Five Italian Produce Leaders Unite Under Sun World’s Licensing Program to Deliver Top-Tier Table Grapes Worldwide

Sun World has strengthened its global footprint by licensing five prominent Italian produce companies to market its AUTUMNCRISP® grapes, aiming to address growing worldwide demand for premium table grapes and introduce this crisp, juicy, and refreshingly sweet variety to an even broader audience.

Announced on March 25, 2025, from Bakersfield, California, this initiative broadens the international reach of a firm that has long been recognized for its extensive breeding programs and role as a leader in produce licensing.

Each newly authorized marketer will help fulfill Sun World’s goal of delivering exceptional flavor and high-quality grapes to consumers and retailers on a global scale.

The newly appointed marketing partners include Op Palmieri, 2 Erre S.r.l., Royal Fruit Ltd., Lozupone Import – Export S.R.L., and Sant’Andrea Company.

Although each of these companies has different strengths and histories, they share a commitment to innovation and quality that aligns with Sun World’s ambition to meet and surpass escalating market needs.

“This expansion comes at an important time for the market which has shown an increasing demand for AUTUMNCRISP. Whether it’s someone who is tasting these grapes for the first time or consumers who actively seeks them out in their local retailers, the expansion of licensed marketers strengthens our ability to meet growing global demand for premium table grapes. By partnering with these five industry leaders in Italy, we are ensuring that more consumers can consistently experience the exceptional quality of AUTUMNCRISP grapes while creating greater opportunities for our growers and retail partners.”

Maurizio Ventura, Europe licensing manager for Sun World International

The five newly appointed marketers each bring distinctive capabilities to the table.

Op Palmieri, founded in 2019, focuses on stone fruit and table grapes and continually invests in new projects to satisfy evolving consumer preferences.

2 Erre S.r.l., operating in Polignano a Mare, manages around 150 hectares of table grapes and partners with local farmers, all while maintaining a strong retail presence in Germany, Northern Europe, and Saudi Arabia.

Royal Fruit Ltd., led by the Fragasso brothers since its establishment in 2004, handles table grapes, stone fruit, and artichokes for major retailers both in Italy and abroad.

Meanwhile, Lozupone Import Export S.R.L. specializes in both seedless and seeded table grapes, as well as apricots, distributing to countries such as Germany and the Netherlands, and catering to both retail and wholesale clients.

Finally, Sant’Andrea Company supplies large-scale distributors with a year-round assortment of produce, including table grapes, stone fruit, and vegetables.

Bringing these five producers into Sun World’s network reflects the continued momentum behind AUTUMNCRISP grapes, which have emerged as a favorite among consumers due to their characteristic sweetness and appealing texture.

The addition of new licensees is designed to secure more consistent availability of these grapes in diverse markets, benefiting retailers, growers, and end customers who increasingly look for premium options.

By forging these alliances, Sun World underscores its commitment to matching consumer expectations for flavor and quality, while simultaneously supporting agricultural innovation and variety development.

Members of Sun World’s licensee community gain access to a range of supportive tools, including a licensee portal, marketing assistance, and frequent e-newsletters covering the latest variety research.

This collaborative structure is intended to help partners optimize their production and distribution efforts, encouraging responsible growth that meets the rising need for top-tier table grapes.

Anyone interested in discovering the entire list of current licensees can find it through Sun World’s official channels.

Sun World International has built a reputation over decades for breeding and licensing premium fruit varieties.

The company manages a global network of licensed growers and marketers, maintaining offices in North and South America, Europe, Australia, Israel, and South Africa.

In 2024, Sun World expanded its already extensive portfolio by acquiring BioGold, a South African-based fruit variety rights manager that operates as Citrogold in South Africa, thereby adding citrus, mango, and avocados to its existing table grape and stone fruit breeding programs.

By establishing new partnerships with five Italian companies, Sun World continues to strengthen its reputation for providing distinctive, high-quality grapes that appeal to today’s consumers, many of whom seek a unique flavor experience.

These AUTUMNCRISP grapes, known for their superior taste and texture, exemplify the organization’s dedication to excellence bringing an ever-growing choice of premium fruit varieties to the global marketplace.