Welcome
Fruit West Co-operative and the Bravo™ Branded Apple Story
Fruit West Co-operative is the innovative industry-based business that is licensed to commercialise the ANABP 01 apple variety that produces the stunning Bravo™ apple. Established in 2012 Fruit West Co-operative Ltd is the outcome of an initiative of the Pome sub-committee of the Pome Citrus and Stone Fruit Producers’ Committee of the Agricultural Produce Commission. With initial seed funding from the WA pome industry, the Co-operative was formed with the aim of bringing about a fundamental shift in the way new tree fruit varieties are released in Australia. It was considered that the producer owned and controlled co-operative was and remains the best business model to provide an integrated value chain, from plant research all the way through to consumers wanting Australian-grown fresh fruit of a high and consistent standard year-round. Fruit West Co-operative is passionate about providing high-quality fresh produce to consumers and securing fair returns for growers. Whilst being committed to the commercialisation of the ANABP 01 apple variety, Fruit West also sees opportunity to apply the same passion to the release of other new tree fruit varieties.
A Message from our Chairman
Fruit West and TopStar Sign Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) to Secure Australian
Apple Exports Through ANABP 01 10-Year
Export Agreement
Fruit West, leading grower cooperative representing ANABP 01 apple growers in Australia, is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with TopStar, the international commercialisation manager of ANABP 01, solidifying a 10-year export agreement for the ANABP 01 Soluna® Program. The MOU signing took place on 7th February in Berlin, underscoring the commitment of both Fruit West and TopStar to foster long-term partnerships aimed at enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of Australian apple exports. The agreement secures exclusivity for Australian grown Soluna® into the Middle East and Asian markets for the next decade. This means that Fruit West through its licensed marketer WA Farm Direct, will be the only entity permitted to import Soluna® into these territories. Fruit West will use these territories as dedicated markets to continue the sustainable expansion of the Australian Soluna® export program and aims to secure a 52 week presence in these markets by procuring fruit grown in the Northern Hemisphere. Fruit West have furthered the innovation of this stunning variety with an equally innovative marketing process to secure the international brand equity of Soluna® for Australian producers and delivering a superior flavourful snack to consumers around the world. Commenting on the signing of the MOU, Ann Lyster, Chair of Fruit West, stated, "This agreement marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to promote the excellence of Australian-grown ANABP 01 apples on the global stage. By partnering with TopStar, we are not only securing export opportunities for our growers but also reinforcing the reputation of Australian apples for their exceptional quality and flavour." Mr Renaud Pierson representing TopStar stated “TopStar is very happy to engage and structure a long-term relationship with Fruit West and their exclusive licensee in Australia, WA Farm Direct, a few days ago in Berlin at Fruit Logistica. The MOU will provide the framework of a 10-year license for TopStar to partner with Fruit West to support Australian Soluna® branded apples exports out of Australia, and will open new opportunity for the value chain to create local synergies with growers / packers." The signing of the MOU between Fruit West and TopStar underscores the collaborative spirit and mutual dedication to driving growth and sustainability within the Australian apple industry. By leveraging the strengths of each partner, the agreement sets the stage for continued success and innovation in the global ANABP 01 apple market for years to come.
Chair
Fruit West Co-operative Ltd
Bravo®/Soluna® 2025 Season
Our growers have been busy harvesting ANABP 01 and with the season now commenced with Bravo®/Soluna® apples being available in supermarkets and green grocers throughout Australia, Asia and the Middle East. We look forward to another great season ahead. For updates on season progress, follow us on our socials Facebook (@bravoapplesofficial), Instagram @bravoapples and LinkedInChange in Office Details
The Fruit West registered office is now: PO Box 5065, Canning Vale South WA 6155 Email: admin@fruitwest.com.auANABP 01 Quality Specifications
A copy of the Quality Specifications for 2025 is available on the Technical Page.
Renaud Pierson, TopStar & Ann Lyster, Fruit West Cooperative signing
the MOU in Berlin at Fruit Logistica.
Soluna™ Apples Set to Shine in China as Australian Mainland Apple Exports
Approved
Soluna™, Australia’s premium apple brand known for its crisp texture, vibrant burgundy skin and exceptional taste, is celebrating a new era of international growth following the announcement of technical market access for Australian mainland apples to China. This milestone, achieved through a newly signed biosecurity protocol between Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and China’s General Administration of Customs, paves the way for Soluna™ apples to be exported to China starting in the 2026 season. “Soluna apples were commercialised with a global consumer in mind – super sweet with a balanced palette which is flavour-forward, eye-catching and grown to the highest horticultural standards,” said Sean Engelbrecht, Commercialisation Manager at WA Farm Direct. “The Chinese market, with its strong demand for premium, branded fresh fruit, is a perfect match for the Soluna™ profile. Consumers are modern, health-conscious and the natural health benefits that Soluna™ can offer positions them perfectly for export. Soluna™ apples are high in antioxidants, dietary fibre and low in kilojoules, making them ideal snacks for wellness-focused consumers.” The agreement is the result of years of industry collaboration and persistence, coordinated by Apple and Pear Australia Limited (APAL) through its trade development and market access program. Until now, only apples from Tasmania were eligible for export to China. “China is a dynamic, high-value market with discerning consumers who value quality and consistency,” Sean added. “We believe Soluna™ apples will resonate strongly with Chinese consumers seeking premium fresh produce that delivers on health, taste and presentation.” Fruit West Cooperative, the Australian commercial rights holder of ANABP 01 which is branded as Soluna™ internationally, also welcomed the news and highlighted the significance for growers and the variety’s long-term potential. “This is an exciting development for the Soluna™ brand,” said Ann Lyster, Chair at Fruit West. “The opening of the Chinese market validates the years of export and commercialisation efforts behind this variety. ANABP 01 was bred in Australia for exceptional taste, shelf appeal and export readiness, and this market access creates a valuable opportunity to scale its presence globally.” Soluna™’s entry into China will not only support premium positioning for Australian apples abroad but will also provide much-needed diversification beyond the domestic market. Media Contact: Rebecca Blackman, Rebecca.blackman@wafarmdirect.com.au
Welcome
Fruit West Co-operative and the Bravo™
Branded Apple Story
Fruit West Co-operative is the innovative industry-based business that is licensed to commercialise the ANABP 01 apple variety that produces the stunning Bravo™ apple. Established in 2012 Fruit West Co-operative Ltd is the outcome of an initiative of the Pome sub-committee of the Pome Citrus and Stone Fruit Producers’ Committee of the Agricultural Produce Commission. With initial seed funding from the WA pome industry, the Co-operative was formed with the aim of bringing about a fundamental shift in the way new tree fruit varieties are released in Australia. It was considered that the producer owned and controlled co-operative was and remains the best business model to provide an integrated value chain, from plant research all the way through to consumers wanting Australian-grown fresh fruit of a high and consistent standard year-round. Fruit West Co-operative is passionate about providing high-quality fresh produce to consumers and securing fair returns for growers. Whilst being committed to the commercialisation of the ANABP 01 apple variety, Fruit West also sees opportunity to apply the same passion to the release of other new tree fruit varieties.
© Copyright Fruit West Co-operative Ltd. 2021
A Message from our Chairman
Fruit West and TopStar Sign Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) to Secure Australian Apple
Exports Through ANABP 01 10-Year Export Agreement
Fruit West, leading grower cooperative representing ANABP 01 apple growers in Australia, is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with TopStar, the international commercialisation manager of ANABP 01, solidifying a 10-year export agreement for the ANABP 01 Soluna® Program. The MOU signing took place on 7th February in Berlin, underscoring the commitment of both Fruit West and TopStar to foster long-term partnerships aimed at enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of Australian apple exports. The agreement secures exclusivity for Australian grown Soluna® into the Middle East and Asian markets for the next decade. This means that Fruit West through its licensed marketer WA Farm Direct, will be the only entity permitted to import Soluna® into these territories. Fruit West will use these territories as dedicated markets to continue the sustainable expansion of the Australian Soluna® export program and aims to secure a 52 week presence in these markets by procuring fruit grown in the Northern Hemisphere. Fruit West have furthered the innovation of this stunning variety with an equally innovative marketing process to secure the international brand equity of Soluna® for Australian producers and delivering a superior flavourful snack to consumers around the world. Commenting on the signing of the MOU, Ann Lyster, Chair of Fruit West, stated, "This agreement marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to promote the excellence of Australian-grown ANABP 01 apples on the global stage. By partnering with TopStar, we are not only securing export opportunities for our growers but also reinforcing the reputation of Australian apples for their exceptional quality and flavour." Mr Renaud Pierson representing TopStar stated “TopStar is very happy to engage and structure a long-term relationship with Fruit West and their exclusive licensee in Australia, WA Farm Direct, a few days ago in Berlin at Fruit Logistica. The MOU will provide the framework of a 10-year license for TopStar to partner with Fruit West to support Australian Soluna® branded apples exports out of Australia, and will open new opportunity for the value chain to create local synergies with growers / packers." The signing of the MOU between Fruit West and TopStar underscores the collaborative spirit and mutual dedication to driving growth and sustainability within the Australian apple industry. By leveraging the strengths of each partner, the agreement sets the stage for continued success and innovation in the global ANABP 01 apple market for years to come.
Chair
Fruit West Co-operative
Ltd
Bravo®/Soluna® 2025 Season
Our growers have been busy harvesting ANABP 01 and with the season now commenced with Bravo®/Soluna® apples being available in supermarkets and green grocers throughout Australia, Asia and the Middle East. We look forward to another great season ahead. For updates on season progress, follow us on our socials Facebook (@bravoapplesofficial), Instagram @bravoapples and LinkedInChange in Office Details
The Fruit West registered office is now: PO Box 5065, Canning Vale South WA 6155 Email: admin@fruitwest.com.auANABP 01 Quality Specifications
A copy of the Quality Specifications 2025 is available on the Technical Page
Renaud Pierson, TopStar & Ann Lyster, Fruit West Cooperative signing
the MOU in Berlin at Fruit Logistica.
Soluna™ Apples Set to Shine in China
as Australian Mainland Apple Exports
Approved
Soluna™, Australia’s premium apple brand known for its crisp texture, vibrant burgundy skin and exceptional taste, is celebrating a new era of international growth following the announcement of technical market access for Australian mainland apples to China. This milestone, achieved through a newly signed biosecurity protocol between Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and China’s General Administration of Customs, paves the way for Soluna™ apples to be exported to China starting in the 2026 season. “Soluna apples were commercialised with a global consumer in mind – super sweet with a balanced palette which is flavour- forward, eye-catching and grown to the highest horticultural standards,” said Sean Engelbrecht, Commercialisation Manager at WA Farm Direct. “The Chinese market, with its strong demand for premium, branded fresh fruit, is a perfect match for the Soluna™ profile. Consumers are modern, health-conscious and the natural health benefits that Soluna™ can offer positions them perfectly for export. Soluna™ apples are high in antioxidants, dietary fibre and low in kilojoules, making them ideal snacks for wellness-focused consumers.” The agreement is the result of years of industry collaboration and persistence, coordinated by Apple and Pear Australia Limited (APAL) through its trade development and market access program. Until now, only apples from Tasmania were eligible for export to China. “China is a dynamic, high-value market with discerning consumers who value quality and consistency,” Sean added. “We believe Soluna™ apples will resonate strongly with Chinese consumers seeking premium fresh produce that delivers on health, taste and presentation.” Fruit West Cooperative, the Australian commercial rights holder of ANABP 01 which is branded as Soluna™ internationally, also welcomed the news and highlighted the significance for growers and the variety’s long-term potential. “This is an exciting development for the Soluna™ brand,” said Ann Lyster, Chair at Fruit West. “The opening of the Chinese market validates the years of export and commercialisation efforts behind this variety. ANABP 01 was bred in Australia for exceptional taste, shelf appeal and export readiness, and this market access creates a valuable opportunity to scale its presence globally.” Soluna™’s entry into China will not only support premium positioning for Australian apples abroad but will also provide much-needed diversification beyond the domestic market. Media Contact: Rebecca Blackman, Rebecca.blackman@wafarmdirect.com.au
