An 18-year-old has been crowned 2020 Cherry King, after bidding $31k for 5kg cherry box

This year’s Cherry King paid $31,000 for a 5kg box of cherries. It’s for a worthy cause.

2020 Cherry King Anshu Patel from Fulham Fresh & Fruit Lovers Market with his $31,000 box of cherries. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

‘Tis a bounty fit for a king – a 5kg box of ruby red cherries to mark the start of the festive fruit’s season.

Anshu Patel of Fulham Fresh and Fruit Lover’s Market was yesterday crowned 2020 Cherry King thanks to his successfully sweet $31,000 bid at Market Fresh SA’s annual cherry auction. That’s about $68 per cherry.

All money is donated to the Childhood Cancer Association.

It was the first auction experience for the 18-year-old, who runs the suburban fruit shop with his father, Ashwin. “We didn’t really expect to win it,” says Anshu, who was among 20 retailers and producers in the friendly bidding war at SA Produce Market.

“I was definitely nervous but it was a great experience. It’s a great way to kick start the cherry season and the Childhood Cancer Association is a great cause.”

The Patels won’t be selling the cherries; rather, they’re taking them home to share with family. And while Pick a Local, Pick SA! ambassador and cook Callum Hann was at the auction to demonstrate how to prepare a dish with cherries, King Patel said, “I’m just going to eat them straight up!”

South Australia’s cherry season lasts until the end of January. Pick a Local, Pick SA! campaign manager Penny Reidy encouraged shoppers to support local producers by buying local cherries from independent fruit retailers.