The first shipment of a Capespan Gold-branded grape has reached UK shores ahead of a promising season.
The Sugratwentythree is a mid-season black seedless grape emanating from South Africa and, following a deal between Capespan and breeder Sun World International LLC, Capespan is marketing the grape under its premium Gold standard.
The black grape varies between 22mm and 27mm in diameter and was first established in South Africa in the Hex River Valley in 2007 by Harry and Terblanche Wium, with the first three pallets hitting the UK market in 2009.
The first grapes of 2010 arrived on the MSC Stella in Felixstowe last Friday and a promising season is said to be in store.
Gawie Van Der Merwe, technical advisor for grapes, told freshinfo: “This variety fills an important gap in supply of black seedless grapes. It ripens mid to late in the season after Autumn Royal and will be a good replacement for Barlinka. It is unique because of its red flesh and juice when fully ripe. This leads to a high content of antioxidants and is known for health reasons. All existing black varieties have white flesh and juice.
“During the early stages of evaluation of Sugratwentythree in California, Sun Word decided to discard this new variety for various reasons. Capespan technical people liked this grape and saw potential for South African production and applied for further evaluation in South Africa. Sun World then gave exclusive marketing rights to Capespan Exports after extended evaluation by Capespan in South Africa.”
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