has enabled sustained investment in infrastructure, technology, and sustainability. This includes the development of “state-of-the-art” cold-chain warehouses and the installation of the state’s “largest” rooftop solar array.

“These changes have strengthened Western Australia’s supply chain and supported local agriculture, all while helping wholesalers – many of whom have operated at Perth Markets for generations –grow and adapt their businesses,” says the market.

“In turn, Aussie growers benefit from greater flexibility, and Western Australian retailers and foodservice providers can source fresh produce just hours after it’s picked.”

Perth Markets Group Limited CEO Scott Gibson says the anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the markets’ achievements and look ahead to the future set-out in its recent 20-Year Site Masterplan.

“Over the past 10 years, Perth Markets has transformed into a modern, efficient, and forward-thinking organisation that is focused on supporting an entire fresh produce ecosystem,” he says.

“We are proud of the role we play in delivering fresh, high-quality food to Western Australians every day, while also supporting our state-wide growers, fisherman and meat producers.”

Perth Markets’ history dates back to 1897, when trading began on the corner of William and Wellington Streets. Since then, it has undergone several transformations, including the establishment of the Metropolitan Market Trust in 1926, a move to West Perth in 1929, and relocation to Canning Vale in 1989.

Following the creation of the Perth Market Authority in the 1990s, the markets were privatised on 31 March 2016, marking the beginning of its current era of growth and investment.