Bravo to fruit export

A Manjimup-bred apple variety has been selected by the State Government for a major promotion to international markets.

The apple variety ANAPB 01, sold as the Bravo apple in Australia, has been the subject of interest for sale in Europe and South Africa.

Europe-based company Star Fruits Diffusion and South African-based Top Fruit have been identified as the preferred parties to continue discussions with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, after last week signing a Memorandum of Understanding.

An integral part of the international commercialisation process is to maintain and build market export opportunities for Australian-grown ANAPB 01 produce.

Manjimup Bravo apple producer Harvey Giblett said while it was still too early to talk about the international markets, the apple itself was a unique variety.

“By its look, flavour and non-browning attributes, it has a lot going for it,” he said.

The first test trees for the Bravo variety were planted in 2014 and the first harvest was about three years ago.

“We’re still learning about the apple, how to store it, pack it and how to market it,” Mr Giblett said.

Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the Bravo’s burgundy colour, sweetness and crunch had struck a chord with consumers and the Government wanted to take the apple to the world.

“We are determined to maximise the benefits to Western Australia and our growers by selecting strong international partners and putting in place rigorous intellectual property protections,” she said.

“Star Fruits and Top Fruit bring vast experience in intellectual property in both plant breeders’ rights and trademark management, and have extensive networks from tree production, through fruit production and along the supply chain.

“We are keen to ensure our home grown apple industry is at the forefront of development of a world-wide plan for this apple and we are working with Fruit West to ensure industry requirements are front of mind.”

The breeding program in Manjimup was also where the Cripps Pink and Cripps Red apples were bred more than 40 years ago.