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The 2021 Perth Markets Ball and WA Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year Awards were celebrated at Crown Ballroom on Friday 8^th October.  After 19 consecutive years the awards continue to gain stature and have become increasingly desirable among fresh produce retailers. The awards are an initiative of Market West, supported by naming rights partner Perth Markets Group Limited for eligible retailers who source high quality fresh produce from the Perth central markets in Canning Vale.

WA Fresh Produce sourced from the Markets is vital link in the agricultural supply chain. The industry remains a valuable contributor to the states economy, providing diverse, high levels of employment across a range of stakeholders in the industry. Fresh produce is a key component in the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle, particularly in the current social environment as the community continues to encounter an unprecedented health threat.

The awards are open to all retailers including independent retailers, small stores and supermarket chains, both metropolitan and regional.  240 nominations were received and judged in 8 categories across a range of stringent criteria.

A record 585 guests enjoyed a premium 3 course meal while the winners were announced. The celebrations included a vibrant ‘Carnaval’ theme with Latin dancers and thrilling acrobats keeping the crowd energised.

Winners of the 2021 Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year Awards are:

Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year (Overall Winner)
Mr Fresh Carine

Regional Store
Western Growers Fresh

Best Small Store
IGA Cunderdin

‘A Better Choice’ Retailer of the Year
The Floreat Market

Best Fresh Produce Section within a National Supermarket – Metropolitan
Coles – Bassendean

Best Fresh Produce Section within a National Supermarket – Regional
Woolworths – Eaton Fair

Best Fresh Produce Section within an Independent Supermarket – Metropolitan
IGA Maylands

Best Fresh Produce Section within an Independent Supermarket – Regional
Dongara IGA

The 2020 Perth Markets Ball and WA Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year Awards were celebrated at Optus Stadium in the River View Room on Friday 27^th November.  This prestigious event has been running for 18 consecutive years and is an initiative of Market West, supported by naming rights partner Perth Markets Group Limited for eligible retailers who source their fresh produce form the central markets in Canning Vale. The Honourable Alannah MacTiernan MLC, in her capacity of Minister for Agriculture and Food attended for the first time, presenting one of the awards.

The WA Fresh Produce Industry is a key component in the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle, particularly this year as the community navigates an unprecedented health threat. Industry stakeholders joined together to recognize their peers and the vital role they play in keeping the community healthy, the fresh produce supply chain and the broader WA agricultural economy.

The awards are open to all retailers including independent retailers, small stores and supermarket chains, regional and metropolitan.  250 nominations were received and judged in 8 categories across a range of stringent criteria.

Almost 550 people enjoyed a sumptuous 3 course meal while the winners were announced. The celebrations included entertainment provided by Australia’s Comedy Hypnotist, Matt Hale. Iconic Australian Band 1927 played all their hits and the night concluded with Flyte keeping everyone on the dance floor.

Winners of the 2020 Fresh Produce Retailer of the Awards are:

Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year (Overall Winner)
Fresh Provisions Bicton

Regional Store
Kulin IGA

Best Small Store
BG’s Farmstand

‘A Better Choice’ Retailer of the Year
The Herdsman

Best Fresh Produce Section within a National Supermarket – Metropolitan
Woolworths Harrisdale

Best Fresh Produce Section within a National Supermarket – Regional
Coles Eaton Fair

Best Fresh Produce Section within an Independent Supermarket – Metropolitan
Taylor Road IGA

Best Fresh Produce Section within an Independent Supermarket – Regional
Boddington IGA

 View our photo gallery of the night

The 27th annual Market City Charity Cherry Auction held Friday morning saw heated competition between Perth’s highest-profile fresh produce retailers, who bid against one another for the title of Cherry King or Queen in support of Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Tony Galati of Galati Group, John Ale of Tony Ale and Co and Fred Fairthorne of Farmer Jack’s collectively took the title of Cherry King by purchasing a box of cherries for a record-breaking

$110,000. This winning bid matches the 2010 national record held by Sydney Markets, bringing the total raised for the day to $131,000. In less than three decades the growers and produce community in WA has donated a staggering $1.3 million to the Foundation.

“There is nothing more important than the health of kids. We’re expecting our first, so it’s more important to us now than ever before,” remarked John Ale.

Funds raised from this year’s auction will support the development of specialised paediatric vaccines at the Paediatric Systems Biology Centre. A one-shot flu vaccine could be available in as little as two years. This means children born after 2021 will possibly never have to experience the flu. The experts are already here and, with adequate funding, there is no reason this vision could not be achieved.

This humble Christmas tradition kicked off with the special arrival of the Foundation Christmas ambassadors and Perth Children’s Hospital cardiology patients, Cherry Prince Malin and Cherry Princess Freya. They entered the central trading area in a Cherry covered Toyota Hilux thanks to Maddington and Canning Vale Toyota. The crew from Toyota Material Handling manned a sausage sizzle.

Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation CEO Carrick Robinson said funds raised from the Cherry Auction have, and continue to, play a large part in funding specialist medical equipment, expertise, research and positive patient experiences, thanks to the ongoing support of Market West on behalf of their Members, the Perth Markets Group Limited and the Cherry Growers’ Association of WA.

“With this year’s Cherry Auction again raising an incredible amount for the Foundation, we are extremely grateful to WA’s fresh produce wholesalers and retailers for their continued generous support. The difference that can be made by purchasing a box of cherries is immense,” added Mr Robinson.

The 2019 Market City Golf Classic was held on Friday 15^th November at the Secret Harbour Golf Links with 15 teams participating on the day. Fortunately the sea breeze set in after a hot day was forecast. A great day was had by all with some excellent scores recorded. Thanks to our sponsors and prize donor’s fantastic prizes were collected by the winning teams. Unfortunately no one took out the hole in one prize at the 12^th Hole – a Toyota Hiace Van valued at $46,500 sponsored by Maddington and Canning Vale Toyota.

Winners

Nett Winners – ITC Industries

Best Gross – Perth Markets Limited

Nett Runners up – Quality Produce # 2

Nearest to Pin on the 5^th – Davin Harris playing for In2Food

Nearest to Pin on the 12^th – Joe Goncalves playing for Key Produce

Ladies Longest Drive – Rhonda Moore playing for SJ Fresh

Men’s Longest Drive – Joe Macri playing for Key Produce

Market West would like to thank all of the sponsors and prize donors for helping to make the 2019 Market City Golf Classic a success and we look forward to seeing everyone back next year.

If you would like photos from the day please contact Michelle at the Market West office on 9455 2742 or email admin@marketwest.com.au

The Market City Toyota Forklift Challenge was held on Friday September 20 2019.