New WA apple headed for market

A new firm and juicy WA-developed apple is one step closer to shop shelves after 20 years of breeding and testing by the Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA).

Dubbed ‘The Black Apple’ during development, it has a distinct sweetness and a moderate to high crisp and crunch factor, and was first previewed by growers and potential consumers in 2010. The trees are now available to Western Australian growers.

Agriculture and Food Minister Ken Baston said he was pleased to announce today that commercial agreements had been signed and industry body Fruit West Co-operative Ltd would manage the commercialisation of the variety. Mr Baston said the apple was grower friendly because the tree was productive, the fruit coloured easily and the apples stood out from existing varieties on the shop shelves.

“The dark burgundy-skinned apple, officially known as ANABP 01, is a cross between Cripps Red and Royal Gala,” he said.

“Testing has shown ANABP 01 is suitable to all the major Australian apple production regions. It is harvested between mid-April and early May in the Manjimup region. The apple is a medium size with very good flavour and good storing quality.

“Colour development on the skin is important for consumers and our new apple colours up well in Western Australian growing conditions – better than apples which prefer colder climates.”

The new apple, a product of the Australian National Apple Breeding Program, is the product of investment by both the Western Australian Government and Horticulture Australia Limited. About 75,000 trees are available for sale to growers from the budding in 2013. Small quantities of fruit should become available for sale in 2016.

“If the new apple is well received by consumers, its royalty stream will help underpin the future of Australian apple breeding,” the Minister said.

“DAFWA has a great record in breeding premium apple varieties. The best known examples of this are the Cripps Pink and Cripps Red varieties, also known by the international brand names of Pink Lady™ and Sundowner™. Pink Lady™ is now one of the most popular apples in the world, sold across more than 30 countries.”