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Sun World in the News  (Archive)

Press Releases

Sun World develops, grows and markets an extensive collection of special fruits and vegetables. Find out what people are saying about us:

Sun World Names Three New Stonefruit Marketer-Licensees;

Capespan, Green Marketing and Gesex Join Five Other Distributors Worldwide

European Community Grants Sun World

SUPERIOR SEEDLESS® Trademark Registration

Sun World Appoints Unifrutti as Grape Marketer-Licensee;

Chilean Fruit Giant Joins Seven Other Distributors Worldwide

Sun World Releases Two New Proprietary Apricot Varieties; Expands Branded HONEYCOT® Line to Six Weeks

First South African-Grown MIDNIGHT BEAUTY® Grapes

Expected to Arrive Early Next Month in Europe, U.K.

Saudi Arabian Grape Growers Reach Agreement with Sun World

Sun World Names Southern Hemisphere Grape Marketer-Licensees:

Capespan, Dole and The Grape Company To Distribute South African Fruit

Sun World Introduces New Black Seedless Grape; SABLE SEEDLESS brand fruit available in August 2003

Sun World Licenses Leading Australian Stonefruit Marketers
Sun World Names Sierra Gold Its U.S. Nursery Licensee

Sun World Releases Five New Proprietary Plum Varieties;  Launches New Expanded BLACK DIAMOND® Line

Sun World Introduces New Early Ripening Peaches;  "AMBER CREST®" Joins Family of Fruit Brands

Australian Grape Growers Reach Agreement with Sun World

Sun World Names Vitroplant Authorized Nursery
Sun World Expands New Variety Licensing Effort;  Bob Wickson to Manage New Australia Office

Sun World International, LLC., Agricola Brown and CV Chile Announce Nursery Agreement for Proprietary Fruit Varieties

Sun World Appoints ANFIC Nursery Group as Australian Representative

Sun World Announces New Office in South Africa

University of Stellenbosch Announces Creation of ‘Sun World Chair of Table Grape Viticulture’

PRECEDENT-SETTING LICENSING ALLIANCES TAKE ON INTERNATIONAL FLAVOR

Sun World International, LLC. At Forefront Of Rapidly Changing Agriculture Industry

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

February 7, 2005

European Community Grants Sun World

SUPERIOR SEEDLESS® Trademark Registration

 

Bakersfield, CALIF. – The European Community has granted Sun World International, LLC. a trademark registration for its SUPERIOR SEEDLESS® brand name, according to Sun World Senior Vice President David Marguleas.

The SUPERIOR SEEDLESS trademark was registered on December 6, 2004 and gives Sun World and its licensees the exclusive right to use the trademark on fruit marketed in and to all European Community countries. The Sugraone variety and SUPERIOR SEEDLESS brand holds particular value in the important seedless grape consuming markets of the United Kingdom, Germany and Scandinavia, where fruit is sold year-round from within and outside of Europe, Marguleas said.

Sun World owns SUPERIOR SEEDLESS trademark registrations in the United States and 24 other countries.

Sun World uses the SUPERIOR SEEDLESS brand to promote the Sugraone grape, an early-ripening white seedless variety. It also licenses producers and marketers to use the trademark on fruit produced in Spain, Italy, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, South Africa, Namibia, Australia, Senegal and the United States.

In addition to the Sugraone grape and SUPERIOR SEEDLESS trademark, Sun World owns more than 600 U.S. and international trademarks and patents.

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 60 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, the Middle East 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.

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

February 3, 2005

Sun World Appoints Unifrutti as Grape Marketer-Licensee;

Chilean Fruit Giant Joins Seven Other Distributors Worldwide

Bakersfield, CALIFORNIA USA – Unifrutti S.A. of Santiago, Chile has been appointed a licensed marketer of new seedless grapes developed by Sun World International, Inc. The Chilean firm’s nomination enables it to export fruit from the new varieties produced by licensed Sun World producers throughout Chile, Sun World Senior Vice President David Marguleas announced here recently.

"We’re pleased to welcome Unifrutti, one of Chile’s top quality fruit producers and exporters, as a licensed marketer of our new grape varieties," Marguleas said. "Their strength and recognized expertise as a diversified Chilean exporter will benefit our producer licensees and complement well the fine work being done by our other licensees around the world," he added.

In addition to Unifrutti, Chilean exporters Dole Chile S.A. and Frutera Santa Maria S.A., Australian marketers Perfection Fresh Australia (Pty) Ltd. and Vine Fresh (Pty) Ltd, as well as South Africa’s Capespan (Pty) Ltd., The Grape Co. (Pty) Ltd and Dole South Africa (Pty) Ltd., will market grapes grown by Sun World producers under a managed planting system in each of the three southern hemisphere countries. Unifrutti’s appointment rounds out Sun World’s southern hemisphere grape marketer appointments, all of which are integral to Sun World’s long-term business development objectives, Marguleas said. Additional marketer appointments are pending elsewhere.

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®, COACHELLA SEEDLESS®, SABLE SEEDLESS® and SOPHIA SEEDLESS®. These products join Sun World’s flagship Sugraone variety grape that is marketed by Sun World and its licensees under the SUPERIOR SEEDLESS® trademark.

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.

The California company’s 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 Company also develops new plums, peaches, apricots and nectarines for its own production and for other growers to produce under license. Similar stonefruit marketer appointments have been and will continue to be made in Chile, Australia and South Africa. The Company also plans to license key grape and stonefruit marketers for each of the northern hemisphere’s major fruit regions.

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 60 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, the Middle East 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.

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 16, 2004

Sun World Releases Two New Proprietary Apricot Varieties; 

Expands Branded HONEYCOT® Line to Six Weeks

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Sun World International, LLC. next month will launch an expanded line of apricots be marketed under its flagship HONEYCOT® brand.

During the first week of May and continuing through the month, Sun World introduces two new early-ripening fresh market apricots. The new varieties, Suaprinine and Suapriten, will bear the HONEYCOT® brand and stretch the availability of the Company’s proprietary apricots to six consecutive weeks.

Commercial fruit production of the new apricots is expected in early May from Sun World orchards in the southern San Joaquin Valley of California. Licensed producers are trialling the new varieties in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and South America where commercial production is expected within the coming few years.

Sun World fruit researchers over the past decade have produced an array of fresh apricots with unmatched size and flavor. All four varieties -- Suapriseven, Suaprieight, Suaprinine and Suapriten -- were developed in California’s early-ripening southern San Joaquin Valley region where they are harvested from early May through mid-June.

"These superb new apricots offer supermarkets and consumers a consistent line of flavorful and promotable branded fruit over an extended period," Senior Vice President of Licensing & Corporate Development David Marguleas said.

All four Sun World apricots feature smooth orange skin with a striking red blush and deep orange, juicy flesh. They bear fruit with similar characteristics, each of which will benefit from the brand’s broad exposure in key U.S., European and Asian markets as well as the popularity of the Suaprieight variety. It will also give the consumer an interrupted supply of quality branded apricots.

Since its inception more than 25 years ago, Sun World has introduced consumers to dozens of new produce items including Red Flame Seedless grapes, seedless watermelon and sweet colored peppers, as well as more flavorful grapes, plums, apricots, peaches and nectarines.

The new line of apricots were developed by Sun World fruit breeders at its Research & Development Center near Bakersfield, California. They have been extensively tested and evaluated for flavor, including optimal sweetness and acidity; firmness and shelf-life; fruit size and productivity.

Sun World International, LLC. (www.sun-world.com, www.sunworldfruit.com) is a leading innovator in the research, production, distribution and promotion of fresh produce. Since its inception in the mid-1970s, the Company’s Research & Development Center has released more than 60 new varieties with improved flavor, size, color, and shelf life and extended seasonality. Sun World maintains integrated agricultural operations throughout central and southeastern California.

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 23, 2003

First South African-Grown MIDNIGHT BEAUTY® Grapes Expected to Arrive Early Next Month in Europe, U.K.

BAKERSFIELD, California USA – European consumers will soon have their first taste of an American-bred black seedless grape as the initial commercial shipments of MIDNIGHT BEAUTY® brand grapes arrive in the United Kingdom and on the European Continent.

The first commercial exports of the new early-ripening black grape are expected to depart Cape Town, South Africa this week and arrive in the United Kingdom early next month and continuing throughout January, according to Sun World-South Africa General Manager Johan Jooste. Limited quantities of fruit will be available this season, he said, noting that exports will be handled by Sun World’s licensed grape marketers Capespan (Pty) Ltd , The Grape Company (Pty) Ltd and Dole South Africa (Pty) Ltd.

The MIDNIGHT BEAUTY grape was developed in the early-1990s by Sun World International, LLC. at its Bakersfield, California Research & Development Center. Sun World introduced the new black seedless grape to American consumers in June 1998.

The grapes derive from a proprietary grapevine, called Sugrathirteen, that is protected under plant variety rights in South Africa, the United States and numerous other countries. It has been tested extensively in California on Sun World’s vineyards and in various regions of South Africa where it is now being grown by about 12 leading South African producers in the Orange River and Western Cape growing districts. Fruit will be marketed by Sun World and its international licensees under the MIDNIGHT BEAUTY brand name.

The United Kingdom and European Continent are expected to be key markets for the new seedless grape, Sun World Senior Vice President David Marguleas said. British consumers, in particular, and increasingly consumers on the European Continent are developing an appreciation for flavorful seedless varieties, he noted.

MIDNIGHT BEAUTY grapes feature unusually large bunches of elongated black seedless berries. The grapes themselves, measuring around 22mm in diameter -- nearly twice the size of a regular black seedless grape – with crunchy texture and sweet flavor. The new variety is related to Sun World’s Sugraone variety (SUPERIOR SEEDLESS® brand) grape and was developed to ripen simultaneously with it – about two weeks ahead of the Thompson Seedless variety.

Sun World researchers bred the MIDNIGHT BEAUTY grape in the early 1990s and since that time it has undergone nearly a decade of extensive evaluation and testing. It was released for commercialization in 1996 and Sun World harvested its first commercial crop in California in June 1997.

One of the United States’ leading producers and marketers of fresh deciduous fruit, Sun World also operates one of the world’s largest table grape breeding programs.  Since its inception in the mid-1970s, the Company’s Research & Development Center has released more than 60 new varieties with improved flavor, size, color, shelf-life and extended seasonality.

Sun World 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.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 8, 2003

Saudi Arabian Grape Growers Reach Agreement with Sun World

BAKERSFIELD, California USA – Sun World International, LLC. and two leading grape producers and marketers in Saudi Arabia have entered into an agreement that authorizes production and distribution of the Sugraone grape, a proprietary variety that is marketed and known more commonly around the world by Sun World’s private SUPERIOR SEEDLESS® trademark.

The recent agreement enables the two companies – Tabuk Agricultural Development Company (TADCO) and Al-Khalidiah Farm -- to grow and distribute Sugraone grapes and to use Sun World’s SUPERIOR SEEDLESS® brand trademark. The Sugraone grapevine had previously been produced in Saudi Arabia without Sun World’s authorization.

TADCO and Al-Khalidiah, managed by Eng’r Saad AL-Swat and Eng’r Hisham Abdul Raouf, respectively, will enjoy access to high quality Sugraone plant material, to technical information related to successful production practices and to SUPERIOR SEEDLESS® brand marketing and promotional material. While specific financial terms were not disclosed, the agreement recognizes that the Saudi Arabian-grown Sugraone grapevines are Sun World’s property and that they cannot be reproduced without Sun World’s authorization.

Under the terms of the agreements, Sun World has established minimum fruit quality specifications to be adhered to by all licensees, ensuring consistent supplies and quality from Saudi Arabia.

"Saudi Arabia is a relative newcomer to production of seedless grapes," Sun World Senior Vice President David Marguleas said, "and we’re pleased to have these two leading grape producers as Sun World licensees. We look forward to having this new production of Saudi-grown SUPERIOR SEEDLESS® brand grapes marketed in Europe, and throughout the Middle and Far East," he added.

Sun World, one of the United States’ leading producers and marketers of fresh deciduous fruit, also operates one of the world’s largest table grape breeding programs. Since its inception in the mid-1970s, the Company’s Research & Development Center has released more than 60 new varieties with improved flavor, size, color, shelf-life and extended seasonality. The Sugraone grape is an early-ripening green seedless grape that is produced by Sun World and its licensees on 15,000 acres throughout the world. In addition to production on its own California vineyards and orchards, Sun World and/or its licensees grow these proprietary varieties in North America, South America, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and South Africa.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

November 12, 2003

Sun World Names Southern Hemisphere Grape Marketer-Licensees:

Capespan, Dole and The Grape Company To Distribute South African Fruit

Bakersfield, CALIFORNIA USA – Sun World International, LLC. has appointed seven leading fruit marketing companies to distribute its new seedless table grapes produced in Chile, South Africa and Australia, Sun World Senior Vice President David Marguleas announced here this week. 

The marketers – Dole Chile S.A. and Frutera Santa Maria S.A. in Chile; Capespan (Pty) Ltd., The Grape Co. (Pty) Ltd., and Dole South Africa (Pty) Ltd. in South Africa; and Perfection Fresh Australia Pty Ltd. and Table Grape Growers of Australia Pty Ltd.-Vine Fresh Pty., will market grapes grown by licensed Sun World producers under a managed planting system in each of the three southern hemisphere countries. Additional appointments in these and other countries may be made in the future.

The grapes include fruit a wide range of white, red and black seedless varieties developed at Sun World’s variety development program. The fruit will be marketed under private trademarks and brands such as MIDNIGHT BEAUTY®, COACHELLA 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.

"Each of these fruit marketing companies will play a key role in introducing Sun World’s new seedless grapes to supermarkets, importers, wholesalers and eventually consumers in Europe, North America and the Far East, as well as in local markets," Marguleas said. "We’ll work closely with these premier marketers in evaluating our varieties, selecting local growers to produce them and then developing effective retail promotional programs." 

Sun World has established a fruit licensing program that involves more than 1,000 producers and selected marketing companies in most of the world’s major fruit-growing regions. It recently established Sun World Australasia (New South Wales, Australia) to manage its fruit licensing business in Australia and New Zealand and two years ago opened an office in South Africa’s western Cape. The grape marketer appointments are integral to the company’s long-term business strategy and both will work closely with Sun World managers in each of the southern hemisphere countries to develop extensive fruit production and marketing plans, Marguleas said.

The California-company’s 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 Company also develops new plums, peaches and apricots for its own production and for other growers to produce under license. Similar stonefruit marketer appointments have been or will be made in Australia, South Africa and Chile. The Company plans to license key grape and stonefruit marketers for each of the major northern hemisphere fruit regions as well.

Sun World, a leading U.S. 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 60 new varieties with improved flavor, size, color, shelf-life and extended seasonality. In addition to production on its own California vineyards and orchards, Sun World and/or its licensees grow these proprietary varieties in Australia, New Zealand, North America, Europe, South America, the Middle East and South Africa. 

 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.  More information about Sun World is available at www.sun-world.com or at www.sunworldfruit.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

July 23, 2003

Sun World Introduces New Black Seedless Grape; SABLE SEEDLESS brand fruit available in August 2003

BAKERSFIELD, California USA – Fruit enthusiasts looking for supremely flavorful grapes can stop searching.

Early next month, Sun World International, LLC. is introducing its newest table grape, a black seedless variety marketed under the SABLE SEEDLESS™ brand. The company farms the variety on its vineyards in Bakersfield, California. As part of its international licensing program, Sun World is testing the new grape on farms in Europe, Australia, South Africa and South America.

Within the next few years, licensed growers in these and other countries are expected to plant SABLE SEEDLESS grapes with fruit available for sale shortly thereafter in Europe, North America and the Far East.

The newest Sun World fruit introduction is called the Sugrasixteen variety. It is marketed under the SABLE SEEDLESS brand and ripens in central California during the first week of August or about two weeks after the Thompson Seedless harvest begins. They will be available from Sun World’s California vineyards during the month of August, and in August-September from licensed Sun World growers in Europe. The new black seedless will also be produced in January and February by licensed Sun World growers in Australia, South America and South Africa.

The deep black grapes have a firm, crunchy texture and boast a rich, distinctive flavor with high natural sugar and a trace of muscat.

"Consumer research suggests that, above just about everything else, people are seeking improved flavor in their fruits and vegetables," Senior Vice President David Marguleas said. "Sun World’s research staff has spent more than 20 years breeding and evaluating new varieties. One of our principal objectives has been to develop a grape with exceptional flavor. "Our customers and consumers worldwide are in for a real treat with SABLE SEEDLESS. It bursts with sweetness and flavor," Marguleas added.

Grape breeding is a long-term process that involves crossing two parents with often different but desirable traits. Each cross results in dozens or potentially hundreds of different potential offspring, each of which is carefully evaluated for its flavor, size, texture, seedlessness, color, ripening time, and commercial productivity. It is not uncommon for it to take as much ten to twelve years from the time a cross is made to the time a variety is ready for commercial release.

The Sugrasixteen variety (SABLE SEEDLESS brand) grape was crossed 15 years ago. It has since undergone more than ten years of extensive trials and evaluation by the company’s research and commercial farming staff.

Since its inception more than 25 years ago, Sun World has introduced consumers to dozens of new produce items including Red Flame Seedless grapes, seedless watermelon and sweet colored peppers, as well as more flavorful grapes, plums, apricots, peaches and nectarines. Some of its more noteworthy introductions include fruits such as SUPERIOR SEEDLESS® and MIDNIGHT BEAUTY® grapes, BLACK DIAMOND® and BLACK GIANT® plums, and HONEYCOT® apricots.

Sun World International, LLC. (www.sun-world.com, www.sunworldfruit.com) is a leading innovator in the research, production, distribution and promotion of fresh produce. Since its inception in the mid-1970s, the Company’s Research & Development Center has released more than 60 new varieties with improved flavor, size, color, and shelf life and extended seasonality. Sun World maintains integrated agricultural operations throughout central and southeastern California.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

June 19, 2003

Sun World Licenses Leading Australian Stonefruit Marketers

Bakersfield, CALIFORNIA, USA – Sun World International, LLC. has appointed two of Australia’s leading fruit marketers – Panda Ranch Trading Pty. Ltd. (Thirlmere, N.S.W.) and Montague Fresh (Narre Warren North, Victoria) -- as licensed distributors of its proprietary and branded plums, peaches and apricots, Sun World Senior Vice President David Marguleas announced here this week.

Panda Ranch and Montague Fresh will market stonefruit grown under a managed production system by licensed Sun World producers throughout Australia.

The stonefruit varieties will be marketed under private brands such as BLACK DIAMOND® and BLACK GIANT® for use on plums, HONEYCOT® for use on apricots and AMBER CREST® for use on peaches.

Panda Ranch is an integrated fruit production and marketing firm with expertise in distributing Australian-grown stonefruit throughout domestic and international markets. Panda Ranch leads innovation in the Australian stone fruit industry and specializes in adding value to all aspects of the supply chain. By offering large volumes of consistent quality stone fruit, Panda Ranch has rapidly expanded export markets in both Asia and the United Kingdom. Panda Ranch is also a major stone fruit supplier to Australian chain stores.

Montague Fresh is family owned vertically integrated grower, packer and marketer of fresh pome and tree fruits. The company’s production division operates five orchard properties covering approximately 2500 acres in NSW, Victoria and Tasmania.  The marketing arm of the organization sources product from Montague owned properties and key supply partners. This division consists of three sales offices in each of Australia's major cities Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. These offices service major retail chains in Australia and international markets and smaller retailers through the wholesale market system. Montague Fresh prides itself on high quality product and industry leading customer service.

"Our licensed growers deserve to have Australia’s strongest fruit marketing companies working on their behalf," Marguleas said. "In appointing Montague Fresh and Panda Ranch, we’ve selected two exceptional and innovative stonefruit marketers with broad and respected bases of customers and producers," he added.

Sun World has established a worldwide fruit licensing program that involves more than 1,000 growers and dozens of marketing companies in most of the world’s major fruit-growing regions. It recently established Sun World Australasia (Bathurst, New South Wales) to manage its fruit licensing business in Australia and New Zealand. The two stonefruit marketer appointments are key to the company’s long-term business strategy and both will work closely with Sun World Australasia Manager Bob Wickson to develop extensive fruit production and marketing plans.

Rowan Little, Business Manager Marketing for Montague Fresh said "The Sun World program has tremendous benefits for Montague Fresh. Not only does it provide access to well known international varieties and brands it also provides a framework by which marketing companies from around the world can work together to provide the end consumer, no matter where he or she lives, with a top quality product 52 weeks of the year"

Michael Silm, Managing Director of the Panda Ranch Group said "The Panda Ranch group is very excited to be involved with Sun World. The Sun World stone fruit breeding program offers our supply chain access to new and innovative varieties which will drive significant marketing advantages through increased customer satisfaction." Silm added "The breeding program offers improved size, flavor, production timing and branded marketing programs. It provides us with a fantastic opportunity to increase our customer value proposition."

The California-company’s new variety development work focuses on a full range of fresh plums with extraordinary characteristics such as sweeter, red flesh and large size fruit that is marketed under the BLACK DIAMOND brand, early-ripening peaches marketed under the AMBER CREST brand and flavorful early-season apricots marketed under the HONEYCOT brand. The company also develops new seedless table grape varieties for its own production and for other growers to produce under license. Grape marketer appointments within Australia are pending.

Sun World, a leading U.S. 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 60 new varieties with improved flavor, size, color, shelf-life and extended seasonality. In addition to production on its own California vineyards and orchards, Sun World and/or its licensees grow these proprietary varieties in Australia, New Zealand, North America, Europe, South America, the Middle East and South Africa.

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. More information about Sun World is available at www.sun-world.com or at www.sunworldfruit.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

June 9, 2003

Sun World Names Sierra Gold Its U.S. Nursery Licensee

Bakersfield, CALIFORNIA –Sun World International, LLC. has appointed Sierra Gold Nurseries its U.S. stonefruit nursery licensee, Sun World Senior Vice President David Marguleas announced this week.

Sierra Gold, a commercial nursery based in Yuba City, California, will produce proprietary plum, peach, apricot and nectarine trees for California growers participating in Sun World’s U.S. licensing program. Sierra Gold will evaluate, propagate and distribute new commercial stonefruit varieties developed within Sun World’s Research & Development program.

All fruit will be grown by licensed producers and sold under license by designated marketing companies.

Sun World has established a worldwide fruit licensing program that involves more than 1,000 growers and dozens of marketing companies. The Bakersfield-based company produces its new fruit varieties on its own land in central and southern California, and it licenses others to produce its proprietary plums, peaches and apricots, Marguleas said.

"With its new fruit varieties, Sun World’s research staff seeks to satisfy the universal demand for enhanced flavor as well as growers’ demand for better production, fruit size and texture," he said. "Sierra Gold is a professional, progressive nursery company that is well-suited to helping Sun World introduce these new varieties under a managed production model," Marguleas said. By establishing optimal production levels for individual fruit varieties, Sun World aims to better match supply with demand, he added.

New variety development work focuses on a full range of fresh plums with extraordinary characteristics such as sweeter, red flesh and large size fruit that is marketed under the BLACK DIAMOND® brand, early-ripening peaches marketed under the AMBER CREST® brand and flavorful early-season apricots marketed under the HONEYCOT® brand. The company also develops new seedless table grape varieties for its own production and for other growers to produce under license.

Sierra Gold and Sun World are establishing a show plot in Reedley, California where growers can evaluate Sun World stonefruit varieties for their overall quality and productivity.

Sierra Gold is a family-run nursery that has been perfecting their growing methods for over 50 years. Their mission is focused heavily on providing customer satisfaction by producing quality rootstock and using the most advanced technical knowledge available.

"We are very excited to have the opportunity to work together with Sun World in commercializing some of their best stonefruit varieties here in North America" says Jack Poukish, General Manager of Business and Sales at Sierra Gold. "The relationship is founded on each business sticking to what it does best – Sun World as a leader in fruit breeding and marketing, and Sierra Gold Nurseries as a leader in nursery tree quality and excellent field service. Some of the best plum, peach, and apricot varieties in the fresh market will soon be available as top quality Sierra Gold Trees."

Producers interested in obtaining new materials should contact Josh Bergman at 559-741-9704, or Jack Poukish at 530-674-1145 .

Sun World, one of the United States’ leading producers and marketers 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 50 new varieties with improved flavor, size, color, shelf-life and extended seasonality. In addition to production on its own California vineyards and orchards, Sun World and/or its licensees grow these proprietary varieties in North America, Europe, South America, Australia, the Middle East and South Africa.

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. More information about Sun World is available at www.sun-world.com or at www.sunworldfruit.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

May 12, 2003

Sun World Releases Five New Proprietary Plum Varieties;  Launches New Expanded BLACK DIAMOND® Line

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Sun World International, LLC. this month launches the first of an expanded new line of high-flavor, super sweet, red-flesh black plums to be marketed under its flagship BLACK DIAMOND® brand.

Supermarkets and their customers throughout the United States and Asia have long enjoyed an extraordinary red-flesh plum variety, marketed under the BLACK DIAMOND brand. Diligent work over the past decade by Sun World fruit researchers has produced an array of new plums, harvested over 12 consecutive weeks, that stretch the season and availability of the red-flesh plum line and make the popular fruit available for much of the summer.

The BLACK DIAMOND trademark has been used for more than 15 years to market fruit from a single Sun World plum variety called Suplumeleven. Studies show that Suplumeleven has a 28% higher sugar content than comparable black plums and that consumers prefer it 2 to 1 over other black plums, according to Sun World Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing Mike Aiton. "Over 80% of the consumers we surveyed said they would purchase our BLACK DIAMOND plum again. But, when comparing BLACK DIAMOND plums to other ordinary black plums, we were even more encouraged by a 16.6% volume increase in supermarket sales in spite of a 20% higher retail price point," Aiton said.

The proprietary plum’s skin is burgundy red to dark purple-black and it has deep red-raspberry flesh. The expanded line of five new plums bears fruit with similar characteristics, each of which will benefit from the brand’s broad exposure in key U.S. and Asian markets as well as the popularity of the Suplumeleven variety, Aiton noted.

Harvested beginning in mid-to-late May and continuing for 12 weeks through August, the plums will be marketed in the United States and internationally under the company’s BLACK DIAMOND brand. They will be available from Sun World’s California orchards from late May through August, and during the same period from licensed Sun World growers in Europe. The new plums will also be produced from late November through February by licensed Sun World growers in Australia, New Zealand, South America and South Africa.

Since its inception more than 25 years ago, Sun World has introduced consumers to dozens of new produce items including Red Flame Seedless grapes, seedless watermelon and sweet colored peppers, as well as more flavorful grapes, plums, apricots, peaches and nectarines.

The new line of red-flesh plums – consisting of Suplumtwentytwo, Suplumtwentythree, Suplumtwentyfour, Suplumtwentyeight and Suplumtwentynine varieties -- were developed by Sun World fruit breeders at its Research & Development Center near Bakersfield, California. They have been extensively tested and evaluated for more than ten years. BLACK DIAMOND plums are exceptionally firm, large and flavorful.

Sun World International, LLC. (www.sun-world.com, www.sunworldfruit.com) is a leading innovator in the research, production, distribution and promotion of fresh produce. Since its inception in the mid-1970s, the Company’s Research & Development Center has released more than 60 new varieties with improved flavor, size, color, and shelf life and extended seasonality.  Sun World maintains integrated agricultural operations throughout central and southeastern California.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 11, 2003

Sun World Introduces New Early Ripening Peaches;  "AMBER CREST®" Joins Family of Fruit Brands

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Fruit lovers worldwide can now enjoy fresh peaches in April and October, several weeks before the stonefruit has traditionally been available.

Sun World International, Inc. this month introduces the first of a new line of six, early-ripening peaches that can be grown in early and non-traditional stonefruit growing areas. Its first fruit is available this week from Sun World orchards in southern California’s Coachella Valley.

The new, specially-bred peaches are harvested over an eight week period throughout southern and Central California. They will be marketed in the United States and internationally under the company’s AMBER CREST® brand and they will be available from Sun World’s California orchards from early April through early June. The new peach varieties will also be produced from early October through early December by licensed Sun World growers in South America, Australia and South Africa.

Since its inception more than 25 years ago, Sun World has introduced consumers to dozens of new produce items including Red Flame Seedless grapes, seedless watermelon and sweet colored peppers, as well as more flavorful plums, apricots, peaches and nectarines.

The new line of early-ripening peaches were developed by Sun World researchers at its Research & Development Center near Bakersfield, California. The six varieties have been extensively tested and evaluated for more than ten years. AMBER CREST peaches are exceptionally firm, large and flavorful and they were specially-bred for production in warm growing regions with little of the traditional cold winter weather that peaches and other stonefruit typically require.

Sun World International, LLC. (www.sun-world.com, www.sunworldfruit.com) is a leading innovator in the research, production, distribution and promotion of fresh produce. Since its inception in the mid-1970s, the Company’s Research & Development Center has released more than 60 new varieties with improved flavor, size, color, shelf life and extended seasonality.  Sun World maintains integrated agricultural operations throughout central and southeastern California.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

March 26, 2003

Australian Grape Growers Reach Agreement with Sun World

 

BAKERSFIELD, California USA – Sun World International, LLC. and several leading

Australian grape producers and marketers have agreed to resolve a longstanding dispute

surrounding Sun World’s proprietary Sugraone grape variety, referred to in Australia as

"Menindee Seedless" and known more commonly around the world by Sun World’s private

SUPERIOR SEEDLESS® trademark.

 

The recent agreement enables key Australian producers and marketers -- including Table

Grape Growers of Australia Pty Ltd (Melbourne), Golden Mile Orchards (Mundubbera), Back ‘O Bourke Fruits Pty Ltd and Darling Farms Pty Ltd (Bourke) and DH & KJ Agg (Barmera) -- to grow and distribute Sugraone grapes and to use Sun World’s SUPERIOR SEEDLESS® brand trademark as well as to enable these growers to gain access to many other new Sun World seedless table grape varieties.