HAVING dished out $20,000 for the symbolic first season tray of mangoes in Brisbane last month, an independent greengrocer has his eyes on becoming the permanent "Mango King".
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Sam Etri donned the crown for 2022 with his bid during the annual Brisbane Produce Market Mango Auction but has indicated he'll back it up again at the 2023 event.
The owner of Skippy's Fresh Frootz in Victoria Point said the annual event was the perfect way to give back to the community and support the worthy charities.
This year the money raised went to Redkite, an organisation providing practical, financial, and mental health support to families who have a child with cancer, and The Lady Musgrave Trust, which provides practical solutions that save lives and transition young women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to a life of opportunity and prosperity.
"Our store in Victoria Point does a lot to support charities, so we wanted to step up and support these worthwhile charities on a bigger scale," Mr Etri said.
"I enjoy helping and feeding people so if there's an opportunity to help, we jump at it and that's what we've done today with the mango auction.
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Mr Etri also owns Skippy's Farmhouse in Southport and will soon open another store, Skippy's Market Fresh in Rothwell.
Mr Etri said mangoes marked the beginning of summer and the holiday season.
"Mango season is a busy time of year in the fruit shops, a lot of people love their mangoes and it's exciting when they start appearing," he said.
"The flavour of mango is synonymous with summer, you just can't beat it."
Not content to sit on his laurels, Mr Etri is already planning a tilt at next year's symbolic first tray of mangoes.
"I am very happy to take the title of Mango King for the year, we'll definitely take advantage of the crown while we have it," he said.
"I'll also be along to the mango auction next year to try to keep the title in the Skippy's family and become the permanent Mango King."
Brisbane Markets Limited chair Anthony Kelly said that it was great to see the markets community gather to support the two charities who provide such valuable assistance to Queensland families.
"Mango season is a very special time in Queensland, signalling that summer is on its way, and our annual mango auction is the perfect way to celebrate," Mr Kelly said.
"We are delighted to have been able to raise close to $30,000 for Redkite and The Lady Musgrave Trust through the Mango Auction so they can continue to support families in the community."
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