Perth Markets is celebrating a significant milestone this Tuesday, March 31, recognising ten years of supporting Western Australian growers, businesses, and communities as a privately operated company.
This anniversary marks a defining moment in Western Australia’s fresh food history. On 31 March 2016, the state’s fresh produce markets, Perth Markets, entered a new era when they were acquired from the Western Australian Government as part of its asset sales program. This shaped the future of WA’s fresh food; and since then, the 51-hectare site in Canning Vale has evolved into more than just a fresh produce market, it is now a leading force in the state’s fresh food supply chain and Perth’s premier cold-chain precinct.
Over the past decade, 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 WA’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. In turn, Aussie growers benefit from greater flexibility, and WA retailers and food service providers can source fresh produce just hours after it’s picked.
Chief Executive Officer, Scott Gibson, said 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 ten years, Perth Markets has transformed into a modern, efficient, and forward-thinking organisation that is focused on supporting an entire fresh produce ecosystem,” Mr Gibson said.
“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 ultimately privatised on March 31, 2016, marking the beginning of its current era of growth and investment.
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Media Contact: Natassja Pita, PMGL Marketing and Communications Officer – npita@perthmarket.com.au / (08) 9456 9211.
