Growers harvest first crop of Ruby Rush grapes this month

Sun World is launching a new red grape brand named Ruby Rush and reports growers from the U.S., Italy, Spain and Israel are harvesting the new variety this July.

Ruby Rush grapes. Photo courtesy Sun World
Ruby Rush grapes. Photo courtesy Sun World
(Photo courtesy Sun World )

July just got a lot juicier. Bakersfield, Calif.-based Sun World is launching its new, red seedless grape brand, named Ruby Rush, with licensed growers reported to be harvesting Ruby Rush grapes this month in the U.S., Italy, Spain and Israel, according to a news release.

What’s more, the new varietal brand will be used to identify a range of similar red seedless grape varieties, the first of which is called sugrafiftythree, said the release.

“[The sugrafiftythree grape variety] offers Sun World growers around the world a sustainable red grape with natural color development, better yields, less input cost and great post-harvest attributes,” Sun World’s Table Grape Breeder, Paola Barba, said in the release. “The initial variety sold under the ruby rush brand is a ‘new generation’ red grape that is expected to be an ideal replacement for traditional early-season red seedless grapes like flame seedless and other red varieties throughout the season.”

Related news: Fresh Trends 2023: Yes, grapes are popular — how that breaks down by consumer segments

Currently, Ruby Rush brand grapes can be sourced from the U.S., Spain, Italy and Israel with additional vineyards being prepared by Sun World licensees in another ten countries, according to the release.

The new variety is versatile, VP of Marketing, Jennifer Sanchez, said in the release.

“[Ruby Rush grapes are an] easy treat during the day or paired with your favorite cheeses on a party platter or even frozen as part of an indulgent dessert. Not to mention, their juicy, alluring shine makes for a beautiful addition to any plated experience,” Sanchez said.

To support the launch, Sun World has developed a full suite of branded retail marketing materials splashed with vibrant red, white, and green coloring that includes branded packaging, point of sale materials, brand seal for private label packaging and print and digital ad templates, according to the release.

The Packer logo (567x120)
Related Stories
The former head of Kopke Fruit transformed North American grocery shelves by pioneering counter-seasonal supply chains and establishing the Delaware River ports as the premier hub for South American produce.
While an unprecedented March heat wave accelerated fruit color by two to three weeks, growers report that flavor and Brix levels are now successfully catching up to meet high retail demand.
Delano, Calif.-based Hronis Inc. has successfully concluded its Chapter 11 auction with senior lender Conterra Ag Capital emerging as the winning bidder, as one of the earliest table grape harvests in the state’s history gets underway.
Read Next
With 300 truckloads of vegetables crossing the border daily, the executive director for the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers,outlines why protecting stable access to U.S. consumers supports affordable, year-round produce for Canadians.
Get Daily News
GET MARKET ALERTS
Get News & Markets App