Sun World adds 10 marketers and widens Sun Pacific role in North America
The grape breeder strengthens its licensee network across Southern Africa and North America as branded table grape programs continue to grow.
NORTH AMERICA – Sun World International expanded its global marketer network in the fourth quarter of 2025 and extended its long standing partnership with Sun Pacific, moves the company says will support steady supply and execution in key markets.
The company confirmed on January 20, 2026 that it added 10 new marketers to its licensee network. At the same time, Sun Pacific now serves as an authorized importer for Sun World grape varieties in North America, alongside its existing grower and marketer roles.
Sun Pacific, based in California, operates as a vertically integrated grower, marketer, and importer with strong retail ties in the United States and Canada. Under the expanded agreement, the company now holds a license to distribute and market Sun World proprietary grape varieties across both countries from licensed suppliers.
“Expanding our marketer network, while deepening trusted relationships like Sun Pacific, allows us to strengthen the supply chain at every stage, from production to market,” said Petri van der Merwe, vice president of global licensing at Sun World International.
Sun World said the move supports better coordination from farms to retail shelves, while ensuring branded programs reach consumers with consistent quality and timing.
New marketers across key regions
The newly added marketers operate across South Africa, Namibia, and the United States. Sun World said the additions align with its focus on controlled growth in major production and export zones.
The new program members can market several Sun World grape varieties, including AUTUMNCRISP®, RUBY RUSH®, ADORA SEEDLESS®, and MIDNIGHT BEAUTY®. Each marketer works within regional production plans and market demand.
“These additions reflect our focus on building long term partnerships that strengthen the global supply chain while supporting consistent execution in market,” said Gerardo Lugo, chief commercial officer at Sun World International.
The new marketers include SanLucar South Africa, Karsten Namibia Agriculture, Cederberg Farming Trawal, Rainbow Produce Company trading as Rainbow Export, Capespan South Africa in Namibia, Silverlands Namibia, Naturesmart Foods in South Africa and Namibia, Southern Fruit Growers, Fresh Farms also known as Grupo Molina in the United States and Mexico, and Star South Fruits in South Africa.
Broader push for branded growth
Sun World said the expanded network builds on recent efforts to support branded grape programs through reliable supply, clear licensing, and close cooperation with marketers and growers.
The company noted that these partnerships help meet retail demand across different seasons while maintaining quality standards across regions.
With stronger links in Southern Africa and North America, Sun World aims to support year round availability of its grape varieties in major export markets.
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