Sun World marks 50 years in fruit breeding and global growth
The company reflects on five decades of fruit development, global reach, and recent moves to expand its marketer network and partnerships.
USA – Sun World International has reached its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of growth in fruit breeding, licensing, and brand development.
Sun World has shared its story and milestones with global industry platforms, including FreshPlaza, as it reflects on five decades of work in fruit development and market growth. The company said the anniversary offers a chance to look back at key moments while also showing how its work continues to shape fruit markets across regions.
“Fifty years ago, we were built on the idea that better fruit could create better outcomes for growers, retailers and consumers,” said David Marguleas, executive chair of Sun World. “What began as an exploration of ‘what’s next’ for fruit has become a global force for innovation. Our evolution is a testament to the people, partners and growers who believed in what was possible and worked to make it happen.”
Sun World has helped introduce seedless watermelon and improved plums and peaches. The company has also played a major role in the table grape sector through seedless varieties and premium brands. Flagship grape brands such as Autumcrisp® and Ruby Rush® continue to reach markets across the world.
The company has expanded beyond grapes through acquisitions that added citrus varieties and mango genetics. Today, its network includes more than 4,000 licensed producers and marketers in 18 countries, with fruit sold in retail chains across multiple regions.
“Sun World is entering an era of innovation that our founders could only dream of,” said Bernardo Calvo, chief executive officer of Sun World. “From AI-assisted breeding to deeper global trial networks, to partnerships that give us new reach and capability, we are positioned to deliver breakthroughs at a pace the industry has never seen.”
New partnerships and wider marketer network
Alongside its anniversary, Sun World recently expanded its marketer network and strengthened partnerships in North America and Southern Africa. In the fourth quarter of 2025, the company added 10 new marketers to its licensee network.
Sun World also extended its partnership with Sun Pacific, which now serves as an authorized importer of Sun World grape varieties in North America, in addition to its existing roles as grower and marketer.
“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.
The new marketers operate in South Africa, Namibia, and the United States. They will market grape varieties including AUTUMNCRISP®, RUBY RUSH®, ADORA SEEDLESS®, and MIDNIGHT BEAUTY®.
Throughout 2026, Sun World plans to mark its anniversary through events, stories, and milestones that highlight its people and partnerships.
“Anniversaries remind us of where we began, but they matter most when they sharpen our focus on what comes next,” Marguleas said.
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