We chatted with Domenico Casagrande from Megafresh after being crowned the 2018 Brisbane Produce Market Annual Charity Mango King for his winning bid of $13,000 for the season’s symbolic first tray of mangoes.

What motivated you to bid on this season’s first tray of mangoes?

There was no intention to bid until the auction actually started. With all the hype of the mango auction I was urged to bid, and of course knowing the money getting donated to charity was always in the back of my mind.

What are you going to do with all of them?

The mangoes were on display at Carina Megafresh for a few days. Then we are plaining to eat them among our staff and family.

Tell about your stores in Carina and Chandler?

We are a local family business located on the south side of Brisbane. We pride ourselves on selling value for money fresh produce. Additionally, we offer a large range of quality continental grocery and old fashion service.

What’s your favourite fruit or vegetable?

My favourite fruit is definitely Kensington Pride Mangoes, and my second favourite are blueberries.

What’s your favourite dish right now?

My favourite dish right now is Korean BBQ, because my wife is Korean and so we often to have them at home.

What’s your favourite dish to cook at home?

BBQ steak with perfectly cooked roasted potatoes.

If you could only have one dish for the rest of your life, what is it?

Having Italian heritage we were always blessed with good food. But the one that stands out is homemade lasagna.

Who would you like to have a meal with?

President Donald Trump.

What’s your favourite under-appreciated fruit or vegetable?

Would have to be yellow squash. The colour and versatility of this vegetable is amazing.

Do you have any predictions for new food trends?

Over the past few years food trends tend to change, but I predict superfoods will continue to gain more popularity.

About the 2018 Mango Auction

Your Local Fruit Shop ambassador and NRL Legend Sam Thaiday was the special guest of this year’s annual Brisbane Produce Market Annual Charity Mango Auction, which raised over $20,000 in total for Diabetes Queensland and the MND & Me Foundation.

Newly crowned Mango King Domenico Casagrande said mangoes are a summer favourite of Megafresh, and the Annual Charity Mango Auction is the perfect way to give back to the community

Since 2002 the Brisbane Produce Market Annual Charity Mango Auction has donated just shy of $1million to charity thanks to the generous support of bidders and attendees each year.

For further information on the Brisbane Produce Market, visit https://brisbanemarkets.com.au/bpm/.