The first shipment of mainland Australian apple exports to China has been hailed as a successful move that industry experts say also paves the way for improved technology, research, and investment in the pillar sector.
The Western Australia-developed apple variety — known as Bravo in Australia and labeled Soluna for the global market — became the first consignment of its kind to arrive in China in mid-June.
The initial shipment of 80 metric tons is set to unlock a market expected to be worth more than A $10 million ($7 million) in the next two years, according to the Western Australia state government.
The delivery follows the signing of a new access protocol last year to allow apples grown on the Australian mainland to be exported to China.
Previously, apples grown in Australia's southern island state of Tasmania could be exported, but not those from the Australian mainland because of fruit fly concerns.
