Leading global table grape breeder Grapa’s newest seedless variety is now stepping onto the international stage.
Developed in the company’s Global Breeding Program, tiqi™ shines with its sweet flavor and juicy, super-crispy texture. The brand is now ready to debut globally after being officially launched with M&S Food in the UK this summer.
From there, tiqi traveled to Hong Kong, where key industry figures gathered at a rooftop cocktail for the cultivar’s first international unveiling. Attendees experienced the brand and got the chance to taste the grape behind it.
The variety will continue its journey with Madrid as the next stop, where Fruit Attraction attendees will be able to experience tiqi between October 6 and 8.
Rob Meihuizen, CEO of TopFruit Group, and Rafi Karniel, CEO of Grapa Global, toasting tiqi in Hong Kong | Image by Grapa
Bred by Shachar Karniel, tiqi was recognized by Grapa for its exceptional eating experience, which warranted an equally impactful way of reaching consumers.
“After four years of intensive yet exciting teamwork behind the scenes, we are proud to introduce to the world a brand that will change the table grape category,” said Grapa Global CEO Rafi Karniel, in a statement.
The executive emphasized the positive feedback received from retailers around the world after trying tiqi for the first time.
“[They] are telling us that it has been a long time since the fresh produce industry has seen something as unique and exciting as tiqi,” he added.
According to Grapa, the red seedless grape combines a pronounced crunch with a layered flavor profile “that doesn’t necessarily reveal itself all at once.”
“Different flavor notes can emerge from one bite to the next, while a subtle aroma adds another dimension to the eating experience,” the press release reads.
Grapa conceived tiqi as a versatile food, ready to be shared with friends, for snacking at a desk or eating on the move. To complement this profile, the fruit comes in a transparent grab-and-go pot that supports that flexibility, allowing the grapes to be washed and drained directly inside.
The idea, the company says, is captured simply under the slogan “Anytime is tiqi time.”
Building the international route to market
Commercialization for tiqi is managed by Fruitips (Fruit IP Solutions), a joint venture between Grapa Global and TopFruit International.
The partnership builds on a relationship spanning over two decades, with the latter having represented Grapa varieties in South Africa since the early days of the breeding program.
Shachar Karniel, breeder of tiqi, Grapa Global; Jacobus van der Merwe, Business Development Manager, Fruitips; and Rafi Karniel, CEO of Grapa Global | Image by Grapa
Through Fruitips, tiqi will be managed with careful grower selection, dedicated production and marketing protocols, and controlled expansion.
The longer-term plan is to establish production across selected table grape-growing regions to create continuous 12-month international supply, supported by the variety’s robustness, grower-friendly production, and extended shelf life.
*All images courtesy of Grapa.
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