Bravo for new WA apple variety

West Australian consumers will be the first to sink their teeth into a new locally-bred apple, distinguished by its rich burgundy colour.

Earlier this month, Agriculture and Food Minister Dean Nalder announced the trademark name of the apple was Bravo and it would reach stores in coming weeks.

“Bravo offers an exciting new choice for apple lovers and is the result of more than 20 years of commitment by Western Australian apple breeders,” he said.

“It has a distinct sweetness, is crisp and crunchy, and has a striking burgundy colour like no other apple on the market in Australia.”

The new apple was developed in Manjimup by the Department of Agriculture and Food WA as part of the Australian National Apple Breeding Program.

The apple is from the variety ANABP 01 which is a cross between Royal Gala and the well-known Western Australian variety Cripps Red.

Apples from Cripps Red are marketed as Sundowner.

Bravo apples are being grown in orchards from the Perth Hills to Manjimup as well as in the Eastern States.

“While quantities of the fruit available this year are relatively small, larger supplies will be available in coming seasons as recently planted trees mature,” Mr Nalder said.

“The variety provides growers with a great opportunity to benefit from the introduction of a distinctive new product on the Australian apple market.”

Fruit West Co-operative Ltd is managing the commercialisation of the variety in Australia.

DAFWA has bred varieties that produce premium apples including Pink Lady, one of the most popular apples in the world, Sundowner and Enchanted.

•The apple was bred under a national program supported by the State Government and Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited

•DAFWA has bred varieties that produce premium apples including Pink Lady™, one of the most popular apples in the world; Sundowner™; and Enchanted™

•WA apple production was valued at $42 million in 2013-14, representing about 10% of the national total