David Marguleas honored with Lifetime Achievement Award
The California Fresh Fruit Association will present its Lifetime Achievement Award to David Marguleas at the organization’s 90th Annual Meeting on March 16, recognizing his four decades of leadership in California’s fresh fruit industry and his role in advancing produce innovation.
Marguleas serves as board chairman of Sun World International, a global fruit genetics company that develops proprietary varieties of table grapes, peaches, plums, cherries, mangoes, and citrus for licensed growers worldwide.
The association said the Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals whose “pioneering spirit and inventiveness throughout their career have inspired others and influenced the industry in a positive way.”
Four decades in the California fruit industry
Marguleas represents the third generation of his family involved in California agriculture. His father founded Sun World about 50 years ago as a diversified produce marketing company. The company later evolved into a fruit genetics and licensing business focused on developing improved varieties for global growers.
Marguleas held multiple management roles during his career with the company and became president and CEO in 2019. In January 2025, he assumed the role of executive chairman.
After a 40-year career, Marguleas announced his retirement from the company in February 2026. He continues to serve as non-executive chairman of the board.
Beyond his work at Sun World, Marguleas spent more than three decades involved with CFFA. He served as a director on the association’s board from 1987 to 2019 and chaired the board in 2010 and 2011.
He also served on boards for other industry organizations, including the Produce Marketing Association, a predecessor to the International Fresh Produce Association, and the California Table Grape Commission.
"The California Fresh Fruit Association is proud to recognize David Marguleas with its Lifetime Achievement Award," said CFFA past chairman Marko S. Zaninovich of Marko Zaninovich Inc./Sunview Vineyards. "David's leadership and commitment have made an undeniable mark on the fresh fruit industry. Over the course of his distinguished career, he has mentored and inspired countless individuals to pursue careers of their own, ensuring a bright future for our industry."
"David Marguleas has had a profound and lasting impact on the table grape and broader fresh fruit industry. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, and commitment to advancing our industry," said CFFA past chairman Randy Giumarra of Giumarra Vineyards, Corp. "It is a privilege to honor him with this award in recognition of his accomplishments, his contributions, and his dedicated service to CFFA and the entire fresh produce community."
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