Western Australian premium variety Soluna is returning to the US market for its second season with a significantly wider footprint
Australian group WA Farm Direct has announced the return of Soluna apples to the US for the 2026 season, following the fruit’s market debut in 2025.
The group said it marks a ”significant expansion” for the Australia‑bred variety, with shipments arriving on both the East Coast and West Coast of the US.
This will improve availability and service across key retail markets, WA Farm Direct said.
Developed in Western Australia, the Soluna apple – officially ANABP 01 – is renowned for its deep burgundy skin, crunch, and balanced, sweet flavour profile.
“Soluna offers something genuinely different,” said Elliot Jones, general manager at WA Farm Direct.
“Its deep colour, crisp texture and flavour profile create immediate shelf appeal, and consumers quickly discover that it eats even better than it looks.”
WA Farm Direct confirmed that export momentum is building as the 2026 harvest concludes across Australia.
The harvest commenced in April, with fruit sourced from multiple growing regions nationwide and consolidated for export through Melbourne and Fremantle.
Production volumes are up 10 per cent year‑on‑year, it said, supported by ongoing grower investment and younger orchards progressing toward maturity.
“Demand for Soluna is exceptionally strong this season, with production also increasing through better growing conditions,” said Elliot.
The group noted that, following a successful inaugural launch in the US last season, Soluna is returning with a wider logistics footprint.
For 2026, fruit will arrive through both East Coast and West Coast ports, enabling improved distribution efficiency, greater market reach, and increased consistency for retail partners, WA Farm Direct said.
The US programme continues in partnership with Oppy, with fruit supplied to selected retailers seeking ”premium, visually distinctive apples that deliver on taste and texture”.
“Colour break is critical for driving excitement and incremental sales in the apple category, and Soluna delivers exactly that,” said Piers Hanbury, executive director of apples, cherries, pears and category development at Oppy.
“After a standout debut season, expanding to coast-to-coast distribution this year is a natural next step – a testament to the quality of the fruit and the strength of our partnership with WA Farm Direct.”
WA Farm Direct said that despite seasonal challenges, including heat events in parts of Victoria and South Australia, fruit quality has remained “strong”.
Protective orchard covers and a diverse national grower base of more than 80 orchards have helped mitigate climatic risk and ensure reliable supply, it outlined.
“With Soluna, we’ve developed a premium product with long‑term growth in mind,” Elliot pointed out.
“Our priority is to deliver returns that support grower sustainability while continuing to build the brand in key global markets.”
In addition to North America, WA Farm Direct said it was continuing to advance Soluna programmes across Asia and explore new opportunities in the Middle East.
