Marguleas recognised for his ongoing service to the California fresh fruit industry at CFFA’s 90th annual meeting
The California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) has awarded chairman of Sun World International David Marguleas with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his service to the California fresh fruit industry.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to individuals whose pioneering spirit and inventiveness throughout their career has inspired others and influenced the industry in a positive way, the CFFA said in a release.
Marguleas was honoured at the CFFA’s 90th annual meeting held on 16 March for his work at Sun World International a global fruit genetics company that was founded as a diversified produce marketing company by his father 50 years ago.
Marguleas is the third generation of his family to work in California’s agricultural industry and was instrumental in launching many of the company’s iconic produce innovations. After multiple business transformations and ownership changes, in the mid-2010s the company rededicated itself to innovation and today develops improved and distinctive varieties of table grapes, peaches plums, cherries, mangoes and citrus that it licenses to leading growers around the world.
After holding a series of management roles, Marguleas was named Sun World’s president and CEO in 2019 and its executive chairman in January 2025. After a distinguished 40-year career, in February 2026, Marguleas announced his retirement from Sun World where he continues to serve as non-executive chairman of the board.
Marguleas served as a director on the board for the California Fresh Fruit Association from 1987 to 2019 and as board chairman in 2010 and 2011. In addition to CFFA, Marguleas has served on boards for other leading produce organisations, including the Produce Marketing Association (the predecessor organisation to the International Fresh Produce Association), and the California Table Grape Commission.
CFFA past chairman Marko S. Zaninovich said the California Fresh Fruit Association was proud to recognise Marguleas with its Lifetime Achievement Award.
“David’s leadership and commitment have made an undeniable mark on the fresh fruit industry,” Zaninovich said. “Over the course of his distinguished career, he has mentored and inspired countless individuals to pursue careers of their own, ensuring a bright future for our industry.”
CFFA past chairman Randy Giumarra echoed those sentiments.
“David Marguleas has had a profound and lasting impact on the table grape and broader fresh fruit industry,” Giumarra said. “Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, and commitment to advancing our industry. It is truly a privilege to honour him with the California Fresh Fruit Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his accomplishments, his contributions, and his dedicated service to CFFA and the entire fresh produce community.”
