For 50 years, Sun World’s mission has been driven by the question: What does the next generation of fresh grapes look like?
That question has driven one of the industry's most influential breeding programs and helped redefine how fresh produce is developed, marketed, and experienced around the world.
Initially established as a produce marketing company in California, Sun World later evolved into a premier breeding program and challenged an industry built around commodities with a bold idea: better genetics could create better fruit and not only that, but add better value for growers, retailers and consumers alike.
Today, that vision has grown into one of the world's largest and longest-running breeding programs with more than 70,000 acres planted across 17 countries, supported by more than 450 plant patents and a global network of over 2,700 licensed growers. Those long-standing connections remain the foundation of Sun World's success, enabling the company to deliver premium genetics while helping growers differentiate themselves in increasingly competitive markets.
Sun World's early leadership in proprietary fruit licensing transformed the produce category, creating a model that continues to drive innovation across the industry. That same approach now extends beyond grapes into mangoes, stone fruit, and citrus, with breeding programs also advancing cherry and avocado genetics.
Yet grapes remain at the heart of the company's legacy and a key growth driver for the future. One of the strongest examples is AUTUMNCRISP® grapes.
AUTUMNCRISP has become one of the industry's most recognized branded grapes, earning consumer loyalty for its exceptional crisp texture, sweetness, and eating experience. More recently, a retail activation with a popular Danish grocer demonstrated the power of combining innovative genetics with consumer marketing.
Following the launch of AUTUMNCRISP grapes in Salling Group stores, the campaign generated a 90% increase in sales, lifted the total grape category by 25%, and delivered more than 1.5 million influencer impressions. The results reinforced what Sun World calls the AUTUMNCRISP Effect: when premium produce brands are paired with strong in-market promotion, retailers see a lift across the entire category, not just with the branded item.
This success is evidence of the larger trend we are seeing in produce. It all starts with the consumer – when you bring together these things with the consumer in mind, the entire chain benefits – retailers, produce marketers/growers, etc.
That momentum continues across Sun World's expanding portfolio of premium grape brands, including RUBY RUSH®, FLAVORCRUSH™, and the upcoming novelty bi-color grape brand, SUMMER BLUSH™, each designed to deliver distinct eating experiences while creating new opportunities across the supply chain.
As Sun World celebrates its 50th anniversary, the milestone is as much about the people behind its success as it is about the fruit. Over the past five decades, the collaboration between breeders, growers, licensees, retailers, and partners has helped position Sun World as a global leader in fruit innovation. Those relationships have fueled breakthrough varieties, expanded opportunities around the world and built the momentum to shape the future of fresh produce.
For Sun World, the journey has never been about simply developing new varieties or brands. It has always been about redefining what fruit can be and creating lasting value from the vineyard to the consumer.
Interested in working with AUTUMNCRISP® or learning about new genetics and opportunities from Sun World?
Visit sun-world.com or contact the marketing team at go.sun-world.com/contact-us
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