Bravo apples, a specialty variety introduced to the industry by the town of Manjimup, Western Australia, are extremely popular. This has led to a quickly expanding juice offshoot, pointing to the fruit’s increasing popularity both domestically and export. Ann Lyster, chair of the small apple cooperative Fruit West, dug right into the genius of the Bravo apple. She boasted about it being one of the most important regional products, next to the well-known Pink Lady variety.
Commercial quantities of bravo apples were only first planted, down in Manjimup, around eight years ago. Since then, they’ve taken off in Australian supermarkets. Today, they are on the cusp of breakthrough in important international markets such as the Middle East and Asia. The Bravo apple’s success is the result of decades of painstaking effort and artistry in the field of apple breeding.
Innovation and Growth
The Bravo apple, known as Soluna in foreign markets, is the culmination of years of research and development. This research really happened on the beautiful campus of the acclaimed Manjimup Horticulture Research Institute. This institute is home to the national apple breeding program. Its goal has been to breed new varieties that taste better, grow stronger, more nutritious, and provide a superior eating experience.
The industry’s plans are quite bold. It wants to be producing 50,000 tonnes a year by 2035, producing as much Bravo apples as possible. Ann Lyster remarked on this achievement, stating, “We’re really punching above our weight. It’s an amazing achievement.”
Challenges Faced by Growers
Even with the momentum behind Bravo apples, growers face their own struggles. During a recent panel discussion, farmer Jenny Mercer spoke about how the changing climate has forced her to adapt her farming practices. “Every year farmers are really trying to figure out how am I going to manage the season,” she said. This day-to-day fight is leaving dangerous obstacles in the path of local growers who just want a dependable forecast for their fields.
Mercer reported on the advantages of the latest apple varieties from the federal breeding program. These introductions have provided farmers with unique opportunities to flourish that have been absolutely imperative. “This has given farmers the opportunity just to stay in the game,” she explained. She further emphasized the advantages of cultivating apples bred specifically for local conditions: Because this is grown right here in Manjimup, it’s perfectly adapted to the endemic condition of Australia. That doesn’t come close to making it easy, but at least it gives us half a chance.
Future Prospects
The outlook is good justice for Bravo apples! Their growers are driving right now to establish a unique and competitive position both in their local markets and nationally and globally. At the same time, researchers and farmers at the Manjimup Horticulture Research Institute have been busting their butts. With continued support, the work they’re doing will produce even more promising varieties in the years to come.
With an industry-wide vow to grow only the highest quality fruit, optimism about the sector’s growth potential runs high. As Jenny Mercer stated, “We’re always looking for better tasting, better growing, better eating varieties.” These tireless efforts for regulation and policy advancement set WA’s apple industry on a foundation to make substantial progress for years to come.
