The season’s best box of cherries goes under the hammer on Saturday 28 November to raise money for charity
A box of the season’s “best-tasting” cherries is set to go under the hammer at the 45th annual Sydney Markets Foundation Cherry Auction on Saturday 28 November 2026. For the third year running, proceeds will support charity partner Little Wings, as rising fuel costs put pressure on its ability to fly seriously ill children to medical care.
Since the tradition began in 1982, the annual Cherry Auction has raised more than A$2.25mn for Australian charities. In 2026, Sydney Markets Foundation will continue to support Little Wings, which provides free, safe and professional air and ground transport for seriously ill children in regional and remote areas of New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, Northern Territory, Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia.
With fuel costs climbing, Little Wings is finding it harder to fund its transfers. The cost of each mission has risen by up to 47 per cent in Bankstown and Archerfield, and up to 67 per cent in regional locations, since 2024. Funds raised and donated through this year’s auction will help keep Little Wings flying for the families who rely on this to receive life-saving medical care.
“Rising fuel prices have made every flight harder to fund, but behind every mission is a seriously ill child who needs to get to specialist care. For many regional families, a flight is the only practical way to get there. The funds raised at this year’s Cherry Auction will help keep our planes in the air, so those children can get the care they need, no matter the distance,” said Little Wings CEO Clare Pearson.
Funds from the 2024 and 2025 Cherry Ball auctions have enabled the completion of 286 Little Wings missions across the country.
Last year’s auction delivered its best result to date, raising a record-breaking $260,000, with businesses Parisi and Trims Fresh Merrylands named joint Cherry King and Queen for the first time in the event’s history.
The winning 5kg box of Royal Hazel Premium cherries was grown in the Warby Ranges of North East Victoria by Smiths Fruit, Wangaratta. It was the second year running the grower’s cherries took the top spot.
Hosted by James Tobin, the Cherry Ball has long marked the unofficial start of the stone fruit season, bringing together growers, wholesalers and retailers from across Australia’s independent fresh produce industry for a night of entertainment, fundraising and the crowning of a new Cherry King or Queen.
“Last year’s record result showed what’s possible when the Markets community comes together and digs deep to create a positive impact. Every dollar raised from the Cherry Auction has made a monumental impact for Little Wings, and we’re proud to stand behind them for a third year and help them continue their critical work,” said Meegan George, CEO of Sydney Markets Foundation.
“45 years on, the Cherry Auction is still one of the moments our market floor looks forward to most. It started with traders at Sydney Markets bidding on the season’s first cherries, and today that box carries the pride of everyone who grows, sells and buys fresh produce here. Each year our industry rallies behind it, and we’re proud to support Little Wings and the seriously ill children who rely on them,” said Anthony Boyd, CEO of Sydney Markets.
Tickets to the event can be purchased from the Sydney Markets Foundation website.
