Antoniadis of Agostino Group claims title after winning bid in South Australian Produce Market charity cherry auction for Variety SA
John Antoniadis of Agostino Group has been crowned the 2025 Cherry King after a winning bid of A$65,000 at the South Australian Produce Market charity auction on 26 November.
The annual cherry auction marks the start of the South Australian cherry season and raises money for Variety SA. The title of Cherry King/Queen is bestowed upon the winning bid, with this year’s 5kg box of South Australian-grown cherries coming in at a premium of $13,000 per kg.
“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 per cent of the proceeds raised from the auction this morning,” said Angelo Demasi, SA Produce Market (SAPM) CEO.
Antoniadis’ winning bid 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 South Australian 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,” said Paech.
The cherry industry represents approaching A$20mn of farmgate value (14 per cent of the national crop). Cherries from the Riverland commenced in late October, with early varieties in the Adelaide Hills being picked in late November. The industry expects 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,” said Reidy.
“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.”
