WASCO, CA - What’s next in the world of table grapes? Industry members got a sneak peek on July 11, 2024, during Sun World International’s Early Season Table Grape Field Day at its Center for Innovation in Wasco, California. The Sun World team unveiled “What’s Next” in varietal/cultivar development and introduced the corporate brand's refreshed identity.

“Sun World International is making significant investments in our partnership with growers and retailers to bring higher-yield, easier to grow, and more sustainable varieties to growers’ vineyards while focusing on the characteristics, quality, and brands that consumers are searching for,” said Jennifer Sanchez, Vice President of Marketing. “As a breeder and former grower, Sun World brings a grower’s perspective to new varietal development, understanding that we must combine grower benefits with consumers’ preferences to successfully bring a new variety or brand to market.”

The Early Season Field Day offered a behind-the-scenes look at the work taking place to develop and introduce consumer-inspired and grower-friendly table grape varieties. The primary goal is to enable producers, marketers, and retailers to increase sales by delivering retailers and consumers a high-quality, delicious, and consistent eating experience. The annual event hosted over 200 grower licensees, retailers, and media partners, according to a press release.

Sun World’s licensed partners were given an opportunity to see current commercial varieties along with new varieties being evaluated as part of the product pipeline in both commercial vineyards and in Sun World’s test block.

“Attending the Sun World Late Season Field Day allows me to build relationships with other growers and licensees as well as learn practical and technical information vital to my business,” said Lara Kirsten, Sustainability and Compliance Manager at JD Kirsten (Pty) Ltd.

The marketing team also offered insights into the recent corporate brand refresh and how it is interwoven into their strategic plans for the future. The updated website highlights the team’s commitment to helping licensees and growers stay ahead of the curve. Sun World is also launching a new way to easily access all materials through an information-sharing platform.

The Sun World team also shared an update on the planting growth plans for the Sugrafiftythree variety, the first variety to be sold under the RUBY RUSH® brand.

Sun World will host its Late Season Field Day on August 21. Stay tuned for more updates!