Bakersfield, Calif.-based Sun World International says it hosted an early season table grape field day at its Center for Innovation in Wasco, Calif., earlier this month.
Sun World says it highlighted its varietal and cultivar development to more than 200 grower licensees, retailers and media.
Attendees got a behind-the-scenes look Sun World’s work to develop and introduce consumer-inspired and grower-friendly table grape varieties that are high-quality and offer a consistent eating experience, according to a news release. Sun World’s licensed partners saw current commercial varieties along with new varieties being evaluated as part of the company’s 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.
Sun World said licensees got a chance to sample new varieties in development and provide feedback on the varieties’ traits and characteristics.
Sun World also updated licensees on its planting growth plans for the Sugrafiftythree variety, the first variety to be sold under the Ruby Rush brand, the release said. Sun World launched Sugrafiftythree, an early red seedless grape variety, during its field day in July 2023. Researchers offered licensees and retailers exclusive insights into the challenges of balancing grower and consumer benefits with a new grape variety.
“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 at Sun World International. “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.”
