MELBOURNE Markets worker Joe Manariti will fly to America after winning the Fresh State Awards' Young Marketeer of the Year Award last month.
Mr Manariti works for the Premier Fruits Group. His prize includes an all expenses paid trip to the 2016 Fresh Summit conference in the United States.
The prize was provided by Fresh State as part of its commitment to encouraging young people in the industry to reach their full potential.
“It was a privilege to win the Fresh State Young Marketeer of the Year,” Mr Manariti said.
“I have always wanted to go to Fresh Summit and am looking forward to the experience. Bring on 2016."
Adding to the glisten of the win was the Premier Fruits Group also picking up the Wholesale Business of the Year title.
Bean wholesaler Ross Ferrinda from Ferrinda Fresh was awarded the Fresh State Market Personality of the Year, while Peter Silk was honoured with the "This is Your Life" tribute.
Mr Ferrinda, who is affectionately known at the market as "Mr Bean", said the award was a surprise.
“I was pretty shocked to receive this,” he said.
“When you’re the boss, you are sailing the ship and you don’t expect a pat on the back. It feels good to be recognised by my peers and Fresh State.”
The awards were one of the highlights to the Fresh State Ball held on a balmy evening at Melbourne Park Lake.
The event also saw the handover of $22,000 each to both the Very Special Kids and the 20th Man Youth Fund organisations as part of the Market on the Move charity fundraiser.
