A box of the “best tasting” cherries of the season is set to go under the hammer at the 45th annual Sydney Markets Foundation Cherry Auction on 28 November.
For the third year running, proceeds will support charity partner Little Wings, as rising fuel costs put pressure on its ability to fly seriously ill children to medical care.
Since the tradition began in 1982, the annual Cherry Auction has raised more than $2.25 million for Australian charities. In 2026, Sydney Markets Foundation will continue to support Little Wings, which provides free, safe and professional air and ground transport for seriously ill children in regional and remote areas of NSW, the ACT, Queensland, the Northern Territory, Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia.
With fuel costs climbing, Little Wings is finding it harder to fund its transfers. The cost of each mission has risen by up to 47% in Bankstown and Archerfield, and up to 67% in regional locations, since 2024. Funds raised and donated through this year’s auction will help keep Little Wings flying for the families who rely on this to receive life-saving medical care.
Funds from the 2024 and 2025 Cherry Ball auctions have enabled the completion of 286 Little Wings missions across the country.
A record-breaking year
Last year’s auction delivered its best result to date, raising a record-breaking $260,000, with businesses Parisi and Trims Fresh Merrylands named joint Cherry King and Queen for the first time in the event’s history.
The winning 5kg box of Royal Hazel Premium cherries was grown in the Warby Ranges of North East Victoria by Smiths Fruit, Wangaratta. It was the second year running the grower’s cherries took the top spot.
Sydney Markets Foundation CEO Meegan George says last year’s record result shows what’s possible when the markets community comes together and digs deep to create a positive impact.
“Every dollar raised from the Cherry Auction has made a monumental impact for Little Wings, and we’re proud to stand behind them for a third year and help them continue their critical work,” she says.
A ‘monumental’ impact
The Cherry Ball has long marked the unofficial start of the stone fruit season, bringing together growers, wholesalers and retailers from across Australia’s independent fresh produce industry for a night of entertainment, fundraising and the crowning of a new Cherry King or Queen.
Sydney Markets CEO Anthony Boyd says, 45 years on, the Cherry Auction is still one of the moments the market floor looks forward to most.
“It started with traders at Sydney Markets bidding on the season’s first cherries, and today that box carries the pride of everyone who grows, sells and buys fresh produce here,” he says.
“Each year our industry rallies behind it, and we’re proud to support Little Wings and the seriously ill children who rely on them.”
Presented by Freshmark, the 2026 Cherry Ball is supported by its partner Sydney Markets, gold sponsor Toyota Material Handling Australia, industry partner Cherry Growers Australia and bronze sponsor Perfection Fresh.
Tickets to the 2026 Cherry Ball are available here.
