Sun World International, a global leader in fruit genetics and licensing, celebrated its 50th anniversary during its 2026 Symposium and Field Days, marking five decades of innovation that have helped shape the fresh produce industry.
The company also honored Board Chairman David Marguleas for his 40 years of leadership and contributions to the company, establishing the David Marguleas Endowed Research Fund in support of UC Davis Viticulture & Enology and dedicating the David Marguleas Tasting Room at the Sun World Center for Innovation.
Founded in 1976 by David’s father, Howard Marguleas, along with Carl Maggio and Domenick Bianco, the firm began as a California produce marketing company with a belief that better fruit could create better outcomes for growers, retailers, and consumers.
Image courtesy of Sun World
Over five decades, that belief has guided the company from introducing the first commercialized seedless watermelon, seedless table grapes, and lemons to becoming a global fruit genetics and licensing business with brands recognized in markets around the world.
Today, the company's work spans variety development, global licensing, and brand development across table grapes, mangoes, cherries, stone fruit, citrus, and avocados. The company’s table grape portfolio includes AUTUMNCRISP, the world’s first billion-dollar table grape brand whose global growth has helped demonstrate the opportunity for branded grapes to create value throughout the supply chain through a consistent consumer experience.
“Fifty years ago, Sun World was founded on a simple but ambitious idea: fruit can be better,” said David Marguleas. “That idea has guided the company through every stage of its evolution, from early product introductions to the genetics, brands and global connections that define us today. This anniversary is a celebration of the people who built that foundation and the opportunity we have to carry it forward.”
More than 450 growers, licensees, marketers, retailers, researchers and industry leaders gathered for the company’s Symposium and Field Days, where attendees explored the next generation of Sun World innovation and the future of fresh produce. The anniversary celebration also brought former breeders to the stage alongside Marguleas, recognizing the scientific talent, shared expertise, and long-standing relationships that have shaped the firm's programs across generations.
Marguleas joined Sun World in 1986 and held leadership roles across the company for four decades. He became president and CEO in 2019 and assumed the role of executive chair in January 2025. During his tenure, the company evolved from a diversified produce marketing company into a global fruit variety development and licensing business, expanding its presence in key growing regions and building a broader portfolio of proprietary fruit offerings.
The David Marguleas Endowed Research Fund will provide enduring support for UC Davis students, faculty, and researchers whose work advances California’s grape industry, while fostering stronger connections among research, education, and the industry. The David Marguleas Tasting Room dedication recognizes his vision, leadership, and lasting impact on Sun World’s culture of discovery, collaboration, and innovation. This will be a dedicated space where company teams and guests can evaluate fruit, exchange perspectives, and continue developing new consumer experiences.
“David’s deep industry knowledge and commitment to discovery have helped shape who we are today,” said Bernardo Calvo, president and chief executive officer at Sun World International. “He has helped set a standard for how Sun World approaches innovation: stay curious, bring the right people together, and keep raising the bar for what fresh produce can deliver. The research fund and tasting room reflect that legacy while creating spaces and opportunities that will help inspire the next generation.”
Marguleas' influence extends beyond the company’s business evolution. He has championed the relationships that link breeding and research with growers, licensees, marketers, and retailers, helping the company build programs around both commercial performance and the consumer experience.
“Sun World’s story has been written by people willing to ask what can be improved and then work together to make it happen,” said Marguleas. “I am deeply honored by these recognitions, and grateful to the many colleagues, growers, researchers and industry leaders who have contributed to the company’s success over the past 50 years.”
The 50th anniversary celebration and David Marguleas recognition took place during Sun World’s 2026 Symposium and Field Days, underscoring a shared commitment to honoring the company’s history while investing in the people, research, and relationships that will help shape its future.
*All images courtesy of Sun World.
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