On March 31, Perth Market will reach a significant milestone – marking ten years of operation as a private company, supporting Western Australian growers, businesses, and community development. This moment not only signifies a historical point for the market itself but also bears witness to the reshaping of WA's fresh food supply chain landscape.
On March 31, 2016, as part of the state government's asset sale program, the Western Australian Fresh Produce Market – Perth Market – was acquired, entering an era of private operation. Since then, the 51-hectare site in Canning Vale has evolved from a traditional fresh produce trading venue into a dominant force in WA's fresh food supply chain and Perth's premier cold chain hub. Over the past decade, the private operational model has enabled continuous investment in infrastructure, technology, and sustainability.
In terms of infrastructure, the market has developed state-of-the-art cold storage warehouses, significantly enhancing the storage capacity and preservation quality of fresh produce. In the realm of sustainability, the market has installed Western Australia's largest rooftop solar array, powering its cold chain operations with clean energy and reducing its overall carbon footprint. These investments have not only strengthened the resilience of WA's supply chain but also provided the local agricultural sector with a more stable market outlet.
For wholesalers – many of whose families have operated at Perth Market for generations – the modernization brought by private operation has enabled them to adapt to a changing business environment and expand their business models. For Australian growers, improved market operational efficiency has brought greater sales flexibility. For WA's retailers and food service providers, they can source fresh ingredients within hours of harvest, significantly shortening the farm-to-table cycle.
Perth Market CEO Scott Gibson stated that this anniversary is an important juncture to reflect on the market's achievements and look to the future. He noted: "Over the past ten years, Perth Market has transformed into a modern, efficient, and forward-looking organization focused on supporting the entire fresh produce ecosystem. We are proud of the role we play every day in providing fresh, high-quality food to Western Australians, while also supporting our state's growers, fishermen, and meat producers."
The history of Perth Market dates back to 1897, when trading began at the corner of William and Wellington Streets. It has undergone several transformations since: the Metropolitan Markets Trust was established in 1926, it moved to West Perth in 1929, and relocated to Canning Vale in 1989. Following the establishment of the Perth Market Authority in 1990, the market was finally privatized on March 31, 2016, ushering in the current era of growth and investment. Emerging from over a century of history, Perth Market has completed its transformation from a traditional trading venue to a modern cold chain hub during its decade of private operation, becoming an indispensable piece of infrastructure for WA's fresh produce supply chain.
