Soluna Australian apples, a premium brand, has officially entered the Chinese market, marking a significant milestone there for the commercialisation of Australian apples.

The launch is being driven in partnership with two of China’s leading fresh produce companies, Joy Wing Mau Group and RiverKing Group, heralding a new chapter for Soluna in one of the world’s most important premium fruit markets.

Following market access approval in 2025, the first commercial shipment of Soluna apples represents a major step in the brand’s global expansion and further strengthens agricultural trade ties between Australia and China.

To celebrate the launch, Soluna hosted its debut event, Starry Night of Soluna, at W Shanghai – The Bund on June 11.

Set against Shanghai’s iconic skyline, guests, partners and industry leaders participated in lighting a large-scale Soluna installation, symbolising the arrival of the‘ starry sky fruit’ from Australia into China.

Meeting evolving consumer demand with a distinctive offering

As Chinese consumers increasingly seek premium fruit experiences, demand is growing for varieties combining visual appeal, exceptional flavour and consistent quality– and Soluna is ideally positioned to meet this demand.

With their deep burgundy skin and creamy white flesh, Soluna apples offer striking visual appeal.

Their crisp, juicy texture and balanced sweet-tart flavour profile deliver a distinctive eating experience, while their reliable quality and strong shelf performance make them well suited to premium retail channels.

Grown in Australia’s leading apple regions, Soluna benefit s from pristine natural conditions, abundant sunshine and significant day–night temperature variation.

These factors contribute to their concentrated flavour and firm texture, supported by rigorous growing and grading standards that ensure consistency and quality.

Strong partnerships driving market entry

WA Farm Direct general manager Elliot Jones says China is one of the world’s most important markets for premium apples.

Elliot says the successful introduction of Soluna represents a major achievement for Australian growers.

“We are delighted to partner with Joy Wing Mau and RiverKing Group, whose established networks and market expertise will help bring this exciting new brand to Chinese consumers,” he says.

“As key players in China’s fresh produce supply chain, Joy Wing Mau and RiverKing Group will jointly manage channel development and brand promotion.

“Their extensive networks across major cities and premium retail channels will accelerate Soluna’s market reach.”

Building recognition through quality and provenance

Elliot adds Chinese consumers are increasingly seeking high-quality fruit with exceptional flavour and clear provenance.

He says Soluna offers a compelling combination of all three, and we are confident it will resonate strongly with both retail partners and consumers.

During the initial launch phase, Soluna will roll out an integrated marketing program centred on its Australian origin, growing philosophy and product experience.

Through in-store activations, consumer engagement and strategic partnerships, the brand will steadily build awareness and loyalty.

In its first commercial season, the focus will be on establishing a strong market foundation.

With targeted channel strategies and long-term brand investment, Soluna aims to build a differentiated position in China’s premium imported apple segment.

Advancing Australian–Chinese premium fruit collaboration

The launch of Soluna reflects Australia’s ongoing commitment to supplying high-quality agricultural products to China, while also demonstrating the strength of collaboration across the value chain– from growers and exporters to importers and retailers.

As demand for premium and specialty fruit continues to grow, Soluna brings a distinctive new offering to the market, contributing fresh momentum to the imported apple category and creating further opportunities for Australian–Chinese agricultural trade.

About Soluna

Soluna is a premium apple variety developed by renowned breeder John Cripps across more than 30 years.

Known also for creating globally successful varieties such as Pink Lady and Sundowner, Cripps developed Soluna (ANABP 01) through a Western Australian government-supported breeding program beginning in 1992.

Today, more than 80 growers across Australia cultivate Soluna, which has been expanding into international markets since 2023.

Guided by the brand philosophy ‘stunning with substance’, Soluna delivers a premium, authentic and healthy apple experience.

The Soluna brand is managed internationally by Topstar Alliance.

About Joy Wing Mau Group

Founded in 1998, Joy Wing Mau Group is a leading fruit industry company that connects global fruit resources with the Chinese market. The company provides integrated services across variety introduction, supply chain management, omni-channel distribution, and brand marketing.

Joy Wing Mau is recognised as a national key leading enterprise in agricultural industrialisation and ranks among China’s top fruit and vegetable enterprises.

About RiverKing Group

RiverKing Group is an international fruit trading company with more than 22 years of experience.

The company has built a comprehensive global supply chain with strong sourcing capabilities, advanced cold-chain infrastructure and established domestic and international sales networks.

Its operations span the entire value chain, from sourcing and trading to variety development, processing, and distribution to end consumers.