Sun World adds marketers and importers to network – Produce Blue Book

BAKERSFIELD, CALIF. (December 17, 2024) – Throughout 2024, Sun World International appointed marketers from nine countries, expanding its network to more than 2,700 licensed growers, 180 licensed marketers and 35 North American importers worldwide.

This expansion reflects the company’s dedication to bringing proprietary table grape and stone fruit varieties to consumers around the globe.

Sun World 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 company’s 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 world-class 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. This approach empowers licensees to optimize yield, reduce resource utilization and bring innovative produce to market while contributing to global food sustainability efforts.

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:
• Grapery BB #:210849: Established in 1996, Grapery continues to offer a strategic brand in a fragmented category offering a unique, exciting and innovative line of premium grapes that builds strong connections with consumers. The company’s grapes are grown focusing on key farming and harvest/post-harvest practices that create high flavor, unlike any other. Grapery grapes are all-natural and non-GMO but best of all, will WOW consumers over and over.
• FPD East Inc. BB #:169702: 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.

To view the full list of current licensees, visit Sun World’s website here.

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About Sun World International
Sun World International is a global variety development and licensing business. The California-based company has a global network of licensed growers and marketers and maintains offices in the United States, Europe, Australia, South America, Israel and South Africa. In 2024, Sun World acquired BioGold, a South African-based global fruit variety rights manager, trading as Citrogold in South Africa, expanding Sun World’s table grape and stone fruit breeding and licensing portfolio to include citrus, mango and avocados. More information about Sun World is available at sun-world.com