Government officials of the Australian state of Western Australia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Australian licensee of the Bravo apple, Fruit West Cooperative, to progress plans for international commercialisation for the fruit.
The variety, known as ANAPB 01, was bred in the West Australian town of Manjimup by the state’s department of primary industries and regional development, under the Australian national apple breeding programme.
According to the state department, European-based company Star Fruits Diffusion, which is also a master licensee of Pink Lady, and South African-based Top Fruit have been identified as the preferred party to enter into further discussions of commercialisation, after providing a joint response to an expression of interest process earlier in the year.
West Australia’s minister for agriculture and food, Alannah MacTiernan, said the fruit had proved popular with consumers.
'The Bravo apple has struck a chord with consumers for its striking burgundy colour, distinct sweetness and crunch, and we want to take this apple to the world,” said MacTiernan.
'We are determined to maximise the benefits to Western Australia and our 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 breeders rights and trademark management, and have extensive networks from tree production, through fruit production and along the supply chain,” she added.
