Grape company Sun World International has reported it has grown their export volume over the past few years. According to the company it was their brand presence overseas and strengthened partnerships with receivers that helped to achieve this strong growth.
Specifically, Sun World International said it has grown their export volume by 40 percent year over year for the last three years with the company attributing strong receiver partnerships for the rise in volume this season. Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Korea are some of the countries the company said it has grown its brand presence. They noted good demand for grapes through both below-the-line marketing in the form of store events, demos and sampling, as well as through social media.
“Despite a difficult grape season, we continue to achieve our strategic export goals,” Sun World Vice President of International Sales and Marketing Julie Escobar said. “Our partnerships with receivers and new customers have helped us achieve record shipping numbers, and retail penetration continues to be strengthened.”
Sun World said investment in new packing line infrastructure has allowed the company to explore new packaging models especially for Asian markets, as well as combat high labor costs associated with re-packing in-country. The company also will continue to hire new personnel in Asia. “We expect to see a significant increase in our business, as well as improve our overall supply chain and quality control of our fruit to a much stronger level in 2019,” says Escobar.
Adora Seedless® (left), and Autumncrisp® (right)
The company noted that its proprietary black Midnight Beauty® and green Autumncrisp® brand grapes continue to be the most well-received offerings overseas, with the latter specifically achieving success in the majority of Asia markets. Sun World will also continue its efforts on positioning black Adora Seedless® brand grapes as a late season black variety in 2019.
For more information:
Danielle Loustalot
Sun World
Ph: +1 (661) 205-8669
dloustalot@sun-world.com
www.sun-world.com