Sun World Shares Launch of New Brands and Success of AUTUMNCRISP® with Global Partners

Sun World International hosted its annual Mid- to Late-Season Table Grape Field Day on August 22 at their Center for Innovation in Wasco, California. The event, attended by over 250 licensed growers, marketers, importers, retailers, and media partners from around the world, marked a significant milestone as the company unveiled its new grape brands, EPIC CRISP® and APPLAUSE™. This gathering offered a platform for Sun World to showcase its latest advancements in table grape breeding, with a focus on delivering high-quality, innovative varieties that cater to both consumer preferences and grower needs.

The Field Day provided attendees with an exclusive look at Sun World’s commercial, semi-commercial, and experimental grape varieties. Participants were allowed to observe these varieties in a real-world setting, similar to their own vineyards, allowing them to make more informed decisions regarding future plantings.

The introduction of EPIC CRISP® and APPLAUSE™ was a highlight of the event, with these brands poised to enhance the market by offering a consistent, high-quality eating experience that is expected to drive consumer demand and boost sales for producers and retailers alike.

Jen Sanchez, Sun World’s vice president of marketing, emphasized the significance of the event, noting that it was a privilege to introduce these new brands to such a large and diverse group of partners. She expressed optimism about the future growth of these brands as production volumes increase globally, highlighting the potential for these grapes to become key players in the table grape market.

Attendees also had the chance to witness Sun World’s commitment to innovation beyond just grape varieties. The event featured demonstrations of Tortuga’s automated robots, which are used for harvesting grapes. This cutting-edge technology represents the future of agriculture and provided a glimpse into the advancements that are shaping the industry. For many in attendance, this was the first time they had seen such automation in action, underscoring Sun World’s role as a leader in agricultural innovation.

In addition to showcasing new grape varieties and technology, Sun World shared insights into its successful global marketing initiatives. Elena Hernandez, the company’s director of global marketing insights, presented the early successes of the AUTUMNCRISP® marketing launch, which has been instrumental in building consumer awareness and driving demand for this green seedless variety. Hernandez also provided a preview of upcoming retail partnerships set to further bolster the brand’s presence in the market.

The newly introduced APPLAUSE™ and EPIC CRISP® brands | Images: Courtesy of Sun World

The AUTUMNCRISP® grape, already well-regarded by industry professionals, is now being actively promoted to consumers through strategic marketing campaigns. Kyle Hackett, president of Dayka & Hackett, praised the collaboration between Sun World and its grower partners, highlighting how a well-executed retail strategy can elevate an exceptional product from the vineyard to the forefront of consumer demand. The AUTUMNCRISP® campaign is a testament to the power of strong partnerships and targeted marketing in achieving market success.

The newly introduced APPLAUSE™ and EPIC CRISP® brands are expected to make a significant impact on the market with their unique flavor profiles and consumer appeal. APPLAUSE™, a mid-season green seedless variety, stands out with its sweet, tropical fruity flavor, offering a distinctive and unexpected twist to the grape-eating experience. This brand features a series of limited-edition red, green, and black seedless grapes, each with different shapes, sizes, colors, and flavors, providing consumers with a diverse and exciting selection.

EPIC CRISP®, also a green seedless variety, is notable for its intense crunch and sweet, juicy flavor, delivering an “epic” experience with every bite. The introduction of these brands reflects Sun World’s ongoing commitment to innovation and its ability to bring consumer-inspired and grower-friendly products to market.

As Sun World continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in table grape breeding and marketing, the company remains a leader in the industry, driving demand and setting new standards for quality and innovation. Those interested in learning more about Sun World’s offerings and staying updated on future developments are encouraged to follow the company on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Sun World International, based in California, is a global leader in variety development and licensing, with a network of licensed growers and marketers spanning multiple continents, including the United States, Europe, Australia, South America, Israel, and South Africa. The company’s 2023 launch of a global marketing campaign for its AUTUMNCRISP® brand represents one of the largest efforts ever for a branded grape, aimed at increasing demand and revenue for its international network of licensees. More information about Sun World can be found on their website at sun-world.com.