Plans for Bravo to go international

The Manjimup-bred burgundy apple Bravo is closer to being sold internationally, after businesses in Europe and South Africa signed an MOU to progress plans for its commercialisation.

Europe-based Star Fruits Diffusion and South Africa-based Top Fruit signed The MOU with the government and Australian licensee, Fruit West. 

Star Fruits and Top Fruit were identified as the preferred parties to enter further discussions, after providing a joint response to an expressions of interest process earlier this year.

The apple, bred by the Department of Agriculture and Food under the Australian National Breeding Program, is celebrated for its burgundy colour, sweetness and claims it doesn’t turn brown once cut.

Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the government was determined to maximise the benefits to Western Australia and its growers by selecting strong international partners and putting in place rigorous intellectual property protections.

"Star Fruits and Top Fruit bring vast experience in intellectual property in both plant breeder’s rights and trademark management, and have extensive networks from tree production, through fruit production and along the supply chain,” she said.

"We are keen to ensure our home grown apple industry is at the forefront of development of a worldwide plan for this apple, and we are working with Fruit West to ensure industry requirements are front of mind.

"We have seen the brilliant success that our locally bred apples can have, with the Cripps Pink and Cripps Red proving popular with both consumers and producers alike since they were bred more than 40 years ago."

The apple is from the same lineage as the popular Pink Lady variety and has been in development for more than 20 years.

It became available in Perth specialty stores in 2016.