Sun World International has appointed Chilean grape breeder and agronomist Carolina Uquillas to manage its fruit licensing business throughout Lain America.
Uquillas assumes responsibility for managing all of Sun World’s growing activities in the region, including proprietary grapes and stonefruit licensed to growers and export-marketers throughout Chile, Peru and northeastern Brazil.
“South America is an essential southern hemisphere production region for our international licensing business and for quality-minded supermarket retailers seeking differentiated varieties,” Sun World executive vice president David Marguleas said.
“Carolina brings keen knowledge of variety development and best production practices as well as an appreciation for what brands and unique varieties can accomplish for progressive grower-marketers.”
Uquillas has led the Chilean government’s INIA grape breeding programme over the last six years, where she was responsible for developing new varieties, designing crosses and assisting with the commercialisation of varieties.
She holds a PhD in Plant Molecular Biology from the Catholic University of Chile and also attended the University of California’s Plant Breeding Academy.
“Carolina has worked closely with growers throughout Chile, has a keen understanding of the fruit industry and supply chain, and is eager to apply her experience and energy to Sun World, its varieties and brands,” Marguleas said.
