ISSAQUAH, WA - Sun World Innovations has selected, among a small group of companies, Vanguard Direct (owned by Vanguard International) to market and sell its proprietary grape varieties in North America.

“We are thrilled to partner with Sun World Innovations to bring these great tasting grape varieties to market,” Craig Stauffer, CEO of Vanguard International, commented. “This is an exciting next step for our world-class grape growing program in Peru, where we look to grow, pack, market, and deliver to our customers around the world the highest quality and most flavorable grape varieties available.”

As we previously reported, Sun World announced in May that it wanted to direct its focus to genetics and breeding, with plans to choose ten companies to have licenses to distribute and market its varieties, including Vanguard Direct.

“With all these new varieties coming to market, freshness is hugely important, which makes our continued developments at our packing house in Peru crucial to our operation,” says Dirk Winkelmann, Business Development Officer for Vanguard International and President of Vanguard Direct. “The packing house gives us the capability to temperature control the grape reception area which means that the team gets the fruit out of the field and into a controlled environment quickly.”

According to a press release, Sun World grape varieties from Vanguard Direct’s production in Peru will include:

• AUTUMNCRISP®: offering an “unmatched eating experience” with jumbo green seedless berries, crisp-juicy texture, and a sweet flavor that has subtle hints of Muscat
• Adora: the “two-bite grape” boasting jumbo/giant-sized berries, as well as excellent firmness, color, and a sweet juicy flavor
• Midnight Beauty: extra-large elongated berries with firm texture and exceptionally sweet flavor

The Vanguard team noted that selling and marketing of the grapes grown at its ranches in Peru to North America is handled by Vanguard Direct, located in Bakersfield, California, and consisting of Vice President, Sales Gene Coughlin; Sales Manager Shawn Caldwell; and Sales Support Manager Denise Smith.

Proud to pronounce ‘We Own It,’ the company takes great pride in ownership of ranches and packing house. As this new chapter of its offerings kicks off, AndNowUKnow will continue to keep you up to date on the latest.

Vanguard Direct Vanguard International Sun World International