There was much excitement in the port of Philadelphia this week as the first ever commercial shipment of table grapes grown in the Dominican Republic arrived in the U.S. The shipment, which includes 2,250 boxes (16 tons) of Timpson™ grapes and 550 boxes of AllisonTM, marks a significant milestone for the country's agricultural sector. This result was made possible through over five years of collaboration between table grape breeding company BLOOM FRESH and the government of Dominican Republic. This new industry will create a significant local economy in partnership with Dominican growers and also allow them to tap into and underserved window in US table grape supply.
© Bloom FreshContainer opening.
President Luis Abinader remarked, "The first commercial harvest of BLOOM FRESH™ table grapes is a historic moment for our country. It represents the potential of Dominican agriculture to reach new heights in quality and global market presence."
This initiative is also heavily supported by the AMFRESH Group, the majority owner of BLOOM FRESH™. In a recent landmark event, Alvaro Munoz, CEO of AMFRESH Group, and his son Alvaro Muñoz Palacin joined President Luis Abinader and Rafael Ortiz Quezada, Vice Minister of Technology and Agriculture, to celebrate the country's first-ever commercial harvest of premium, patented table grapes developed by BLOOM FRESH™ and discuss opportunities to accelerate the growth of this industry and potentially expand into new fruit categories.
Alvaro Munoz stated, "This milestone is a testament to our commitment to innovation and sustainability. We are proud to contribute to the growth and global competitiveness of Dominican agriculture."
© Bloom FreshPictured are Alvaro Munoz, CEO of AMFRESH Group, President Luis Abinader and Munoz's son Alvaro Muñoz Palacin.
Transforming Dominican agriculture
Four years ago, the Dominican Republic's Ministry of Agriculture, led by the Minister of Agriculture, Limber Cruz, partnered with BLOOM FRESH™ to launch a pioneered program to support farmers and agricultural organizations interested in growing table grapes. This program provided training and opportunities to network with high-quality table grape producing organizations and technicians. As the driving force behind the initiative, BLOOM FRESH™ provided strategic leadership, cutting-edge technology, and technical expertise throughout the program. Its team of specialists designed and led the training sessions, equipping local farmers and agricultural organizations with the knowledge and tools needed to grow premium table grape varieties. Trial plantings of BLOOM FRESH™ varieties in Baní and San Juan proved successful, leading to the introduction of commercial varieties such as Sweet Globe™, Timpson™, and Allison™ and laying the foundation for a thriving local industry.
To support this growth, on April 3, 2025, BLOOM FRESH™ hosted an Open Day in the Dominican Republic, dedicated to empowering local growers and providing technical support and knowledge to enhance their table grape cultivation practices. "In a region where grape growing is still new, our goal is to empower farmers with the expertise and resources they need to succeed. This initiative, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture of the Dominican Republic, aims to foster the local agricultural sector and promote sustainable agricultural practices." shared Josep Estiarte, CEO of BLOOM FRESH™.
"BLOOM FRESH™ support and innovative techniques have enabled us to produce high-quality grapes that meet international standards. We now have the knowledge and resources to grow premium table grapes," says - Arismendy Almonte, grower of table grapes in the Dominican Republic.
© Bloom Fresh
Market Update: Dominican Republic's table grape success
The Dominican Republic has demonstrated its ability to deliver world-class agricultural products, strengthening its position in global markets and highlighting the success of its agricultural sector. The first container of table grapes shipped to the United States marks the beginning of a new commercial window, allowing Dominican growers to tap into the lucrative U.S. market. This initiative is expected to enhance the country's agricultural diversity and strengthen its rural economy. The grapes will be commercialized in Walmart stores across the United States, providing consumers with access to high-quality, premium table grapes.
Sebastian Diaz, Technical Manager for the Americas at BLOOM FRESH™ explains: "We have identified strong potential for table grape cultivation in the Dominican Republic, due to its tropical climate and agroecological conditions comparable to those of other grape-producing countries in the region. As a result, we have implemented the adaptation of specific agronomic protocols to optimize yield and fruit quality. Preliminary results validate this collaborative approach and allow us to confidently project a sustainable path to success in the country."
See below for a video about the project.
For more information:
Marie-Anne de Bejarry
Bloom Fresh
Tel: +34 682 044 229
[email protected]
www.bloomfreshglobal.com
