Australia: First Bravo apples head to Singapore for consumer trials
Now in its second commercial season, the Western Australian-bred Bravo apple is broadening its horizons with its first trials in the Singapore market.
Jenny Mercer WA Farm Direct (right) and Steele Jacob of DPIRD.
In a release, Nardia Stacy of Fruit West Co-operative Ltd said the Bravo-branded apples grown in Manjimup were air freighted to Singapore for the first time last week.
"The apple, distinguishable for its rich burgundy colour, was bred by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and has had strong uptake with more than 60 growers across Australia planting the ANABP 01 variety," she said.
"In addition, the Fruit West Co-operative Ltd will be conducting consumer profiling and brand development with tastings and in-store promotion in this region.
"Another major development is that is that BRAVO™ will also be at Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong Sept 6 - 8. There is a specialised BRAVO™ booth to visit this year - all set to capture interest and introduce this 'LIKE NO OTHER™ apple brand to the world."
In a release the State Government said it was providing funding support for the development of the apple, including a AUD$440,000 grant to Fruit West Co-operative Ltd through the Agricultural Sciences Research and Development Fund to support export development.
There are currently more than 60 producers around Australia growing the variety.
"BRAVOTM is a fantastic example of premium produce bred here in WA by our own agricultural researchers and now being shared with the world," said Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan.
"This apple will capture the attention of consumers worldwide and follow in the footsteps of other successful locally bred apples, including the Pink Lady™.
"Today's trial shipment marks an important step towards targeting export opportunities for our apple industry to expand into the Asian market, creating new job opportunities in WA's South-West region.
"Singapore is a highly valued and mature market for our State's agricultural industry, with consumers and importers in this market familiar with Western Australian produce."
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