Oppy expands Australian Soluna apple summer program

CANNING VALE, Australia — WA Farm Direct is pleased to announce the return of premium Soluna apples to the United States for the 2026 season, building on the successful market debut in 2025.

This season marks a significant expansion for the Australian bred variety, with shipments arriving on both the East Coast and West Coast of the U.S., improving availability and service across key retail markets.

Developed in Western Australia, the Soluna apple (officially ANABP 01) is renowned for its deep burgundy skin, outstanding crunch, and balanced, sweet flavour profile. Its striking appearance and consistently high eating quality continue to distinguish Soluna within the premium apple category.

“Soluna offers something genuinely different,” Elliot Jones, General Manager at WA Farm Direct said. “Its deep colour, crisp texture and flavour profile create immediate shelf appeal, and consumers quickly discover that it eats even better than it looks.”

Strong Production and Export Momentum
Export momentum is building as the 2026 harvest concludes across Australia. 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% year on year, 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.

Expanded U.S. Distribution
Following a successful inaugural launch in the US last season, Soluna returns 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.

The U.S. program continues in partnership with Oppy BB #:116424, with fruit supplied to selected retailers seeking premium, visually distinctive apples that deliver on taste and texture. Soluna will again be presented in high impact, premium formats designed to stand out in the apple set.

“Color 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.”

Quality, Resilience and Long Term Growth
Despite seasonal challenges, including heat events in parts of Victoria and South Australia, fruit quality has remained strong. Protective orchard cover and a diverse national grower base of more than 80 orchards have helped mitigate climatic risk and ensure reliable supply.

“With Soluna, we’ve developed a premium product with long term growth in mind,” Elliot said. “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 continues to advance Soluna programs across Asia and explore new opportunities in the Middle East, reinforcing the variety’s global appeal.

About WA Farm Direct
WA Farm Direct is a leading exporter of premium fresh produce from Western Australia, specialising in IP varieties including Soluna (ANABP 01). The company works closely with growers, marketers and international partners to deliver quality and value across global supply chains.

About Oppy
Oppy is a global leader in the growing, marketing and distribution of fresh produce, with more than 165 years of experience supplying fruits and vegetables worldwide. Based in Vancouver, BC, Oppy markets more than 50 million boxes annually and is recognised for introducing innovative apple varieties to North American consumers.