26/11/2025
John Antoniadis of Agostino Group Crowned South Australia’s 2025 Cherry King
John Antoniadis Crowned 2025 Cherry King/Queen as auction raises $65,000 for Variety SA
A winning bid of $65,000 has crowned John Antioniadis of Agostino Group 2025 Cherry King/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 $13,000 per kg!
To celebrate the 2025 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 Variety SA.
Angelo Demasi, SA Produce Market (SAPM) CEO, said “It was an honour to see last year’s Cherry Queen Donna Mecurio pass the crown to John Antoniadis the 2025 Cherry King. The Market Community have made significant donations to charities, and we are delighted to have partnered this year with Variety SA who will receive 100% of the proceeds raised from the auction this morning.”
The winning bidder, crowned the Cherry King, was supported by a number of sponsors including the South Australian Produce Market, Ceravolo Orchards, The Muscle Car Colleciton, Adelaide Image, Collins Transport, Romeo Foundation, Fruitarama, Radio Italiana 531, Josie’s Café and William Buck who contributed to the final donation and purchase of the box of Riverland grown Cotsaris Cherries.
Variety SA Chair, Sally Paech, said the proceeds from the auction will make a meaningful impact on children in need across South Australia.
“We’re thrilled to be the charity partner of the SA Produce Market this year and deeply grateful to both the Market and the generous bidders. Their support will help Variety SA continue to empower children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with disability to thrive.”
The cherry industry represents approaching $20 million of Farmgate value ( 14% of the national crop).Cherries from the Riverland commenced in late October , with early varieties in the Adelaide Hills being picked late November we expect strong supply from mid December through January. Predictions are for good volumes of quality cherries during December and continuing as Summer treats beyond Christmas into mid January.
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.
“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 2025.”
“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.”
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For further information, and video footage or still photos from the auction please contact Hula Media
Amy Taeuber Sophie Taeuber
Director Director
0448 254 346 0418 697 351
