Market success

South Melbourne Market has continued to grow and gain popularity, according to its latest annual report.

The market, which has operated since 1867, had an increase of 8.5 per cent in visitation over 2018-2019 compared to the previous year.

A total number of 5,567,704 visitors shopped, ate, and browsed the market - a popular attraction for greater Melburnians, local residents and tourists alike.

A large majority of City of Port Phillip residents visit the market – 76 per cent according to the report. An even larger majority, at 87 per cent, thought the market was “a benefit to the community.”

The report also encapsulated the environmental and social responsibilities the market has embraced in recent years.

The market has diverted 256 tonnes of fresh produce from landfill, donated 22.8 tonnes of fresh produce to those in need, and given a complimentary meal to 547 vulnerable community members.

Over 2400 people also participated in the market’s Neff Market Kitchen cooking school.

Free public wi-fi and a number of new stalls were also added over the year, as well as a new HTPE milk bottle recycling program and the Say No to Straws campaign.