Australian growers of the West Australian-bred Bravo apple are expecting a 25% increase in harvest volume this season, extending availability on east coast supermarket shelves later into the year. The increase reflects expanding plantings and the maturity of existing orchards.
Jenny Mercer, managing director of WA Farm Direct, the licensed marketer for Bravo apples in Australia, said nearly 300 hectares of the variety ANABP 01, which produces Bravo apples, are under cultivation by 85 growers across Western Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and Victoria. The largest growing regions are Shepparton in Victoria and Manjimup in Western Australia.
"Plantings are increasing in all key growing states with plans to support both domestic and export markets over the next decade," Mercer said. "Some trees are mature and in full production, while younger plantings are still maturing."
Mercer said the company's growers play a central role in the brand's development, combining long-established apple-growing expertise with advanced production technology.
Each orchard contributes different climatic and soil characteristics to the fruit, while WA Farm Direct maintains tight quality controls. "Orchardists grow the variety which produces Bravo apples under nets to protect the crop from pests and weather impacts and use precision farming tools and technology to manage tree health and fruit quality," Mercer said.
Apples are hand-picked and maturity tested before being packed on site or at centralised facilities. "Packing facilities use infrared grading systems and quality scanners to ensure consistency and that fruit is sent to the right market at the right time," she added.
Bravo apples were first launched in Western Australia in 2016 and have been distributed on the east coast since 2019. Harvest starts in Western Australia and Queensland in March-April and finishes in New South Wales and Victoria in May. The fruit is stored under controlled atmosphere conditions for distribution from April through December.
The variety ANABP 01 was bred by Australian apple breeder John Cripps in 1992 as a cross between Cripps Red and Royal Gala and later developed by the National Apple Breeding Program. It was selected for its flavour, colour, and long shelf life.
Bravo apples are noted for their deep burgundy skin and white flesh that resists browning due to low polyphenol oxidase activity and high antioxidant content. Premium Bravo apples have a brix level between 14–18%, contributing to their flavour profile. Mercer said demand from export markets in Asia and the Middle East continues to grow.
Source: Corowa Free Press
