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9/12/2020

2020 Cherry King Crowned as Auction Raises $31,000 for Childhood Cancer Association

2020 Cherry King Winner

A winning bid of $31,000 has crowned Anshu Patel, owner of Fulham Fresh and Fruit Lovers Market, 2020 Cherry King following this morning’s cherry auction held at the South Australian Produce Market.

2020 Cherry KingTo celebrate the 2020 South Australian cherry season, South Australia’s independent fruit and vegetable retailers went head to head in an auction bidding war this morning at the Pooraka wholesale markets to raise money for The Childhood Cancer Association.

2020 Cherry King Anshu Patel said “It was an honour to be crowned the Cherry King for 2020.  The money raised goes to a great cause and we are grateful to be able to contribute.”

Angelo Demasi, SA Produce Market CEO, said “We are delighted to have the annual cherry auction return to the Produce Market, the hub of South Australian produce, for the first time since 1996 and it was an honour to crown Anshu Patel the 2020 Cherry King.”

“The Market Community have made significant donations to charities supporting children with Cancer and we are delighted to have partnered this year with The Childhood Cancer Association who will receive a donation of 100% of the proceeds raised from the auction.

Cath O’Loughlin, Childhood Cancer Association CEO, said “We’re so grateful to receive this generous donation from Anshu Patel to support local families in need.”

“The Childhood Cancer Association provides vital support services to more than 400 children with cancer, and their families. This support includes accommodation for country families, educational support and professional counselling to help the whole family cope with a childhood cancer diagnosis.”

“To do this, we need to raise $1 million every year, and that’s a very big challenge, because we don’t receive any Government funding and rely solely on the generosity of the local community. It’s donations, like today’s, that make a big difference.”

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, David Basham MP, attended the event. “It was a pleasure to officially launch this year’s South Australian cherry season,” Minister Basham said.

“Cherries are now in good supply and I encourage everyone to support local producers in the lead up to Christmas, with every purchase continuing to support jobs and economic activity in South Australia.”

“Pleasingly the total farmgate value of South Australia’s 2019-20 cherry season was $19.8 million – an increase of 66 per cent from the year before.”

The SA cherry season commenced the beginning of November when small volumes started to appear at the South Australian Produce Market from the Riverland and then the Adelaide Hills.

Pick a Local, Pick SA! Campaign Manager Penny Reidy encouraged South Aussies to support growers by purchasing in season local cherries

“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 retailer this weekend.” Ms Reidy said.

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

2020 Cherry King SA