Sun World International has announced it has granted six additional licenses to Egyptian table grape grower/marketers, bringing the total Egyptian licensees to seven.
The global fruit genetics and licensing company said that two new Italian table grape grower/marketers had also been appointed, as part of its strategy to extend its reach in 'high-potential gateway markets'. It brings the total number of Italian licensees to ten.
Satisfying global demand
According to the company, one of the primary motivations for the expansion was to satisfy the growing market demand for newer and improved table grape varieties for the fresh market globally.
The expansion also reflected the transition taking place in these regions as public table grape varieties are replaced by superior proprietary varieties, Sun World explained, such as those it breeds at its Center for Innovation in California.
Sun World said that having an expanded portfolio of innovative table grape varieties would give the new licensees greater access to domestic and international markets, and the opportunity for 'meaningful new revenue streams'.
“We have been eager to announce this group of tremendous new licensees,” said Garth Swinburn, Sun World’s vice-president licensing.
“A hallmark of Sun World’s many years as an international fruit breeder and licensor is the longevity of our relationships with our licensees,' he continued. 'We make the decision to grant a license with deliberation and care, so this is an important move for our company.”
New additions
The new marketers have been granted rights to distribute fruit from existing and new varieties developed by Sun World, marketed under the company’s brands.
These include the likes of Autumncrisp, Midnight Beauty, Sable Seedless, Adora Seedless, Scarlotta Seedless and Sophia Seedless.
Joining Sun World’s existing Egyptian licensed table grape and stonefruit marketer, PICO Modern Agriculture, the company’s newly appointed licensees in Egypt include Agrostar, Belco, Daltex, El Roda, Fayed Horticulture Export and Magrabi Agriculture.
In Italy, Agrimessina and Agricoper join Sun World's existing Italian licensed grape marketers Giuliano, Di Donna, Orchidea Frutta, Peviani, Salvi Unacoa, and Unifrutti. Agrintesa and Apofruit Italia are licensed marketers of Sun World’s table grape and stonefruit varieties.
“Everything we do, and every aspect of our breeding and genetics programme, is done with the success and prosperity of our growers and marketers in mind,” added Swinburn. “I’m delighted to welcome these impressive new marketers to the global Sun World community.”
