Sun World licensee community continues to grow, driving innovation and excellence in fresh produce
Sun World International has significantly expanded its global network throughout 2024, appointing new marketers across nine countries.
This strategic move boosts its reach to over 2,700 licensed growers, 180 marketers, and 35 North American importers. The initiative underscores the company’s commitment to delivering its proprietary table grape and stone fruit varieties to consumers worldwide while promoting quality, sustainability, and innovation.
Founded over 25 years ago, Sun World’s licensing program has grown to be one of the most prominent in the fruit industry. The program partners with licensees in over 16 countries, reinforcing the importance of quality control, sustainable agricultural practices, and the development of resilient crop varieties.
As stated in the company’s press release, the expansion aims to ensure that consumers have access to high-quality, flavorful produce throughout the year.
“After careful consideration, we are pleased to welcome numerous marketers and two new importers to our growing licensee network. 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.”
Gerardo Lugo, Sun World’s Chief Commercial Officer
Sun World’s licensing program grants access to its world-class fruit varieties, marketing tools, and technical support. Licensees benefit from a dedicated portal, marketing resources, and regular updates through e-newsletters.
These tools help optimize yields, reduce resource consumption, and bring innovative produce to market, aligning with global sustainability efforts.
Under this program, licensees are authorized to market Sun World’s established and new fruit varieties under well-known consumer brands such as AUTUMNCRISP®, APPLAUSE™, ADORA SEEDLESS®, MIDNIGHT BEAUTY®, RUBY RUSH®, EPIC CRISP®, SABLE SEEDLESS®, and SCARLOTTA SEEDLESS®. For stone fruits, brands include BLACK DIAMOND® plums, AMBER CREST® peaches, SUPER STAR® nectarines, and HONEYCOT® apricots.
Among the newly appointed importers are Grapery and FPD East Inc. Established in 1996, Grapery is known for its innovative, premium grape varieties that deliver high flavor and memorable consumer experiences. The company focuses on all-natural, non-GMO grapes cultivated through precise farming and harvest practices.
FPD East Inc., a family-owned enterprise, specializes in importing fresh fruit to North America. Entering its 25th year of operation, the company has seen steady growth across three key commodity groups: table grapes, pome fruit, and citrus. This expansion strengthens Sun World’s ability to supply quality fruit to a broader market.
This growth also follows Sun World’s recent acquisition of BioGold in 2024. Based in South Africa, BioGold (trading as Citrogold) manages global fruit variety rights, adding citrus, mango, and avocado varieties to Sun World’s portfolio. This acquisition further cements Sun World’s position in the global produce industry.
