Fourth-generation family farming business Priest Bros Orchards of Victoria has launched its first apple juice, Sparkling Gold, to offer a premium drink that celebrates the journey of apples from tree to bottle.
Priest Bros Business Manager Shane Priest says the Sparkling Gold was a new way to showcase orchard practices and offer a high-quality product.
“We wanted to capture the full flavour of our apples in a way that felt modern, refreshing and premium. It marks a natural next step for us—a way to share the fruit we grow in a different format and add value to our orchard,” he said.
Sparkling Gold was launched at Priest Bros’ Melbourne Wholesale Markets’ stand on 1 August, followed by in-store sampling events across independent growers in Victoria throughout August.
Produced from a mix of premium apple varieties grown at Priest Bros Orchards at Pakenham Upper, Sparkling Gold fruit was hand-selected for flavour, colour and juicing qualities, he said.
“Our focus is on delivering the best fruit possible no matter the variety. Every tree on our property is carefully managed to ensure the fruit is picked at its peak.
“The apples are ideal for juicing because they are naturally high in brix (sugar content), with vibrant colour, crisp texture, and a clean, balanced flavour, resulting in a sparkling apple juice that is bright, refreshing, and naturally sweet. It’s 100 per cent apple juice with no added sugar – the sugar content is naturally occurring from the fruit.”
Bottling dreams and celebrating apples
Mr Priest said the concept had been in development for about 12–18 months.
“We took our time refining the process, selecting the right fruit, partnering with the right production team, and ensuring the final product lived up to the quality we’re known for.”
The apples are pressed and bottled in Gippsland.
Priest Bros chose the bottling partner for its shared values around freshness, traceability and quality, Mr Priest said.
“We’ve carbonated the juice using food-grade CO₂ to create a light, sparkling texture – it’s more celebratory and refreshing than a typical still juice.”
He said the business ventured into its first juice to seize on the growing demand for ‘better-for-you’ drinks and alcohol alternatives is growing rapidly.
“We saw an opportunity to bring a premium, grower-led product to market that tastes great, has nothing artificial, and celebrates real fruit.”
He said Sparkling Gold was for anyone who loved apples, sparkling drinks, or a healthy alternative to sugary soft drinks and alcohol.
“It’s great for families, health-conscious shoppers, and anyone wanting something a little special. It’s refreshing enough for a hot day, but also elegant enough to serve in place of sparkling wine at events, dinners or celebrations.”
Priest Bros’ first production began with 3,600 bottles but based on strong early feedback, it planned to produce at least 5,000 litres to meet growing demand across retail and food service, he said.
“Sparkling Gold is here to stay. While seasonal fruit availability determines our production window, this product is part of a long-term plan to grow our offering and add value to our apples ongoing.”
Priest Bros Orchards spans approximately 120 hectares of planted apples. It has grown apples in West Gippsland, southern Victoria for more than two decades.
Sparkling Gold features:
- Taste: Crisp, clean, and naturally sweet with a gentle sparkle. Sparkling Gold has a fresh apple flavour with a light lift from the carbonation.
- Colour: The juice is lightly filtered and clear, with a beautiful golden hue.
- Size: Available in a 750ml glass bottle
- Shelf life: Unopened, Sparkling Gold has a two-year shelf life. Once opened, it is best consumed within 5–7 days and kept in the fridge.
- Recommended serving size: 150ml.
- Recommended retail price: About $10 per bottle. Set by retailer.
- Stockists: Available exclusively through independent fruit shops and specialty grocers across Victoria. Eventually, it will be stocked nationally.
