A newly-named table grape company with a group of well-known sales executives has received licenses to market Sun World International and International Fruit Genetics varieties.
Illume Agriculture, Bakersfield, Calif., was previously known as the Fabbri Group/D&J Farm Management, according to a news release. The company has farmed in Kern County since the 1930s.
Jeff Fabbri founded the company and in 2014 enlisted grower Kevin Andrew to “create a table grape program built on the concept of staying ahead of the expanding innovation curve with a full suite of the best varieties in high demand,” according to a news release.
Andrew was with Sun World International for more than 20 years, in roles that included chief operating officer.
David Clyde has been with Illume for a year and is the company’s vice president of sales and marketing, with more than 30 years of experience in table grapes. He was in sales at Giumarra Vineyards Corp. for 15 years and was president of Stevco Inc., Los Angeles.Oliver Sill, who has been in sales at Delano Farms and Columbine Vineyards, joined the sales team on March 9 in sales, along with Noël Marie Siler, who was with Sun World for 32 years in sales roles and joined Illume in February.
“The table grape team’s energy and experience is amazing — they cannot wait to surprise the industry this year with a boutique portfolio containing only expertly-managed, premium varieties,” CEO Tracy Saiki said in the release.
Illume has grown International Fruit Genetic’s Sweet Globe, Sweet Sapphire and Candy Heart brand grapes.
“This year’s vertical integration and new sales team fulfills the company’s strong belief customers should enjoy a direct relationship with the grower,” according to the release.
The company grows International Fruit Genetics’ Sweet Globe, Sweet Sapphire and Candy Hearts grape varieties, along with Midnight Beauty, Autumncrisp and Scarlotta Seedless grapes from Sun World.
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