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Donna Mercurio Crowned 2024 Cherry Queen as auction raises $100,000 for Brain Tumour Research SA

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 a premium of $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 have 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 a number of 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 to improving outcomes for brain tumour 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 positive impact for South Australians suffering with brain tumours.” 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 was $14.4M, with 1.3 million kilograms sold – a dramatic decrease from the 2022 sales figures of $21.5M and 2 millionkg sold. The Riverland season got underway early October , with Adelaide Hills cherries being picked mid November. Predictions are for good volumes of quality cherries during December & early January.

The growing season for cherries has been very favourable.  The dry cold Winter was conducive to strong flower set and fruit volumes on trees is 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. “I encourage every South Australian household to take the opportunity to purchase a box of locally grown South Australian cherries from their independent fruit and vegetable store to provide a bumper year for our growers in 2024.”

“Look for your local fruit and veg store displaying the Pick a Local Pick SA! sign to know that you are providing support to South Australian growers, wholesalers and retailers.”