Australian producer celebrates new season Envy and yello apples with range of chef developed recipes
Montague Farms, one of Australia’s leading fresh produce growers, has welcomed the launch of the 2026 season for both its Envy and yello apples this May.
Montague Farms’ Envy apples are hand-picked across four of Australia’s most celebrated growing regions, Stanthorpe (Queensland), Batlow (New South Wales), Yarra Valley (Victoria) and Huon Valley (Tasmania). The producer has said rich soil, high rainfall and generous summer sunshine delivered consistent quality across the harvest.
“Envy is genuinely unlike any other apple on the market,” said Montague Farms head of strategy & innovation, Rowan Little. “Out of thousands of varieties grown around the world, very few come close to this level of sweetness, and this season’s fruit is some of the best we’ve ever seen. If you haven’t tried Envy yet, this is the year to start. And if you’re already a fan, you’re in for a treat.”
Globally, Envy has built strong momentum across Asian markets and is consistently among the most sought-after apples in the premium category. Grown under licence to exacting standards worldwide, Australia’s 2026 season is well placed to build on that reputation.
Yello apples, which are recognisable for its striking, sun-kissed golden skin, are grown exclusively across Victoria’s premium fruit regions – including the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Drouin and West Gippsland. Montague Farms said that this year’s harvest is expected to exceed 407,000 kilograms, which is a testament to growing demand for this variety, both domestically and internationally.
The yello apple is a premium Japanese variety, naturally developed as a result of the crossing of Golden Delicious and the sweet Senshu at Nagano Research Centre. It was designed to combine the best of both parent fruits and offers a light and sweet but complex flavour that is reminiscent of cooked apples and summer blossoms. Montague Farms said it was its “juiciest apple”, and its natural sweetness subtly enhances both sweet and savoury dishes.
To support the season, Montague Farms is partnering with chefs and food creatives to showcase both apples through a series of recipes and demonstrations.
Food creative Jessica Nguyen has used Envy apples in her Crunchy Noodle & Envy Apple Salad and Japanese Chicken & Envy Apple Curry, while pastry chef Kirsten Tibballs has showcased the apple across recent hospitality events. At the upcoming Little Food Market, which will be held in Melbourne on 17-19 July and Sydney on 21-23 August, chef Tobie Puttock will demo an exclusive Envy recipe live.
Meanwhile, cookbook author and TV personality, Alice Zaslavsky, showcases the yello apple’s versatility in her yello Sharlotka apple cake, dubbing it the perfect baking apple for holding its shape, while releasing a beautiful floral aroma
Envy and yello apples are available at select retailers including Costco and independent greengrocers across Australia. Envy is also available at Coles and Woolworths.
