Pomewest celebrates years of service - Mario Casotti
Pomewest Committee's farewell to Mario Casotti, thank you for your excellent service to the industry.
With a heavy heart, we announce Mario Casotti's resignation from the Agricultural Produce Commission's pome fruit subcommittee, Pomewest. For over 16 years, Mario has been an invaluable force in our industry, standing only to Harvey Giblett as one of our longest-serving members. His profound experience and expertise have significantly shaped our sector, leaving a lasting impact that will inspire future generations.
Mario was a key and integral member of the original Fruitwest (Pome, Citrus and Stonefruit) Committee when it transitioned from the WA Fruit Growers Association in 2009, following a restructuring that placed the industry under the guidance of the APC as a producers committee. Throughout his time serving the industry, he advocated for the importance of biosecurity in protecting our orchards against pests and diseases. He was supportive and instrumental in developing our celebrated quality program and passionately promoted and backed our local apple variety development. A forward thinker, Mario has invested heavily in the WA fruit industry and provided community infrastructure, employment, and quality fruit to consumers.
“A gentleman and true ambassador for the WA apple industry, we are grateful for your service ”
Mario manages the Casotti Group, one of the most prominent local private growers, packers, and wholesalers. As a third-generation orchardist, he oversees Karragullen Cool Storage (KCS), a wholly owned subsidiary responsible for distributing and selling all fruit the group produces. Founded by his father, Neil Casotti in 1962, KCS is a third-generation vertically integrated fruit growing, packing, transport, and sales company that Mario manages. The Casotti family began farming in the Karragullen area in 1921, with Neil’s father, Giovanni, starting to grow fruit for his restaurant in 1924. The property portfolio includes apple, pear, and stone fruit orchards in Donnybrook, Mullalyup, Balingup, and Manjimup, with packing sheds in Kirup and Karragullen. The diverse locations of the Group's orchards, combined with a reliable water supply, provide significant protection against climatic risks such as drought and contribute to product diversity.
For over 40 years, the Group has supplied quality fruit to Woolworths, Aldi, Canning Wholesale Markets, and several larger independent retailers.
On a personal note, Mario has been a mentor and a dear friend to me—a true character of the sector and a leader in this industry. A true champion and advocate, I am deeply grateful for the insights and experiences you've shared over the years. I speak for the committee, growers, stakeholders, and industry friends when I say we will truly miss your presence and vibrant banter around the committee table and our grower events. Please don’t be a stranger; you are always welcome back as our special guest. I eagerly anticipate celebrating your invaluable contributions with Sam at our upcoming grower dinners in early September.
Nardia Stacy - Executive Manager Pomewest
Mario is stepping down from the Committee alongside Sam Licciardello this month. Their replacement committee members and the change of guard will be announced in the coming weeks.
