The commercial launch of a new table grape variety takes about 10 to 15 years of research and trials. "About 10,000 initial plantings are being narrowed down to 5,000 and then 1,000," says Ben Taieb, Licensing Manager with Sun World. From there, the remaining varieties are moved to test blocks in the U.S., followed by semi-commercial and commercial growing blocks. "Before a variety hits the market, it is being trialed in a few priority countries, providing us assurance that the varieties perform well in different climates and have the ability to adjust," Taieb commented. In addition to the U.S., these priority countries include South Africa, Peru, and Italy. Altogether, it takes about 20 years from initial research to a commercial launch.
© Sun World LLC
Ben Taieb and Maurizio Ventura of Sun World, promoting RUBY RUSH at the recent Macfrut event.
Natural color development
Red grape variety Sugrafiftythree (marketed as RUBY RUSH®) was commercially launched five years ago and is unique because of its natural color development in combination with higher yields and lower input costs. "For red grape varieties growing in a dry or warm climate, it's challenging to develop color," shared Taieb. Substantial differences between daytime and nighttime temperatures are essential for pigmentation. However, in warmer climates, the temperature differences are sometimes not significant enough for a variety to develop color. "Sugrafiftythree has the capability of coloring up fast and naturally regardless of temperature differences." The sweet, juicy, and crunchy variety is a replacement for traditional early season red seedless grapes like Flame Seedless.
Five years after its commercial launch, Sugrafiftythree continues to be planted in larger volumes and still expands into different growing regions. "Sugrafiftythree is being grown in Israel, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Mexico, the U.S., and Brazil. Right now, we are starting to grow the variety in Egypt as well." It has become the fastest variety to advance through commercialization in Sun World's history. Building on this success, Sun World hosted two exclusive field days in Chile earlier this year, with nine additional events planned across Egypt, Mexico, Italy, Brazil, Peru, South Africa and Australia — offering growers a firsthand look at the potential of this category-shaping variety.
© Sun World LLCRUBY RUSH grape variety.
Global technical services
With grape varieties performing differently in the various climates around the world, different growing techniques are required. Sun World has a dedicated Global Technical Services team that's committed to enhancing the performance and success of the company's licensees' farms by providing growers and their staff with support, technical services and technological innovations. "After a grower has planted a certain variety, the team follows up with them during different stages and provides advice in all countries where Sun World varieties are grown." These countries and regions include North America, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Egypt, South Africa, Morocco, Spain, and Italy.
Looking ahead
Currently, a few grape varieties are in the semi-commercial stage of development and just like Sugrafiftythree, they will be built out step by step. It's important for these varieties to differentiate from what's already available in the market. "In the near to mid future, we plan to launch a green grape variety that has an extended window of supply, ranging from a very early window to availability later in the season. This variety would normally be available for six weeks in Egypt, but now has a window of 2.5 months," said Taieb. While the new variety is starting to become available, it takes time to launch it commercially in the different regions around the globe.
For more information:
Ben Taieb
Sun World International
[email protected]
www.sun-world.com
