The WA apple and pear industry has been active at the Perth Royal Show for many years — evolving through a myriad of locations, exhibition themes and formats. One thing is for sure — people flock to enjoy the Perth Royal Show and this provides an opportunity for the local apple and pear producers to showcase their industry.

Being part of the Perth Royal Show is an excellent opportunity to engage children on a family food discovery — tasting the very best on offer from WA.

Strategically positioned in the Farm 2 Food pavilion located in the Centenary Pavilion, the apple stand was amongst displays designed to engage children to become more aware of where and how their food is produced.

The Perth Royal Show attracted outstanding crowds over the long weekend, with daily attendance of up to 70,000 being reached as families enjoyed the perfect spring weather. Attendance numbers trailed off through the week despite the beautiful weather.

The Royal Show is a popular tradition for West Australians to celebrate the production of agriculture in the state and many who visited the apple stand voiced their delight making apples part of their personal show tradition.

Many commented that they noticed the change of location and were delighted to still find the apple stand as buying an apple slinky at the show is now a family tradition.

“ An apple slinky promoting ‘an apple a day’ at the show is now a family tradition. ”

Armed with Apple Slinky machines, our apple team managed to swirl and twirl their way through over 4000 apples and pears — 1750 BRAVO ®apples and over 2,100 Pink Lady™ and Granny Smith apples and 500 Corella pears. The slightly lower numbers than last year are likely to be a result of reduced gate numbers, possibly as a result of financial pressures on families with rising fuel prices and interest rates making their mark.

OFFERING a range of apple and pear varieties is an important aspect of the promotion.

OUR apple team managed to swirl and twirl their way through over 4000 apples and pears.

Speaking with consumers provides an excellent opportunity to understand shopping preferences and people’s understanding of apples and pears. Many people commented about their delight in being introduced to the Bravo®at a previous show and becoming committed fans since. There were also more people who were aware of the new variety, and very keen to buy a Bravo ®apple slinky as a way of trying the variety.Offering a range of varieties is an important aspect of the promotion. Everyone has their personal favourite. Whilst some people are unsure of the varietal names, it was very clear that there is an apple or pear to suit everyone, and they know how to select on colour to achieve their preferred fruit. Many parents seem to know exactly what each member of the family would choose. Varietal choice is certainly an asset for the apple industry to extend consumer reach. There can be a different favourite apple or pear for everyone!

Key message — no matter what’s your favourite — make an apple your go-to daily snack.

Background signage of apple varieties, supply maps and general orchard lifestyle images, proved ideal for engagement with individuals, families and children interested in discovering more about local food. With the input of Nardia Stacey and Susie Murphy White from Pomewest and Rebecca Blackman from WA Farm Direct, the stand was a valuable way to share the importance of eating locally produced fruit, the health benefits and supporting local growers and the apple industry.

Thanks to all involved who assisted during the show promotion as it is a key opportunity and important to gain direct feedback from the public. Further thanks go to Fruit West Co-operative and WA Farm Direct Ltd for their help cofounding and logistically in the supply and delivery of apples.