International export trials will begin this year for Australia's newest trademarked fruit Bravo™ as it establishes more production within Australia and becomes more widely available.
The ANABP 01 variety has been 20 years in the making, bred by the Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food from the same program that introduced Pink Lady® to the world. Trees were made available to Australian commercial growers in 2014, and the Bravo fruit was launched into the retail market for the very first time last year. The Bravo apple has recently launched its 2017 season in Australia and it soon be offered to the world.
"At the moment we are looking into export trials this year, focusing mainly on Singapore and Hong Kong," Executive Officer of Fruit West Co-operative Ltd Nardia Stacy said. "But that is just the start. The reality is that Bravo is an Australian apple for the world to enjoy. This is a premium fresh food product that is bold, different and daring – ‘like no other™’.
It is estimated 50 tonnes will be harvested in Australia this year and it will be available all across the national market. In WA a major supermarket will also stock the apple for the first time.
"Retailers are coming on board, championing and stocking Bravo so consumers will find it in more stores than ever before," Ms Stacy said. "In addition, Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland so consumers will be able to taste this new product in the fresh food category.”
The potential for industry growth is enormous with this new Australian bred apple. Fruit West says this variety was bred for Australian conditions and with high consumer interest, there is no wonder that there has been a tremendous interest from farmers.
"We are still building production in Australia, we currently have 200,000 trees planted across Australia with a further 100,000 being planted this year," Ms Stacy said. "We are building production with exports to the international market in mind. We are hoping that the international demand will mirror Australian demand as this is a very unique and special new product which at the moment is exclusive to Australian growers.”
The variety, is a cross between the Royal Gala and Cripps Red, creating a distinct sweetness, moderate to high crisp and crunch. It is medium to large in size with a distinctively rich, deep burgundy coloured skin with golden lenticles or sparkle, like flecks over the skin surface. Its flesh is a creamy parchment colour in stark contrast to the skin. When cut the flesh is slow to discolour.
Its taste has been described by Bravo Ambassador, Western Australian Chef Sophie Zalokar as,"having a fresh aroma similar to the smell of rain on dry earth, hints of woody Christmas spice and red wine flavours.”
“It has a very balanced sugar to acid flavour; beautifully sweet and juicy, has a lovely tang at the finish and beautifully crisp every time you take a bite,” Ms Stacy added.
Fruit West Co-operative Ltd is licenced to manage the variety and WA Farm Direct have been appointed as exclusive marketers on behalf of Fruit West. Both parties are excited at the buzz reflected from the retail launch earlier this month, saying this apple is creating its own market on its quality, great taste and point of difference in its unique colour.
“This could really be the start of a brand new apple industry in Australia. We are keen to gather Bravo champions all over the globe to spread the word about this apple and its amazing virtues.”
For more information:
Nardia Stacy
Fruit West
Phone: +618 9368 3869