A winning bid of $100,000 has crowned Donna Mercurio of Bache Bros 2024 Cherry Queen following this morning's cherry auction held at the South Australian Produce Market. The 5kg box of South Australian grown cherries came in at $20,000 per kg.
To celebrate the 2024 South Australian cherry season, South Australia's wholesale fruit and vegetable market community went head to head in an auction bidding war this morning in Pooraka to raise money for Brain Tumour Research SA.
Angelo Demasi, SA Produce Market (SAPM) CEO, said "It was an honour to see last year's Cherry Queen Christine Scalzi pass the crown to Donna Mercurio the 2024 Cherry Queen. The Market Community has made significant donations to charities, and we are delighted to have partnered this year with Brain Tumour Research SA who will receive 100% of the proceeds raised from the auction this morning."
The winning bidder, crowned the Cherry Queen, was supported by several sponsors including the South Australian Produce Market, the South Australian Chamber of Fruit and Veg, Ceravolo Orchards, and other silent parties who contributed to the final donation.
Brain Tumour Research SA's Chair Prof Stuart Pitson said the proceeds from the auction will make a real difference in improving outcomes for brain tumor patients in South Australia.
"We're delighted to partner with the SA Produce Market as their charity this year. We sincerely thank them and the generous bidders who will help Brain Tumour Research SA create a positive impact for South Australians suffering from brain tumors," said Prof Pitson.
The cherry industry faced a tough year in 2023 with weather incidents wiping out much of the local crops. Farmgate sales in 2023 were $14.4M, with 1.3 million kilograms sold – a dramatic decrease from the 2022 sales figures of $21.5M and 2 million sold. The Riverland season got underway in early October, with Adelaide Hills cherries being picked in mid-November.
Predictions are for good volumes of quality cherries during December & early January.
The growing season for cherries has been very favorable. The dry cold Winter was conducive to a strong flower set and fruit volumes on trees were good but not too heavy, meaning good numbers of cherries and excellent size. Recent sunny weather will improve the taste of cherries as it drives sugar levels in ripening fruit.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Clare Scriven, said "Here in South Australia we have outstanding produce, and buying local we enjoy the best and get to support our SA growers at the same time."
Pick a Local, Pick SA! Campaign Manager Penny Reidy encouraged South Aussies to get behind our local growers this year by purchasing in-season local cherries. "The 2023 season was a tragic loss for our growers here in SA." Ms Reidy said.
For more information:
Amy Taeuber
South Australian Produce Market
Tel: +61 0448 254 346
Email: [email protected]
www.saproducemarket.com