Award-winning gourmet supermarket Panetta Mercato will support the next generation of Sharks stars as major sponsor of the club's pathways squads for 2026 and 2027.
A cornerstone of the Sutherland Shire with stores in Woolooware Bay Central and Kirrawee South Village, Panetta Mercato is now the front-of-jersey partner for all five Sharks pathways teams after taking the baton from long-time sponsor John Ryan Freight Management.
The Italian grocer is a one-stop shop for top-quality products, specialising in fresh fruit and vegetables, deli items, baked goods and a large range of local and imported cheese.
Panetta Mercato's logo will be proudly worn by Cronulla's Harold Matthews, SG Ball, Lisa Fiaola, Tarsha Gale, Jersey Flegg and NSW Women's Premiership teams.
All pathways squads except the Jersey Flegg and NSW Women's Premiership sides have commenced training in preparation for their 2026 Junior Representative campaigns, kitted out in sleek new gear featuring Panetta Mercato's distinctive branding.
Kylie Lucas, Sharks General Manager – Partnerships & Hospitality, heralded the start of a strong union with Panetta Mercato while paying tribute to John Ryan Freight Management.
"We're delighted to welcome Panetta Mercato into our Sharks family as we look to build on the sustained success of our pathways program," Lucas said.
"Last year, all but one of our pathways teams reached the finals and our NSW Women's Premiership side went all the way, highlighting our strength as a development club.
"It's through the generous support of partners like Panetta Mercato that we're able to invest so heavily in our pathways and ensure the club's future is always bright.
"A huge thanks is owed to Sue Ryan and the team from John Ryan Freight Management, who have been our major sponsor since 2020 and contributed so much to the club."
Operating since 1999, Panetta Mercato is proudly family owned and operated.
Aside from its thriving stores at Kirrawee and Woolooware Bay, the multi-award-winning business is also established at Marrickville Metro, Macquarie Centre, Grove Square - The Hills, MarketPlace Leichhardt and Oran Park Podium.
Jasmine Scali, Dean Scali and Nick Basile, owners and operators of Panetta Mercato, said: "Panetta Mercato is proud and excited to be associated with the Sharks and to be supporting the next generation of Shark stars."
About Panetta Mercato
Panetta Mercato is family owned and has been operating since 1999.
Panetta takes pride in sourcing for its customers an extensive range of high-quality food products, including fresh fruit and vegetables, cold meats, cheese and other deli items, fresh fish, quality meats and specialty grocery.
Its success stems from a strong focus on the customer, striving to exceed their expectations in terms of range, quality, value for money, convenience and exceptional customer service.
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