Sun World International, LLC. Appoints New Logistics and Supply Chain Officer
	Sun World International, LLC. Appoints Darren Thornberry to Vice President of Strategic Planning and Analysis
	Sun World Board Appoints Vangelos as Permanent President/CEO
	Sun World International, LLC. Appoints Jooste Vice President of International Licensing
	Sun World's BLACK DIAMOND® Brand Plum Ranks At The Top in USDA Antioxidant Study
	What Do Chimpanzees, Elephants, Consumers and Sun World International Have in Common?
	Sun World International, LLC. Appoints Mr. Alex P. Shafer to Corporate Controller Position
	Sun World Positions Itself for Future, Creates Three New Business Units; Promotes Hostetter, Andrew and Marguleas to New Executive Roles
	Sun World Restructures Coachella Packing House Facility with New Team Member
	Sun World Names Three New Grape Marketers; First Licenses Granted in Brazil and Spain
	Sun World Appoints Roger Griess to Vice President of North American Business Development and Replenishment
	Sun World International, LLC. Appoints Allen Vangelos Interim President and CEO
	Ica, Peru Receives Timely Financial Assistance from Sun World
	Scarlotta Seedless®Brand
	Sun World Responds to Peru Earthquake victims
	Sun World Announces Juanita Gaglio as Director of Marketing

 

 

                                                                                                                 Archived Headlines

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

August 26, 2008

Sun World Appoints New Logistics and Supply Chain Officer

Bakersfield, California – Sun World International, LLC, a leading California agribusiness firm, announces the appointment of Mark Bataska, to the newly created position of vice president of logistics and supply chain management.  Bataska is a seasoned veteran in managing distribution, transportation and purchasing with an in depth knowledge of supply side management.  His position further strengthens the company’s newly formed business units and will optimize product flow and delivery to Sun World customers.

Prior to joining Sun World, Bataska held supply chain management responsibilities with JBS Swift and Company and Del Monte Foods.  “We are very pleased to have an executive with his specialized background join the Sun World team,” Chief Operations Officer Kevin Andrew said.  “Mark is a proven industry leader and will be a real asset to the company.”

Bataska will be based in the company’s main office in Bakersfield, California. His responsibilities include strategic and operational planning with quality control, transportation, packinghouse facilities and material procurement. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

July 7, 2008

Sun World International Appoints Darren Thornberry to Vice President of Strategic Planning and Analysis

Bakersfield, California – Sun World International, LLC is pleased to announce that Darren Thornberry has been promoted to Vice President of Strategic Planning & Analysis.  He will have the overall responsibility for the firm’s planning practices including strategic business planning, supply chain analysis, financial performance analysis and capital budgeting.

Darren came to Sun World in 2006 as a Senior Operations Analyst and most recently functioned as the Director of Strategic Planning.

Prior to his employment with Sun World, Darren worked as an independent consultant providing business planning services. In addition, he worked for Dole Fresh Fruit and Jackson & Perkins in the areas of finance, administration and operations planning.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

June 12, 2008

Sun World Board Appoints Vangelos as Permanent President/CEO

Bakersfield, California – After a nationwide search, Sun World International, LLC has appointed Allen J. Vangelos its President and Chief Executive Officer, Board Chairman Christopher Parker said today.

Vangelos, also a member of Sun World’s Board of Managers, has served as Sun World’s interim President and CEO since January 2008.

“Sun World’s Board and management team are delighted with Al’s decision to accept the position on a permanent basis,” Parker said, noting that Vangelos has brought heightened enthusiasm, valuable industry knowledge and strong leadership to the Company in the short time he has served in the interim post.

Vangelos brings a professional, seasoned management approach to Sun World. He has served in senior management roles or held directorships with such industry leaders as Calavo, Dole Food Company, B.C. Hot House and Ready-Pac Produce.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

June 11, 2008

Sun World International Appoints Jooste Vice President of International Licensing

Bakersfield, California  – Johan Jooste, general manager and vice president of the Company’s South Africa operation has been promoted to Vice President of International Licensing for the parent company Sun World International LLC, Chief Marketing Office David Marguleas announced this week. Jooste remains based in Paarl, South Africa.

Since March 2001, he has been responsible for overseeing Sun World’s business interests in South Africa, including coordination and management of all variety development and licensing activities on the African Continent.  In his new role, he will direct Sun World’s worldwide efforts to commercialize new stonefruit and table grape varieties and manage related Intellectual Property rights.  He will oversee Sun World’s regional offices in South Africa, Chile, Europe, Australia and Mexico. 

“Johan has contributed richly to our South African presence and brings great licensing and horticultural skills to our international portfolio,” Marguleas said. Jooste assumes many of the licensing responsibilities formerly held by Marguleas. 

Jooste earned his master degree in Agricultural Science (Pomology) in 1973 at the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa.  His industry experience includes roles as the technical officer at the Dried Fruit Board, twelve years as the Technical Services Manager at the Deciduous Fruit Board (Unifruco) and most recently thirteen years at SAPO.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

May 22, 2008

Sun World’s BLACK DIAMOND® Brand Plum Ranks At The Top in USDA Antioxidant Study

Bakersfield, California – Sun World LLC  introduced an extended line of  plums, with deep burgundy red to dark purple-black skin with a deep red raspberry flesh, many years ago, under the brand name BLACK DIAMOND®.  Over a span of five years the BLACK DIAMOND® brand has quickly grown in popularity due to its consistent large size and sweet taste.  Studies show that this Sun World proprietary fruit has a 30% higher sugar content than comparable black plums and that consumer prefer it 2 to 1 over other black plums.  Besides its delicious taste, consumer will now find another reason to enjoy this unique plum. 

The latest buzz word with fruits and vegetables – “antioxidant” can now be found and at very high levels in the BLACK DIAMOND® brand plum.  A study conducted by the Produce for Better Health Foundation in collaboration with the USDA analyzing 25 top fruits for their antioxidant capacity, ranked BLACK DIAMOND® plums #2 in high levels of flavanoids and a high total oxygen radical absorbance capacity.  This translates into healthy consumer news. Foods that rank at the top of the list for antioxidants may help slow the processes associated with aging in both body and brain, as well as boost the immune system.

For this study a “market basket” sampling technique was used, collecting samples from supermarkets in 24 cities (rural, urban and suburban), that statistically represent the US population.  The purpose of the study was to develop the most comprehensive standardized phytonutrient database to date.

BLACK DIAMOND® brand plums will be available beginning in late May through late Mid-August. Retail promotional support is available supporting its health benefits with in store POS. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

May 7, 2008

What Do Chimpanzees, Elephants, Consumers and Sun World International Have in Common?  They All Love SUPERIOR SEEDLESS® Brand Green Grapes!

 Bakersfield, California - This summer consumers will have a chance to visit the zoo and aquarium of their choice more often.  With every purchase of Sun World SUPERIOR SEEDLESS® brand green grapes, they can redeem the bag for a special offer to their local zoo or aquarium.  

 Grapes and the zoo animals seemed like a natural tie in to promote together.  They both promote health, a wholesome lifestyle and both consumers and animals love grapes.  The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (www.aza.org) represent more than 200 accredited members and is building North America’s largest wildlife conservation movement.   More than half of their membership opted to join forces with Sun World International to promote both organizations through a SUPERIOR SEEDLESS® bag redeemption at local zoos and/or aquariums.  With participating members distributed among 30 states, information on special offers can be viewed on the Sun World website www.sun-world.com. 

 Sun World International is a leader in growing and distributing delicious proprietary grapes to consumers.  The SUPEROR SEEDLESS® brand grape was one of Sun World’s first exclusive grapes and has been in distribution since 1972. These large green seedless grapes are grown in the California San Joaquin and central valley and the brand name SUPERIOR SEEDLESS® is exclusive to Sun World. 

 Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. The AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. To learn more, visit www.aza.org.

 This summer don’t ask for any green grape, ask for SUPERIOR SEEDLESS® grapes at your local supermarket. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 23, 2008

Sun World International, LLC. Appoints Mr. Alex P. Shafer to Corporate Controller Position

Bakersfield, California – Mr. Alex P. Shafer, CPA was appointed to Corporate Controller, within the newly developed Administration Department at Sun World International LLC.  He will report to Chief Administration Officer, David Hostetter and be based in Bakersfield, California.  

Mr. Shafer brings more than 20 years of experience in finance, accounting and corporate development.  His professional background is well rounded including finance, strategic planning, risk management & asset protection, benefits & payroll management as well as information systems.  

Prior to joining Sun World, he was responsible for financial operations with Standard Pacific Corporation, the nation’s 11th largest home builder, as Division Controller.  He served for 10 years in Delano, California, with a family owned table grape growing enterprise, M. Cartan, as Chief Financial Officer and Controller.  “We are thrilled to have someone with Alex’s skills and experience as part of our team,” says David Hostteter, Chief Administration Officer. 

Alex will be responsible for directing and overseeing payroll, accounts payable budget and cost control, with a major objective of streamlining processes and systems.  “I am excited to be part of the Sun World team and contribute to the company’s growth through strategic planning,” says Shafer.

Alex holds an MBA from Brigham Young University with an emphasis in Finance and Accounting.   He speaks Spanish and Portuguese and is married with nine children. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 3, 2008

Sun World Positions Itself for Future, Creates Three New Business Units; Promotes Hostetter, Andrew and Marguleas to New Executive Roles 

Bakersfield, California – Sun World International LLC, a leading California-based agribusiness firm, is positioning itself for future growth through the realignment of key executives and the establishment of three distinct new business units, President & Chief Executive Officer Allen J. Vangelos announced today.

The new business units -- administration, operations and marketing – will be headed by three Sun World executives: Chief Administration Officer David Hostetter, Chief Operations Officer Kevin Andrew and Chief Marketing Officer David Marguleas. Their appointments are effective immediately, Vangelos said. “The evolving needs of our clients – supermarket, foodservice and wholesale customers, as well as third party grower suppliers and licensees – prompted a thorough internal review of our management structure,” Vangelos said. “We remain committed to providing our customers and our employees with the distinctive product and service that have long been a Sun World hallmark, and I am confident that these management changes and the realignment of our business activities will ensure that our team will be responsive, focused and adaptive to the changing realities of our industry,” he said.

David Hostetter assumes the role of Chief Administration Officer and will oversee finance, accounting, human resources, corporate compliance and legal affairs/enforcement, information technology and enterprise transformation and continuous improvement. He will also be responsible for the planning and management of external service and administrative support operations. Since 2005, he has served as Sun World’s Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of Administration.

Hostetter has an extensive background in agriculture, finance and accounting and previously served as chief financial officer for Sun Pacific Shippers. Prior to that, he spent ten years in management and executive positions with Tanimura & Antle, Inc. Hostetter earned his CPA with Arthur Andersen where he spent eight years as a senior manager in the firm’s enterprise practice, primarily serving owner-managed businesses in the middle market.

Kevin Andrew assumes the role of Chief Operations Officer. In his new role, he will oversee farming operations, supply chain/logistics, management of the Company water assets, and research and development. Since 1996, Andrew has been senior vice president of operations. He joined the Company in 1984 and has had diverse operations management duties.

Andrew is senior vice chairman and a member of the board of directors of Western Growers. He has also served as past chairman of the California Association of Wine Grape Growers board of directors, a member of the North Kern Water Storage District board, a founding member of the South San Joaquin Grape Growers Association and past chairman of the Wine Grape Inspection Advisory Committee.

David Marguleas assumes the role of Chief Marketing Officer. In his new role, he will oversee global sales and marketing, business development, sourcing and licensing. Since 2001, he served as Sun World’s senior vice president of licensing and corporate development. Marguleas joined the Company in 1986 and has served in various marketing, sales, merchandising and licensing management roles.

Marguleas serves on the board of directors of the California Table Grape Commission where he chairs that organization’s marketing and Intellectual Property committees. He is second vice chairman and a member of the board of directors of the California Grape & Treefruit League, a past board member of the Produce Marketing Association and a founding member of the board of directors of the Produce for Better Health Foundation (national Five a Day program).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

February 28, 2008

Sun World Restructures Coachella Packing House Facility with New Team Member

Bakersfield, California  – Sun World International, LLC (“Sun World” or the “Company”) focuses on increasing its’ citrus presence with a restructure of the Coachella Valley packing facility.   Mr. Glen Scheer has been brought on board as a new member to the existing Sun World citrus team.  He assumes the role of Packing House Manager, reporting to Mr. Mike Whalen, who has been promoted to Facilities Manager.

Mr. Scheer comes with extensive experience in citrus packing.  He has been in the business 35 years, beginning with Nash De Camp and Riverbend and most recently managed the DiMare Fresh Citrus facility in Coachella for over 15 years.   In his new role, he is responsible for developing citrus grower relations and streamlining packing operations through automation and efficiencies.   Scheer comments, “The citrus business is second nature to me.  I was born and raised in the middle of orange groves in Porterville, California and have managed citrus packing houses in Texas, California and Arizona.  I am looking forward to using my background to build a wider network of citrus growers.”

The Coachella packing house facility packs lemons, grapefruit and specialty varieties of citrus.  For the last two years, it has been managed by Mr. Mike Whalen under the supervision of Mr. Felix Mercado.  As part of the restructure, Mr. Whalen has been promoted to Facilities Manager and will oversee the packing, cooling and shipping operations. 

Mr. Mercado’s role will shift from the packing house to the new role of Citrus Field Manager where he will be giving 100% of his concentration to the field citrus operations with the major goal of increasing citrus volume in the Coachella facility

The management changes are part of the re-positioning of Sun World International as a formidable citrus player in the desert region.  “This approach is meant to build upon the citrus volumes we currently have through increasing grower relationships and optimizing citrus pack outs,” Mr. Kevin Andrew, Sun World Senior Vice President of Farming Operations commented.  The company projects an increase of 50 – 70% in lemon and grapefruit volumes.

Sun World is a leading innovator in the research, production, distribution, and promotion of grapes and stonefruit, including the SCARLOTTA SEEDLESS® brand grape and BLACK DIAMOND® brand line of plums, as well as citrus, peppers and seedless watermelon.    Sun World maintains integrated agricultural operations, throughout central and southeastern California.  The company also has grower alliances with other countries supporting a year round program.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

February 25, 2008

Sun World Names Three New Grape Marketers; First Licenses Granted in Brazil and Spain 

Berlin, GERMANY -- New Sun World grape varieties could soon be available from Spain and Brazil, the California-based produce company announced during the recent Fruit Logistica convention here.

Sun World International, LLC has appointed Katope Brazil Ltda (Salvador, Brazil) and El Ciruelo S.L. (Murcia, Spain) to market its new grape varieties, Senior Vice President David Marguleas said. The two companies join more than 20 other commercial marketing firms that are licensed to distribute Sun World-bred seedless grapes and stonefruit from producers in 10 countries.

Principals of El Ciruelo and Katope joined more than 20 other Sun World licensees at Fruit Logistica for its annual marketer dinner February 7, 2008 at which the announcements were made.

Sun World also recently appointed Green Marketing International (Pty) Ltd. (Paarl, South Africa) and Exportadora Subsole S.A. (Santiago, Chile) as new grape marketers in South Africa and Chile, respectively. Tuniche Fruits (Santiago, Chile) also received a license to distribute Sun World stonefruit from Chile.

“The appointment of these excellent companies moves us and our supply partners closer to satisfying the global, year round demand for Sun World varieties in Europe, the United Kingdom, Asia and North America,” Marguleas said. “El Ciruelo is one of Europe’s largest and most respected seedless grape suppliers and Katope Brazil offers a strategic supply capability from some of Brazil’s finest producers,” he said. “Subsole, Green Marketing and Tuniche are category leaders within the Chilean and South African industries and add significant value to Sun World’s growing international supply platform.”

In addition to the new appointments of Katope, El Ciruelo, Green Marketing and Subsole, Sun World has previously licensed grape marketers in Chile (Dole Chile S.A., Unifrutti Traders Ltda., and Frutera Santa Maria S.A.); in Australia (Perfection Fresh Australia (Pty) Ltd. and Growers Choice/Costa Exchange); in South Africa (Capespan (Pty) Ltd., The Grape Co. (Pty) Ltd. and Dole South Africa (Pty) Ltd.), in Israel (TALI Grapes); and in Italy (Peviani Spa, Apofruit Italia and DiDonna Trade S.r.l.). These 16 grape licensees will market grapes grown by Sun World producers under a managed planting system in seven grape growing countries.

The grapes to be marketed include a wide range of white, red and black seedless varieties developed at Sun World’s California-based Research & Development Center. The fruit is sold under private trademarks and brands such as MIDNIGHT BEAUTY®, SCARLOTTA SEEDLESS®, SABLE SEEDLESS® and SOPHIA SEEDLESS®. These products join the company’s flagship Sugraone variety grape that is marketed by Sun World and its licensees under the SUPERIOR SEEDLESS® trademark.

Tuniche joins licensed stonefruit marketers in Chile (Dole Chile S.A. and Gesex S.A.); in Australia (Panda Ranch/Holman Fresh and Montague Fresh); in New Zealand (Fresh NZ 2000 and Yummy Fruit Co.); in South Africa (Green Marketing and Capespan); in Spain (Frunexa) and, in Italy (Apofruit Italia). These 11 stonefruit marketers distribute plums, apricots, peaches and nectarines grown by Sun World producers under a managed planting system in six stonefruit growing countries.

Special stonefruit lines include a wide range of red-and yellow-flesh black plums marketed under the BLACK DIAMOND® and BLACK GIANT® brands, early-ripening apricots marketed under the HONEYCOT® brand, and early-ripening peaches sold under the AMBER CREST® brand. 

Sun World has established a fruit licensing program that involves more than 1,000 producers and leading marketing companies in most of the world’s major fruit-growing regions.

Its new variety development work focuses on a full range of fresh grapes with extraordinary characteristics such as enhanced flavor, distinctive taste, larger berries and clusters, earlier and later ripening times and availability, and increased productivity. The California company develops new plums, peaches, apricots and nectarines for its own production and for other growers to produce under license.

Sun World, a longstanding U.S.-based producer and marketer of fresh fruit, operates one of the world’s largest table grape and stonefruit breeding programs. Since its inception in the mid-1970s, the Company’s Research & Development Center has released more than 70 new varieties with improved flavor, size, color, shelf-life and extended seasonality. In addition to production on its own California properties, Sun World and/or its licensees grow these proprietary varieties in Australia, New Zealand, North America, Europe, South America, Israel and South Africa.

Sun World is a leading innovator in the research, production, distribution and promotion of fresh produce. The Company maintains integrated agricultural operations throughout central and southeastern California. More information about Sun World is available at www.sun-world.com and www.sunworldfruit.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

February 7, 2008

Sun World Appoints Roger Griess to Vice President of North American Business Development & Replenishment

Bakersfield, California  – Sun World International, LLC (“Sun World” or the “Company”) announces the appointment of Mr. Roger Griess to Vice President of North American Business Development & Replenishment.   

Mr. Griess’ produce career began at Dole Foods as Director of National Accounts Manager/Citrus Division and Regional Manager/Deciduous Division. In 1997 he began working for Sun World in the role of National Account Manager, with a customer base that included Kroger, Costco, Sam’s and Fleming Foods.  Over time, Griess established and grew the Wal-Mart account for Sun World.  In his most recent position as Director, he was instrumental in developing the Superior Transport Company and developing the “Buy/Sell” program for the company.  Sun World president, Al Vangelos commented, “Success in the agribusiness industry is second nature to Roger, as he comes from a family who recently celebrated its 100^th year of farming in the Sacramento region. We are pleased to utilize his wealth of talent and experience in this new position.”

As V.P of Business Development, Griess will be responsible for taking Sun World to the next level through growing the company’s core area of business and broadening their product lines through mergers and acquisitions.  “Sun World has positioned itself on the ‘leading edge’ of the produce industry due to their achievements in proprietary varieties”, stated Griess. “Our goal is to move the company to the next level through researching and analyzing new areas of profitable business within the agricultural industry.  I am excited to be a part of this process.”  

Sun World, LLC is a leading innovator in the research, production, distribution, and promotion of fresh produce. Sun World maintains integrated agricultural operations, throughout central and southeastern California.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

January 18, 2008

Sun World Appoints Allen Vangelos Interim President and CEO

BAKERSFIELD, California - Sun World International, LLC ("Sun World" or the "Company") announced that its Board of Managers has elected Manager, Allen Vangelos, to the additional positions of President and Chief Executive Officer on an interim basis.  Mr. Vangelos has been a Manager of the Company since October 2006. Mr. Vangelos brings over 36 years of management experience to the Company, including his most recent role as Principal of Novelle Consulting, LLC, a leading consultant to the produce and packaged food industry and Chairman of BC Hothouse Foods Inc. Mr. Vangelos previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Calavo Growers of California for 11 years.  Mr. Vangelos has replaced Bruce Burton, the Company's outgoing President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Burton will remain with the Company as a Consultant until mid-August to assist in the transition.  Mr. Vangelos commented, "On behalf of the Board of Managers and entire management team, I would like to express our appreciation to Bruce for his efforts on behalf of Sun World. We wish him well in his future endeavors." He added, "I am excited about Sun World's prospects in 2008 and beyond, and look forward to working with the organization to build on recent achievements."

Sun World International, LLC is a leading innovator in the research, production, distribution and promotion of fresh produce. Sun World maintains integrated agricultural operations throughout central and southeastern California.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

December 12, 2007

Ica, Peru Receives Timely Financial Assistance from Sun World

Sun World Presents Ica Aid Check to Minister of Agriculture in Peru

Sun World presented a check for nearly $30,000 to the Peruvian Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Ismael Benavides Ferreyros in his office in Lima on November 29.  This amount was a collective effort, spearheaded by Sun World, to assist the victims of the August 15^th earthquake that struck the Ica region of Peru. 

Within one week of the devastating earthquake, Sun World promptly responded by initiating an Ica Aid earthquake recovery program.  For every pallet of imported Peruvian Minneola’s $25.00 was contributed, in their name, to the relief effort by Sun World International.  The recovery assistance program was a collective wholesale/retail effort and was announced in various trade publications by Sun World. . “This check represents how effective the produce industry can be in times of natural disasters and represents a contribution made by 57 retailers and wholesalers,” said Sun World President, Bruce Burton.  “We were able to view firsthand the devastation and destruction that the people of this area of Peru have endured.  While the rebuilding effort will surely be long term, it is amazing to watch the resiliency of these people and see them demonstrate the desire to return  to a more normal life.”   “We are truly grateful to the participating produce community who really do come together in a humanitarian time of need. We are anxious to welcome future Minneola imports from this area next season,” stated Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Mike Aiton.

The funds will assist in rebuilding the agricultural communities of Ica, Chincha and Pisco which were the hardest hit by the earthquake.  Peru has begun to play an increasingly major role in supplying United States consumer products such as asparagus, grapes, and citrus.

Sun World International is a leading grower and marketer of breeding programs for table grapes and treefruit with licensed production of its varieties on five continents.  Sun World’s commitment to quality and innovation has introduced a unique line of conventional and organic proprietary seedless grapes – Midnight Beauty® brand, Sable Seedless® brand, Scarlotta Seedless® brand, as well as conventional proprietary treefruit – Amber Crest® Peaches, Honeycot® Apricots and Black Diamond® Plums.  The company maintains administrative, research, farming, packing and marketing operations in Coachella and Bakersfield, California.  Further information on the company and its proprietary products can be found at www.sun-world.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

September 17, 2007

Scarlotta Seedless® Brand 

Seven years ago the trial variety Sugranineteen, marketed under SCARLOTTA SEEDLESS® brand appeared to be the next Sun World “star” demonstrating great promise as a late season grape with its large berry and bunch size.  The trial variety was recognized as a diamond in the rough, due to the natural dark red color that did not diminish over time.  However, the prolific bunch size that showed promise needed tweaking to eliminate decay. 

Sugranineteen made its introduction in 2003 with 3,000 cartons.  Three seasons later, production has increased twofold with 139,000 cartons.   As the most recent Sun World proprietary seedless grapes, Sugranineteen holds great promise with plans to double production each year, over the next five years.  Its competitive advantages lie in the ability to develop full red color, as a late harvest grape - making it a perfect compliment to a fall holiday dish.

Future expectations for this proprietary grape are high.  Retailers like that it holds up well during shipping and has excellent storage capacity, as well as, its consumer appeal.    SCARLOTTA SEEDLESS® stands out in the grape category with its naturally large bright red color and sweet crunchy taste.  These same positive characteristics bode well for Sun World profits.  These grapes do not require any additional treatment for color and labor and packing cost are less due to the large clusters of grape, while being able to command a higher premium price for the product.  With an expected increase of more than a million cartons over the next 5 years, earning more per carton can add up to a handsome profit for Sun World that other varieties can only dream about!

At present, the Sugranineteen variety grapevines have been distributed and are in the process of being trialed in several countries including, South Africa, Australia, France, Chile, Italy, Israel and New Zealand.  The variety is currently being grown commercially in South Africa and the United States.

Domestic harvest is currently in progress and began two weeks earlier than anticipated due to weather conditions.  Sun World is supporting this product with trade ads and POS cards for retailers.

Sun World International is a leading grower and marketer of breeding programs for table grapes and tree fruit with licensed production of its varieties on five continents.   Sun World’s commitment to quality and innovation has introduced a unique line of  conventional and organic proprietary seedless grapes – Midnight Beauty®, Sable™,  Scarlotta™, as well as conventional proprietary treefruit – Amber Crest® Peaches, Honeycot® Apricots and Black Diamond® Plums   The company maintains administrative, research, farming, packing and marketing operations in Coachella and Bakersfield, California.  Further information on the company and its proprietary products can be found at www.sun-world.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

August 20, 2007

Sun World Responds to Peru Earthquake Victims 

With agriculture ties to Peru’s ICA region, Sun-World is responding to international requests to help Peru’s ravaged victims of last week’s devastating earthquake.  The Company has established a sales-based recovery initiative.  A portion of the proceeds from sales of Peruvian Minneolas will go directly to those in Peru that need it most.  “We are deeply saddened by the devastation of this earthquake which has affected many of our friends and trading partners, as well as, countless numbers of lives.  Sun-World is assisting in a campaign that will help the victims of this disaster rebuild their lives and businesses.” states Mike Aiton Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing.   The earthquake affected, the areas of Ica, Pisco and Chincha  (roughly 160 miles south of Lima), which are known as  rich agricultural regions, produce grapes, asparagus, citrus and a variety of other items.  In helping with the reconstruction of this area, Sun-World has taken the unique step of donating $25.00, on behalf of the purchaser, for every pallet of Peruvian Minneolas sold. “This is an emerging agriculture area representing a significant economic loss to the livelihood of many people.  We feel a responsibility in assisting in the reconstruction efforts,” quotes Bruce Burton, President of Sun-World.  Dating from the occurrence of the earthquake; August 15, 2007 through the end of the season, retailers and other buyers will automatically participate with the earthquake recovery efforts with each purchase of Peruvian Minneolas.  Sun-World will contribute $25.00 per pallet of Minneolas, and acknowledge those buyers, in upcoming trade publications. Additionally, point of sale cards are available to stimulate consumer sales of this high quality citrus.   

At the conclusion of the Ica Earthquake Recovery initiative, a representative from Sun-World will present the check to the Peruvian Minister of Agriculture, to be used in those areas of highest need.Consumers can also play a role with their purchases of Peruvian Minneolas and follow the progress of this campaign by clicking on the Sun-World website, www.sun-world.com, where they will find more information.

Sun-World, a leader in proprietary breeding programs, has partnerships with several Peruvian growers.  A year into the relationship, the company currently imports minneolas, grapes and has plans for other items in the near future.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

August 1, 2007

Sun World Announces Juanita Gaglio as Director of Marketing

Coachella, California – Juanita Gaglio has been named as Director of Marketing for Sun World International.   The newly created position is in response to the company’s continued sales growth and continued expansion of launching new proprietary products. Ms. Gaglio will be responsible for promoting the Sun World product line through public relations, trade shows, developing and cultivating retail relations with promotional programs and category management, as well as, forecasting industry trends.  She will report to Mike Aiton – Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing, located in the Sun World Coachella, California office.   Juanita brings a wide breadth of experience in the produce industry and will be a positive contribution as the company expands our business in the North America market and abroad,” states Aiton.  Gaglio brings more than 20 years of produce marketing experience to the position, most recently as Marketing Manager for Naturipe Farms, LLC.  Her agricultural career started in Brussels, Belgium with the Chilean Fresh Fruit Organization and Florida Department of Citrus.  She has extensive experience in working with retailers through representing various commodity boards both in the U.S and European markets.  “With the growth objectives of the company and their vision; this an excellent opportunity based on my background and I am excited to be here,” Gaglio said.  Gaglio is a native of Southern California, where she graduated from California State University Long Beach.  She has also attended Boston University’s Masters of Science in Management program in Brussels, Belgium and is fluent in French.  Sun World International is a leading grower and marketer of breeding programs for table grapes and tree fruit with licensed production of its varieties on five continents.   Sun World’s commitment to quality and innovation has introduced a unique line of  conventional and organic proprietary seedless grapes – Midnight Beauty®, Sable™,  Scarlotta™, as well as conventional proprietary tree fruit – Amber Crest® Peaches, Honeycot® Apricots and Black Diamond® Plums.  The company maintains administrative, research, farming, packing and marketing operations in Coachella and Bakersfield, California.  Further information on the company and its proprietary products can be found at www.sun-world.com

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