Throughout 2024, Sun World International says it appointed marketers from nine countries, expanding its network to more than 2,700 licensed growers, 180 licensed marketers and 35 North American importers worldwide.
The expansion reflects the company’s dedication to bringing proprietary table grape and stone fruit varieties to consumers around the globe, according to a news release.
Sun World says it began its licensing program more than 25 years ago and today is one of the foremost fruit licensors in the world. By partnering with licensees in more than 16 countries, Sun World emphasizes the importance of quality control, sustainable practices and the ongoing development of resilient crop varieties, the release said. The company says its proprietary breeding program and support for licensees ensure that consumers enjoy flavorful, high-quality produce year-round.
“After careful consideration, we are pleased to welcome numerous marketers and two new importers to our growing licensee network,” said Gerardo Lugo, chief commercial officer. “Each new licensee brings unique expertise and a shared commitment to delivering high-quality produce. Together, we are advancing our mission to provide flavorful, sustainable fruit varieties to growers and consumers worldwide.”
Sun World’s licensing program offers access to the company’s fruit varieties, marketing tools and technical support. Sun World’s licensee community members have access to a licensee portal, marketing support and regular e-newsletters sharing the latest information on various developments and other updates, the release said.
This approach empowers licensees to optimize yield, reduce resource utilization and bring innovative produce to market while contributing to global food sustainability efforts, the company said. The licensees will have the right to market both existing and newly developed varieties under the company’s consumer brands including Autumncrisp, Applause, Adora Seedless, Midnight Beauty, Ruby Rush, Epic Crisp, Sable Seedless and Scarlotta Seedless.
Stone fruit marketers are licensed to market Sun World brands including Black Diamond plums, Amber Crest peaches, Super Star nectarines and Honeycot apricots.
Appointed importers include:
- Grapery — Established in 1996, Grapery continues to offer a strategic brand in a fragmented category offering a line of premium grapes that builds strong connections with consumers, the release said. The company’s grapes are grown focusing on key farming and harvest/post-harvest practices that create high flavor. Grapery grapes are all-natural and non-GMO.
- FPD East Inc. — FPD East Inc. is a family-owned and operated enterprise specializing in importing and marketing offshore fresh fruit throughout North America. Now entering its 25th year of operation, the team’s steady growth has been realized across three separate commodity groups including table grapes, pome fruit and citrus, the release said.
A full list of current licensees is available on Sun World’s website.
