THE symbolic first mango tray of the season sold for a record-breaking $76,000 at Brisbane Markets on Thursday.
Sam Coco, owner of Coco's Fresh Produce Market, was once again crowned Queensland's Mango King after he put up the highest-ever bid in the annual mango auction. The fundraising auction is now in its 15th year.
Mr Coco was the 'Mango King' from 1998 to 2001, and said he was "stoked" to win back the crown, and also to have the opportunity to donate to a worthy cause.
"There is no better opportunity than the Brisbane Market's mango auction for wholesalers and retail buyers to get together and donate what we can for two great charities," he said.
The $76,000 will be donated to children's charities Life Education Queensland and Redkite. About $120,000 was raised yesterday through the mango tray auction, various other auction items and a raffle.