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.

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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.

"The Bravo apple is a beloved variety here in Western Australia — it's a WA success story, and we're incredibly proud that it was developed by local researchers and growers," Western Australia Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis said.

Jeremy Griffith, general manager at Apple and Pear Australia Limited, the peak industry body representing Australian apple and pear growers, told China Daily that "having access to one of the largest economies in the world is a fantastic opportunity for the Australian industry".

Largest market

Elliot Jones, general manager of fresh food supplier WA Farm Direct, the licensed marketer of the apples, said that China, as "the world's largest apple consumer market and a fast-growing market with a preference for high-quality varieties", is "a perfect match in terms of Soluna as a product".

Jones added that between 800 and 1,000 tons of apples are expected to be exported to China in the first year.

"So we're starting with a fairly small volume, and then it'll increase, we hope, each year from here," he told China Daily.

The new channel for Australian apples is an extension of other successful exports to China in the pillar sector, such as citrus, table grapes, and stone fruit, Jones said.

"We're able to follow some of those other commodities that have done very well in China.

"Obviously, Australia as a country of origin is highly regarded by Chinese consumers. So we're also able to bring a product that comes from a country with a really good reputation for food quality, growing practices, and climate," he said.

Australia's Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry, Julie Collins, called the trade market access deal "a significant milestone for the apple industry and for the Australia-China trading relationship" when it was finalized last year.

"The Chinese market offers strong export growth potential for Australian producers with a large consumer base and premium price points for high-quality branded products," Collins said in a statement at the time.

She added that the outcome will support the agricultural industry in growing to an A $100 billion sector and the Australian horticultural sector in meeting its A $20 billion target by 2030.

Jones from WA Farm Direct said the development of the sector between the two countries includes a "long-term ambition" to also grow the apple variety in China.

"So we can supply the needs of the market in China 12 months of the year … through the Southern Hemisphere coming from Australia, and the Northern Hemisphere coming from China," he said.

Contact the writers at alexishooi@chinadaily.com.cn