Australian Soluna™ Apples Make Their Debut in the United States; Sean Engelbrecht and Piers Hanbury Comment


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Fri. August 8th, 2025 - by ANUK Staff

CANNING VALE, AUSTRALIA - In a milestone moment for Australian horticulture, WA Farm Direct is proud to announce the inaugural shipment of premium Soluna™ apples to the United States. This marks the first time the Australian-bred apple variety will be available to US consumers, bringing a new level of quality, taste, and innovation to American shelves.

Developed in Western Australia, the Soluna™ apple – known officially as ANABP 01 – is prized for its deep burgundy skin, exceptional crunch, and naturally sweet, refreshing flavour. Grown under strict quality protocols in Australia’s pristine apple-growing regions, Soluna™ has been celebrated for its consistent eating experience, extended shelf life, and visual appeal.

Sean Engelbrecht, Commercialisation Manager, WA Farm Direct
Sean Engelbrecht, Commercialisation Manager, WA Farm Direct

“This is a landmark export opportunity for Soluna™ and for premium Australian apples more broadly,” said Sean Engelbrecht, Commercialisation Manager of WA Farm Direct, in the recent release. “The US market has a sophisticated and competitive produce landscape, and we’re confident Soluna™ will stand out with its unique taste profile, premium branding, and eating quality.”

The expansion into the US follows successful campaigns in Asia and the Middle East, where the Soluna™ apple has built a loyal following among premium retailers and health-conscious consumers. The launch is supported by close collaboration with US-based importer Oppy and will be available in selected stores, looking to bring innovation and freshness to their apple category.

The shipment of premium Soluna™ apples to the United States marks the first time the Australian-bred apple variety will be available to US consumers, bringing a new level of quality, taste, and innovation to American shelves
The shipment of premium Soluna™ apples to the United States marks the first time the Australian-bred apple variety will be available to US consumers, bringing a new level of quality, taste, and innovation to American shelves

Initial volumes will be available through Oppy, which will provide to selected retailers from early August, with plans to scale distribution across key metropolitan areas in the 2026 season. The fruit will be packed in a loose format, with high-impact branding designed to attract discerning customers seeking premium snacking options.

Piers Hanbury, Executive Director of Apples, Pears, and Category Development, Oppy
Piers Hanbury, Executive Director of Apples, Pears, and Category Development, Oppy

“Soluna™ brings something refreshingly different to the apple set," shared Oppy's Executive Director of Apples, Pears, and Category Development, Piers Hanbury. "We're proud to partner with WA Farm Direct to bring our retail partners a standout offering — one that’s sure to excite shoppers, who will quickly discover it eats even better than it looks.”

“Soluna™ is more than just an apple – it’s the result of years of breeding, grower commitment, and a shared vision to deliver something special to the world,” Engelbrecht added. “We’re proud to bring the best of Australian produce to the US market and look forward to building strong partnerships in this exciting new chapter.”


Companies in this Story


Oppy

Growing, marketing and distributing fresh produce from around the globe for more than 160 years, Vancouver, BC-based Oppy…