Western Australian apple growers are seeing the benefits of years of investment in premium branded ANABP 01 branded as Soluna® and Bravo®.

Words Rebecca Blackman, Executive Manager, WA Farm Direct

WITH Soluna® sustaining its strong international market performance over multiple seasons, retaining established export markets whilst successfully launching in new territories and Bravo® continuing to strengthen its position in Australian retail programs.

For growers, the story is about more than just new sales channels. It is about creating sustainable demand, diversifying market exposure and building long-term returns through varieties that stand out in

an increasingly competitive global marketplace.

This season has marked a significant milestone for Soluna®, with the premium burgundy-skinned Soluna® apples successfully established in China while also expanding its presence across a growing portfolio of export markets. WA Farm Direct has now shipped Soluna® to China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Dubai and the United States, with trial shipments also entering Canada.

The breadth of this export footprint reflects the original vision behind the variety: developing a premium Australian apple with global appeal.

WA Farm Direct General Manager Elliot Jones says China is an important part of the variety's growth journey, but only one element of a much larger export strategy. “Our exports to China are part of a much larger international export profile, and that profile as a whole is performing well,” he says.

For growers, the value of this approach is clear. By building demand across multiple markets rather than relying on a single destination, Soluna® is creating greater resilience and opening opportunities for sustainable growth as production increases.

Consumer response has been encouraging wherever Soluna® has launched. While Australian marketing has focused heavily on the apple's slow-browning characteristics, international consumers are increasingly drawn to its eating experience.

The variety's balanced sweetness, crisp texture and distinctive fruit aroma have proven particularly popular in Asian markets, where consumers often favour sweeter flavour profiles.

Its deep burgundy skin also provides significant shelf presence. In highly competitive retail environments, Soluna® attracts attention immediately, helping retailers create excitement within the apple category and encouraging trial purchases from shoppers looking for something different.

Importantly, consumer purchasing patterns are reinforcing confidence in the variety's future.

Elliot Jones says repeat purchases are becoming a consistent theme across export programs. “With all of our markets, what we've found is that once people try it, they continue to come back and buy it,” he says.

The momentum is also evident in North America. Following a successful launch in the United States last year, Soluna® returned in 2026 with expanded volumes and coast-to-coast distribution.

Production volumes increased by around 10 per cent this season, supported by maturing orchards, grower investment and favourable growing conditions.

The growth demonstrates how quickly the variety is gaining recognition in premium retail channels. Retailers are increasingly seeking products that can deliver visual differentiation and strong eating quality, and Soluna® appears well positioned to meet that demand.

Behind the export success lies a diverse grower base and a coordinated industry effort. More than eighty orchards across Australia contribute to supply, helping ensure consistency across growing regions. As demand continues to develop, Fruit West Cooperative has encouraged additional growers and packhouses for export programs, particularly those targeting China, Thailand and Canada.

Fruit West Chair Ann Lyster says the international diversification reflects the cooperative's long-term vision for the variety. “It has always been Fruit West's vision to market ANABP 01 with a diverse international customer base, to ensure long-term, sustainable returns for growers,” she says.

While Soluna® expands internationally, Bravo® continues to strengthen its reputation domestically, delivering a strong Australian retail proposition.

The award-winning variety has returned to Australian supermarket shelves this winter, promoted for its exceptional crunch, sweetness and slow-browning qualities. These characteristics have helped Bravo® establish a strong following

among families seeking healthy lunchbox options and convenient everyday snacks.

Recent industry recognition has further strengthened consumer awareness. Bravo® was named Best Fresh Snack in the 2025 Healthy Food Guide Awards Australia and also secured the fresh and chilled category win in the 2026 Healthy Food Guide Lunchbox Awards.

WA Farm Direct Managing Director Jenny Mercer says the variety's ability to stay fresh-looking after slicing continues to resonate with consumers. Awareness of its nutritional credentials is growing. Research has identified Bravo® as one of the highest flavonoid-rich apple varieties grown in Australia, with ongoing clinical studies investigating potential health benefits associated with regular consumption.

Together, Soluna® and Bravo® brands of the ANABP 01 variety represent two complementary success stories for Western Australian growers. One is opening doors in international markets and building a global premium apple brand. The other is strengthening consumer loyalty in Australia through proven eating quality and health-focused credentials.

For growers considering future planting decisions, the message is encouraging. As global consumers increasingly seek premium, differentiated fruit and retailers look for varieties that can create excitement in the category, Western Australian-bred apples are proving they can compete on the world stage while continuing to deliver value closer to home. The combination of international expansion for Soluna® and strong domestic demand for Bravo® highlights the growing strength of branded apple programs and the opportunities they create for sustainable grower returns into the future.

More information
Nardia Stacy, 0411 138 103,
nardia@pomewest.net.au