Shields said that the only other well-known chance seedling from Sydney is the Granny Smith, and the likelihood of getting a viable crop to sell to market is rare, however, He is hoping the 'Julie' variety could be the next big thing.

He put the variety in an Australian fruit improvement program in 2008 where it was grown in Shepparton, Lenswoof and Huonville. This trial has given Shields the confidence to invest tens of thousands of dollars in trade marking and supplying other orchards.

Results show that up to 90% of the fruit in the trials have been coloured red, and the those who have tried it believe it has subtle flavours of strawberry, pear, nashi and pineapple.

According to Shields, there already is a company growing them in Italy that is expected to see a crop next year, and two Australian growers who should see the variety growing this year.

Shields started trademarking under the name 'Julz' in 46 different countries in March 2015.