AN independent grocery store owner has added a third "mango monarch" crown to his mantle after paying $40,000 at this year's Brisbane Markets Mango Auction.
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Owner of Megafresh stores in Carina and Chandler, Domenico Casagrande, punched through a fierce bidding war on October 5 at the Brisbane Markets to secure the crown.
He previously won the crown in 2018 and 2021.
"Everyone loves mangoes, and the whole Brisbane Markets comes alive for the start of mango season," Mr Casagrande said.
"But really, it's all about supporting the community. We all need to put our hands up to help when we can and there are a lot of Queenslanders doing it tough right now, so it's good to give back."
Proceeds from the 2023 Brisbane Markets Mango Auction benefit Redkite, which provides 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.
The 2023 Mango King hasn't ruled out another tilt at the title next year either.
"It's a great event to be a part of and our customers really get a kick out of it, so never say never," Mr Casagrande said.
The coveted tray of mangoes entered the event space in style, chauffeured in a yellow Maserati Ghibli Trofeo MC Edition by former Brisbane Broncos player, Matt Gillett.
He then took to the stage to compete in a mango-and-spoon race against federal agriculture minister, Murray Watt, and Queensland agricultural minister, Mark Furner.
A slate of other auction items and activities drove 2023's Mango Auction fundraising total to more than $64,000.
Brisbane Markets Limited chair, Anthony Kelly said he welcomed the support.
"The Mango Auction is an iconic event for the markets and for Queensland," Mr Kelly said.
"I am humbled by the generosity of the Brisbane Markets community in support of two very worthy charities who do a lot of good to help Queenslanders in need."
Wet weather and changing temperatures have delayed the start of this year's mango season, with supply predicted to surge after Christmas.
Australian Mangoes chief executive officer, Brett Kelly, said growers were expecting distribution levels to reach 200,000+ trays nationally by early October with Aussies expected to indulge in more than 150 million mangoes this season.
"That's plenty of mangoes for Aussies to slice, dice and devour this year," Mr Kelly said.
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