China says ‘Bravo’ for apples

THE WEST Australian state government is heralding the first export of locally produced Bravo apples to China.

In a media release it said the initial 80 tonne consignment is set to unlock a market expected to be worth more than $10 million in the next two years.

It said Bravo is the first ‘mainland’ Australian apple exports to China.

The government’s reference to “mainland Australian apples” is a regulatory distinction which excludes Tasmania because it is fruit-fly-free. giving it different export protocols and long‑standing access pathways into markets such as China. By contrast, apples grown on the mainland must meet additional phytosanitary requirements before they can be approved for export.

Tasmania has already exported apples — including Pink Lady and Fuji — under its own fruit‑fly‑free status. The WA milestone is that WA‑grown Bravo apples have now cleared the more stringent mainland protocols, opening a new pathway for growers outside Tasmania.

Agriculture minister Jackie Jarvis applauded local apple researchers and growers on the shipment of apples known internationally as Soluna, which arrived in China on Friday.

The release said the sweet eating apple — with deep burgundy skin and contrasting crisp, white flesh that is slow to brown — is well placed to capture the attention of Chinese consumers.

“The popular variety is also highly regarded for its nutritional benefits, which could help lower the risk of heart disease,” it said.

Bravo apples — a cross between Royal Gala and the WA Cripps Red variety — were developed by the Australian National Apple Breeding Program, based at the state's Manjimup Horticulture Research Institute.

More than 50,000 seedlings are being evaluated at Manjimup, where Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) scientists are developing the next generation of unique varieties suited to WA conditions.

The Cook Labor Government recently installed high-tech cold storage technology at the Manjimup facility to “support research that improves fruit shelf life and handling to deliver quality fresh products for consumers, while reducing costs and creating market opportunities for industry”.

National production of Bravo branded apples continues to build, destined for domestic markets, as well as export under the Soluna brand, including Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates — and now China.

Ms Jarvis said the Bravo apple is a beloved variety in Western Australia.

"We're also immensely proud of our apple breeding program and its global reputation for producing nutritious, delicious fruit for consumers to enjoy, backed by WA growers' sophisticated production systems,” Ms Jarvis said.

"The Cook Labor Government continues to invest in fruit research, including the recent cold storage upgrade at Manjimup, as well as DPIRD's work in the national Narrow Orchard System project to boost yields and quality, while reducing costs and emissions.

"These investments support our producers, their communities, and help create local jobs — in addition to contributing to our State's economy and agriculture exports.

"I look forward to seeing our fruit industry continuing to develop and grow, as industry adopts new practices and technologies backed by our investments and research."