A unique Australian apple is rising in popularity across Southeast Asia, thanks to its striking appearance, sweet juiciness and enormous health benefits.
The Bravo variety is well known in Australia and is fast becoming the apple of the international consumer’s eye.
Austrade is continuing to back Bravo apples in ASEAN markets this season. It is working with Australian exporter WA Farm Direct to range the Bravo through a major Thai supermarket chain. In Indonesia, Austrade and the Western Australian Government are supporting a Bravo showcase in specialist boutique produce stores.
A dinky-di Aussie apple with plenty of a-peel
The Bravo apple has strong Australian roots. Hailing from Western Australia and bred locally as variety ANABP01, it was first trialled for commercial production in 1992. The late John Cripps – a WA Government apple breeder and creator of the Cripps Pink variety, or Pink Lady – crossed the Cripps Red and Royal Gala varieties.
Over the next 20 years, the resulting trees and fruit were cultivated, tested and developed. In 2014, the variety was released for trials in Australian orchards. It was launched with Australian retailers 2 years later.
Today, there are more than 90 Bravo growers across Western Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria. There are also plans to expand commercial production to Tasmania in the next few years.
Its rich burgundy skin isn’t the Bravo’s only one-of-a-kind feature. It boasts pearly white flesh, a hearty crunch, and strikes the perfect sweet-acidic balance. The Bravo is also rich in flavonoids, making it an excellent health choice. In a win for consumers and retailers, the Bravo is slow to oxidise or turn brown.
Fourth-generation fruit marketer WA Farm Direct is the proud Australian exporter of Bravo apples.
‘Australia has a wonderful opportunity with this apple,’ says Sean Engelbrecht, Bravo National Development Manager, WA Farm Direct. This season, it is expected that over 6,000 tonnes will be harvested, up 30% on 2021.
Austrade support helps Bravo stand out
Demand for Bravo apples is growing in Southeast Asia. Austrade’s assistance – particularly in Thailand – is helping the Bravo bear fruit.
Thailand is the second largest economy in Southeast Asia, and Australia’s sixth largest two-way trading partner. It is a dynamic market, with fresh produce enjoying rapid growth.
WA Farm Direct exports Bravo apples to Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and the UAE. Consumers in Hong Kong, Philippines and Cambodia are also starting to take an interest in the variety.
The company began its journey into Thailand 4 years ago. At the time, Austrade was on the lookout for a great apple variety.
Bravo® and its associated marks are owned by the Western Australia Agriculture Authority and used under licence by Fruit West Co-operative Ltd.
Click here to read the full press release
For more information: austrade.gov.au