Sun World introduces new grape varieties

Sun World International held a highly anticipated fruit show at its Wasco Center for Innovation, marking the official launch of two new grape brands, "Applause" and "Epic Crisp." The event was open to potential licensees, industry partners, retailers and the media, drawing a significant crowd eager to celebrate this milestone. Attendees were treated to an exclusive tour of the Wasco facility, where they were introduced to the new grape varieties and other promising ones still in development.

"It's an amazing concept. Everything happens here in Wasco," Senior Marketing Manager Dane Joubert explained. "It influences California agriculture, bringing growers better table grape varieties to grow. This is not only true in California but also around the world because the varieties are bred here. Globally, it influences more than 2,000 growers in more than 16 countries, including the U.S., Chile, Peru, Brazil and Mexico."

Esther Niu, a molecular breeding research scientist at the center, said, "The Center for Innovation, located in Wasco, is dedicated to precision breeding, data-driven research and the advancement of sustainable agriculture. Our continuous efforts are focused on developing products with both grower-friendly traits and consumer traits, ensuring that we meet the needs of our clients all over the world and provide clients with consistently high-performing varieties.

"To achieve this, we perform thorough testing in field and laboratory settings. This rigorous methodology is evident across all Sun World brands, including the two new brands we introduced in June, which exemplify the high standards we uphold in our breeding programs."

Niu played a pivotal role in developing these two new grape varieties, aiming to enhance flavor and quality for both consumers and growers.

Joubert echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence in the success of the new brands. Speaking specifically about "Epic Crisp," she said, "Consumers will be amazed at how big and sweet they are. The brand offers a range of green, seedless grapes with a crisp, juicy and neutral flavor. The berries are giant and elongated. The idea is for this brand to have multiple varieties from early to late season."

She spoke just as highly of the "Applause" brand. "It's something special and brings something unique, unexpected and incredible to consumers. The brand offers limited editions in red, green and black seedless grapes in various shapes, sizes, colors and flavors. Flavors can vary from tropical to strawberry to mango, plus more."

The fruit show was followed by Sun World's August Field Day, which featured the company's mid-to-late-season table grape varieties. This event attracted over 250 industry professionals, including growers, marketers, importers, nurseries and retailers from more than 16 countries. It provided a platform for Sun World to showcase the future of its table grape portfolio, reaffirming its leadership in the industry.

Sun World International is a privately held global agricultural company that specializes in the development, production and marketing of fruit varieties. It is known for its proprietary varieties of grapes, plums, peaches and other fruits. The company operates on a large scale, with a significant presence in various countries.