A winning bid of $65,000 at the South Australian Produce Market's annual cherry auction has named John Antoniadis of Agostino Group the 2025 Cherry King. The 5 kg box of South Australian cherries was sold at the equivalent of $13,000 per kilogram. The event, held in Pooraka, marked the start of the 2025 South Australian cherry season, with proceeds directed to Variety SA.
SA Produce Market CEO Angelo Demasi noted the handover of the title from the previous Cherry Queen, Donna Mecurio, and said the market community continues to raise funds for local charities.
© The South Australian Produce Market
The winning bid was supported by several contributing organisations, including the South Australian Produce Market, Ceravolo Orchards, The Muscle Car Collection, Adelaide Image, Collins Transport, Romeo Foundation, Fruitarama, Radio Italiana 531, Josie's Café, and William Buck. The purchased cherries were Riverland-grown Cotsaris Cherries.
Variety SA Chair Sally Paech said the donation will be used to support children across South Australia who are sick, experiencing disadvantage, or living with disability.
South Australia's cherry industry has an estimated farmgate value approaching $20 million, representing about 14 percent of the national crop. Harvest in the Riverland began in late October, with early Adelaide Hills varieties picked from late November. Supply is expected to be steady from mid-December into January, with volumes forecast to remain available through mid-January.
Pick a Local, Pick SA! campaign manager Penny Reidy encouraged consumers to purchase locally grown cherries from independent fruit and vegetable retailers during the season.
© The South Australian Produce Market For more information:
Amy Taeuber
South Australian Produce Market
Tel: +61 (0) 8 8349 4493
Email: [email protected]
www.saproducemarket.com.au
