The Western Australian-bred Bravo apple harvest has begun, as national production of this promising new variety grows.

The Western Australian government reports that overseas interest in the distinctive dark burgundy fruit variety continues to build, following its recent international commercialisation in 2022.

Bravo production continues to increase across the country, with about 40 per cent of this year's national harvest sourced from the Perth Hills, Donnybrook and Manjimup.

Export destinations will expand to include the Philippines, alongside return shipments to Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates.

The distinctive dark burgundy Bravo or Solana apple variety has been a hit due to its sweet
flavour; sugar and acid balance; and its anti-browning characteristic when cut. 

The recent commercialisation of the variety – marketed as Solana (combination of the Spanish words for ‘sun’ and ‘moon’) on the international stage – has received a warm reception, paving the way for the variety to be grown in other countries to build supply and scale to capture major markets.

More than 25 interested overseas parties recently visited orchards in WA and Victoria, as part of the WA Apple Innovation Conference, underpinning confidence in taking Soluna to the world.

The proceeds from commercialisation will be fed back into WA horticulture research, including the National Apple Breeding program based at the State's Manjimup Horticulture Research Institute.

According to the Bravo marketing organisation, apple breeder John Cripps (creator of the Pink Lady) crossed the popular Cripps Red and Royal Gala apple varietie to come up with what is now known as the Bravo variety.

Over the following 20 years the resulting trees and fruit were cultivated, tested and developed. In 2014 the ANABP 01 variety was released for trials in Australian orchards and in 2016 Bravo apples were officially launched into the Australian retail market.

Bravo apples are grown across the Australian mainland at Stanthorpe in Queensland; Orange and Batlow in NSW; Yarra Valley, Goulburn Valley and Mornington Peninsula, Victoria; Adelaide Hills, SA; Manjimup, Donnybrook/Kirup and the Perth Hills in WA.

According to the Bravo organisation’s website, more than 90 growers across these regions have invested around $30 million to establish the variety, with premium grade fruit marketed as Bravo apples – ‘Like No Other’.

More than 55,000 seedlings are being evaluated at the Manjimup Horticulture Research Institute, from which new, unique and tasty apples are being bred.

For the first time, genetic technology and expertise has been integrated into the breeding program to pinpoint desirable apple characteristics and accelerate the development of new naturally bred lines that are robust and profitable to grow.

WA Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis said, "I am delighted to see the potential of WA's renowned Bravo apples being realised, which will support industry expansion and provide a significant funding injection to local horticulture research.

"The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development's apple research, together with Fruit West's efforts to market Bravo apples here and abroad will generate enduring benefits for growers, industry and communities.