Category: News

A Better Choice – WA People’s Choice 2025 Awards Winners Announced Wednesday 30^th July 2025

Market West is proud to celebrate the outstanding winners of the A Better Choice – People’s Choice 2025 Awards, with the top three Western Australian retailers officially recognised on Wednesday 30th July 2025.

Part of the A Better Choice – Shop and Win campaign, this annual award gives everyday Australians the chance to show their support for their favourite independent fruit and veg shop. By simply nominating their store during the entry process, shoppers help crown the most loved retailers both nationally and state-wide.

This year, Growers Lane Subiaco took out first place in WA, with an overwhelming number of customer nominations. Their reputation for high-quality produce, exceptional service, and a strong connection with the local community clearly made a lasting impression on shoppers.

Second place went to Marion St Fresh and Gourmet, a local gem known for its diverse gourmet offering and personalised customer experience. Rounding out the top three was The New Benara Fresh Food Market, a beloved neighbourhood hub that continues to deliver freshness, value, and friendly service to its loyal customers.

The People’s Choice Awards are a powerful reminder of the essential role our independent retailers play in local communities. These stores aren’t just places to buy fruit and veg – they’re often the heart of a neighbourhood, run by passionate and hardworking small business owners who go above and beyond every day.

Congratulations to our WA winners and thank you to every customer who took the time to nominate their favourite store. Your votes don’t just crown winners – they help support a more vibrant, sustainable, and community-focused fresh food industry.

To all the stores who participated, and to the shoppers who support them, thank you for championing A Better Choice!

32nd Annual Cherry Auction Reaches Milestone $2 Million For Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation (PCHF)

The highly anticipated Perth Cherry Auction was held on Friday 13th December and saw fierce bidding among WA’s leading fruit and vegetable industry figures, as the first cherries of the season were sold for an eye-watering $85,000 – thankfully, it was all for a worthy cause.

Now in its 32nd year, the Cherry Auction, held at Perth Markets in Canning Vale, once again raised much-needed funds for Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation (PCHF).

The event saw Luciano Monte of Monte Farms launch a winning bid made possible through a collective effort from a nine-way partnership, including Tony Galati from Galati Group, EPT Produce, Grower Connect, Bogdanich Farms, Supafresh, Bullfrog International, Homestyle Salads.

Maddington & Canning Vale Toyota, Dianella Fresh, Direct Produce Distributors, Key Produce, Spudshed and Hampton Fruit Market snatched up the first six boxes of cherries.

Thanks to 17kg of fresh WA cherries donated by local growers from the state’s southwest, the auction raised an impressive $150,000 in total. For the 19^th consecutive year, Donnybrook’s Sweet Cherry Valley provided the coveted 5kg prize box.

Funds raised for PCHF will benefit the Rare Care Centre at PCH, which addresses the challenges faced by the 63,000 WA kids with rare and undiagnosed diseases through improved care pathways, family supports, system-level advocacy and research and innovation.

Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation CEO Carrick Robinson said: “The Cherry Auction serves as a fantastic way for our local market community to come together and provide much-needed funds to support PCHF and the vital work of the Rare Care Centre.

“Now in its 32^nd year, this iconic event highlights the generosity of WA’s market community, who continue to show unwavering support for kids with rare and undiagnosed conditions, like Mitchell and Savannah, ensuring they get the care and support they deserve.”

Market West Chief Executive Rod McPherson said: “Market West has a long and privileged association with the charity Cherry Auction for PCHF. The market community sees this event as a way of contributing back to the community and they continually front up for what they believe is a great and vital cause that is close to their hearts. The Cherry Auction has become part of the fabric of the markets and its’ people. Well done to everyone who generously put their hands in their pockets to help achieve another great result.”

This year’s stunning ceremonial box, containing the prized cherries, was crafted from she-oak by Phil Staniford of the Donnybrook Men’s Shed, and features a brass plaque generously donated by Trophies West.  The Toyota Materials Handling team kept everyone fed with their sausage sizzle that raised  $501 for the PCHF.

The Cherry Auction is proudly run and hosted by Market West and Perth Markets Group Limited, with support from the Cherry Growers Association.

The 2024 Perth Markets Ball and Origin Energy WA Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year and City of Canning Wholesaler of the Year Awards were celebrated at Crown Ballroom on Friday 20^th September.  After 22 consecutive years the awards continue to gain prestige and desirability among local fresh produce retailers. The awards are an initiative of Market West, for the first time this year supported by naming rights partner Origin Energy. The awards recognize eligible retailers who source high quality, fresh produce from the Perth central markets in Canning Vale.

Fresh Produce sourced from the Markets is a vital link in the agricultural supply chain and the industry remains a valuable contributor to the state’s economy. Quality fresh produce is a key component in the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle, particularly in the current environment against rising costs of living.

The 7 award categories cover local independent retailers, supermarket chains, both metropolitan and regional.  290 nominations were received and judged across all categories covering a range of stringent criteria .

The City of Canning Wholesaler of the Year was won by Quality Produce International in a very close result.

A near record 574 guests enjoyed premium food and beverages while the winners were announced. The celebrations included a vibrant ‘French’ theme as guests were welcomed by a live accordionist playing traditional French music, a mime and Marie Antoinette on stilts. Major entertainment featured can-can dancers, and world class illusionists Soul Mystique.

Winners of the Origin Energy 2024 Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year Awards are:

Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year

Tony Ale’s Fruit and Vegetable Market

Cockburn Central

Supported by the Commonwealth Bank

Regional Store
Jurien IGA

Supported by Vegetables WA and Carnarvon Growers Association

 ‘A Better Choice’ People’s Choice Award
Spudshed Midland

‘A Better Choice’ Retailer of the Year
Hill’s Fresh

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

Best Fresh Produce Section within a National Supermarket – Regional
Coles Busselton

Best Fresh Produce Section within an Independent Supermarket – Metropolitan
Subiaco Farmer Jacks

Best Fresh Produce Section within an Independent Supermarket – Regional
Rigters Supa IGA

City of Canning Wholesaler of the Year

Quality Produce International

The 2024 Perth Markets Golf Day was held on the Friday 12^th April at the picturesque Vines Resort Ellenbrook Course in the Swan Valley.

A total of 23 teams took part in the Team Ambrose format.

The total prizes up for grabs on the day totaled $51,000 thanks to our sponsors Perth Markets, Toyota Materials Handling, Canning Vale & Maddington Toyota, Market City Meats and Origin Energy, The Vines Resort and Market West.

Unfortunately, no one took out the hole in one prize on a tricky par 3 on the hole 4^th hole of the Lakes Course, a Toyota Workmate Utility valued at $46,000 sponsored by Maddington and Canning Vale Toyota.

Nett Winners – Quality Produce International

Best Gross – Paul Terzanidis Team

Market West would like to thank all of our sponsors and prize donors for helping to make the 2024 Perth Markets Golf Day a success.

If you would like photos from the day please contact Inci at the Market West Office on 9455 2742 or email inci@marketwest.com.au

First WA cherries of the season raise $120,000 for Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation at 2023 Cherry Auction

Perth’s annual charity Cherry Auction sparked a bidding war amongst the state’s fruit and vegie industry titans this morning, as the first cherries of the season went under the hammer for a good cause.

An iconic WA tradition now in its 31^st year, the Cherry Auction took place at Perth Markets in Canning Vale, with all proceeds from the event donated to Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation.

The 2023 Cherry Auction raised $120,000 with a total 21kg of cherries donated by cherry growers from WA’s South West. The 5kg prize box of cherries from Donnybrook’s Sweet Cherry Valley sold for a whopping $75,000.

Linh Truong of All States Farms was crowned the event’s first ever Cherry Queen, taking the crown from 2022 Cherry King, Frankie Galati, CEO of Galati Group.

The winning figure was achieved thanks to a six-way joint bid by All States Farms, Galati Group, Erceg Holdings, Karragullen Cool Storage, 4 Ways Fresh Produce and M & G Monte & Son. The stunning Ceremonial Box containing the prize cherries was this year made of marri and crafted by Phil Staniford from the Donnybrook Men’s Shed.

In 2023, funds raised for PCHF at the Cherry Auction will benefit the Rare Care Centre at PCH, which coordinates research and advanced diagnostic approaches for the 63,000 WA kids with rare and undiagnosed diseases.

This year’s Cherry Auction Ambassadors, Toby (9) and Ava (10) both live with a rare disease and receive the support through the Rare Care Centre. Toby has Cockayne syndrome, a degenerative DNA repair disorder that causes rapid ageing, while Ava has a mutation on the GNAS gene that affects her growth.

Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation CEO Carrick Robinson said: “The Cherry Auction is a great way for the market community to come together and show their support for WA’s sick kids. Now in its 31st year, the auction has collectively raised more than $1.8 million, all thanks to the generosity of our local fruit and vegie industry.

“Funds raised today for PCHF will go to the Rare Care Centre, which supports diagnosis, care coordination, clinical trials and research for WA kids with rare and undiagnosed diseases, helping more kids like Toby and Ava and their families to get the support they need and deserve.”

Newly crowned Cherry Queen, Linh Truong said: “It’s a really fantastic result that we got today. Last year we came in second, so we’re thrilled to take home the crown this year, thanks to the support of the wider market community. It’s beautiful to have an event out here in the market for a good cause, where everyone comes down to support the kids.”

Market West Chief Executive Rod McPherson said: “It’s fantastic to see our first ever Cherry Queen crowned. Market West is honoured to bring together our members for this event year on year. The market community really come to the fore at this time of year, they’re always willing to dig deep and put their hands in their pockets for the kids and this year was no exception. It’s a really, really good cause that is close to their hearts, so well done to everyone who helped to achieve today’s result.”

Last year’s 5kg prize box of cherries sold for $49,000, thanks to a joint bid from Galati Group and Fernbrook Fresh.

The Cherry Auction is run and hosted by Market West and Perth Markets Group Limited and supported by the Cherry Growers Association.

The 29th Charity Cherry Auction at the Perth Markets 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.

John Alessandrini – on behalf of his father Tony Alessandrini (Tony Ale) and the Alessandrini family – took out the title of Cherry King by purchasing a box of cherries for a generous $50,000. With a total of 12 boxes of cherries auctioned throughout the morning, the event raised $86,000 for Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation. In less than three decades the growers and produce community in WA has donated a staggering $1.5 million to the Foundation.

This humble Christmas tradition kicked off with the special arrival of the Foundation Christmas Ambassadors Imogen and Maddy who have both been treated by the Perth Children’s Hospital for cancer. This year’s donations will go towards the oncology department to help kids fighting cancer.

The Cherry Princesses entered the Central Trading Area in a cherry covered Toyota Landcruiser thanks to Canning Vale and Maddington Toyota. The cherries this year were donated by Sweet Cherry Valley Orchards, Cherry Lane Fields, J & C Russo, A Guadagnino, Licciardello and Karintha Orchards. The ceremonial jarrah box was made by Dick Gill and Simon Kapel from the Donnybrook Men’s shed.

As is always the case, 100% of proceeds directly benefit the Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation.

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.