Western Australia's popular dark burgundy Bravo branded apples are being launched to the world at Asia's premier fruit expo next week under a new international trademark, Soluna.
The State Government has secured experienced international commercialisation partners to take the locally bred apple global - paving the way for industry expansion, increased exports and a significant funding injection to local horticulture research.
The apple's new name for the worldwide stage, Soluna - something real, was chosen to embody the moon and the sun, reflecting the apple's striking dark skin and creamy yet crisp, white flesh.
This next step opens the door for the apple variety to be grown in other countries and its fruit sold under the Soluna brand, building supply and scale opportunities to capture major markets.
WA growers are well placed to capitalise on the international opportunity, as established leaders in the production of the apples, sold locally as Bravo.
The returns generated from commercialisation will be invested back into WA horticulture research, like the National Apple Breeding Program, at the State's Manjimup Research Station.
Soluna apples will be featured at Asia Fruit Logistica in Bangkok, where importers, wholesalers and retailers can learn more about the provenance of this beautifully balanced apple, with its long shelf life, health benefits and slow oxidation traits.
The international commercialisation is being managed by TopStar, a co-venture between Star-Fruits (France) and TopFruit (South Africa), together with Australian license holder Fruit West and marketer WA Farm Direct to roll out an effective global development strategy.
International demand for Australian grown Bravo apples continues to grow, with a 450 per cent increase in exports this year to Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates.
Comments attributed to Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan: "This is a terrific move for local apple growers, as it will build international demand for this top shelf WA apple. Building demand internationally will drive industry expansion in WA and ensure we benefit from the intellectual property and continued research and development."
"International commercialisation for this variety is the natural next step for this WA bred apple, bred by the late John Cripps and having the same pedigree as the iconic Pink Lady apple, with its own desirable qualities to capture a whole new following of fruit lovers."
"The success of these apples is testament to the work of WA researchers and the National Apple Breeding Program at the Manjimup Research Station, which continues to create high quality, unique and delicious varieties for consumers around the world to enjoy."
For more information:
Ministry for Regional Development; Agriculture and Food;
Hydrogen Industry
Tel.: +61 6552 6200