Brismark history

In the early years the Chamber Executive considered such matters as:

• the black marketing of produce and price fixing associated with government controlled marketing boards
• market trading hours
• the congestion of local roads
• the provision of credit

It supplemented its membership income by operating a selling floor and a shop.

1941 - The Queensland chamber of Fruit and Vegetable Industries Co-operative Limited was formally established following the Second World War, largely as a result of war related legislation.

1954 - The Chamber decided to employ a staff member to implement a credit control scheme. 

1957 - The Chamber agreed to begin registering buyers for credit purposes. 1957 also saw the first agreement of wholesalers to fund a fruit and vegetable advertising campaign in conjunction with COD. 

1958 - A Markets' Investigation Committee held the first discussions regarding the suitability of the markets and the possibility of relocation. The Queensland Chamber was heavily involved with the Markets' Investigation Committee as were producer organisations, the Brisbane City Council and the State Government.

1959 - There were tentative discussions regarding the formation of a "Finance Co." to administer credit in the market.   

1960 - The City of Brisbane Marketing Act 1960 was assented based on the recommendations of the Markets' Investigation Committee and included plans for a new Market.  The Chamber discussed the issue of growers selling directly to chain stores.

1961 - Wholesalers deducted advertising levies from grower returns. 

1962 - Discussions began supporting the idea of having a separate market award. 

1964 - The Chamber discussed issues of over supply, quality and prices and the industry trialled a minimum price for plums.  Also in 1964 the level of bad debts on wholesalers books was estimated at 100,000 pounds.  The first Credit Committee was formed.  Upon relocation to Rocklea the Chamber commenced the first unloading service. 

1973 - The Chamber proposed the tentative beginnings of a true Credit Service. 

1974 - There was a devastating Australia day Brisbane flood which at its peak left only the roofs of market buildings above water and resulted in trade halting for a short period.

1983 - The Bad Debt Fund (Reserve) was first proposed. 

1987 - The Chamber purchased the Service Station at the front of the markets. 

1988 - The Credit Service introduced an"Accelerated Payment Cycle" and the name "Brismark" was launched as was a new logo. By this date Brismark operated an Investment Service, Travel Service, Hardware store, and Stationery and Packaging Business. The Chamber developed the name Brismark as an abbreviated version of Brisbane Marketers.

1990 - Brismark developed the Education and Training Service, an Award Superannuation Fund, a Fidelity Bond Scheme and the Brisbane Market Award. 

1992 - Brismark established the Fresh Fest brand for fruit and vegetable retailers. 

1993 - Brismark sold the Packaging and Stationery business and the Travel Service and the Fresh Fest scheme finished. Landacq was incorporated to raise funds to acquire land for a new market. 

1994 - Brismark became the secretariat for the Australian Chamber. It also published a Fruit and Vegetable manual. 

1997 - Brismark developed the Growshield grower payment security scheme. 

1999 - Brismark completed a Quality Assurance program with 26 wholesalers. 

2000 - Brismark introduced the Code of Practice for Fruit and Vegetable Wholesalers. 

2002 - Brismark led the consortium that acquired the Brisbane Markets from the State Government. 

2003 - Credit Service throughput exceeded $500 million in the year. 

2004 - The Brismark logo was updated and debate on the mandatory code issue commenced. The Credit Service began work on the "On-line" project, connecting wholesalers and buyers to the Credit Service using a market intranet or the internet.

2005 - Brismark employed an Industry Liaison Officer to improve dialogue with other industry participants. It also worked with the market community to make a major contribution to the Red Cross Tsunami Appeal.

2006 - Brismark employed a Marketing and Communications Officer to focus on retail development and school based programs. It also worked with the market community to make a major contribution to the Cyclone Larry Appeal.

2006 - Brismark developed a Multi-Employer Collective Agreement to replace the Brisbane Market Award. It also launched the Brisbane Produce Market Staff Development Program.

Click here for more information on the history of the Brisbane Markets.