The historic shipment of Timpson and Allison grapes was coordinated by Bloom Fresh and the Dominican government
The Port of Philadelphia has welcomed the first ever commercial shipment of table grapes grown in the Dominican Republic and sent to the US.
The shipment, which includes 2,250 boxes (16 tonnes) of Timpson grapes and 550 boxes of Allison, marks a “significant milestone” for the country’s agricultural sector.
This result was made possible through over five years of collaboration between Bloom Fresh, a leader in table grape breeding, and the government of Dominican Republic.
According to Bloom Fresh, The new industry will create a ”significant local economy” in partnership with Dominican growers and also allow them to tap into what is described as an ”underserved window” in US table grape supply.
“The first commercial harvest of Bloom Fresh table grapes is a historic moment for our country,” said Dominican president Luis Abinader. ”It represents the potential of Dominican agriculture to reach new heights in quality and global market presence.”
The initiative is heavily supported by the AMFresh Group, the majority owner of Bloom Fresh.
During a recent event, Alvaro Munoz, CEO of AMFresh, and his son Alvaro Muñoz Palacin joined president Abinader and Rafael Ortiz Quezada, vice minister of technology and agriculture, to celebrate the country’s first-ever commercial harvest of premium, patented table grapes developed by Bloom Fresh.
They discussed opportunities to accelerate the growth of this industry and potentially expand into new fruit categories.
“This milestone is a testament to our commitment to innovation and sustainability,” said Munoz. “We are proud to contribute to the growth and global competitiveness of Dominican agriculture.”
Pioneering programme
Four years ago, the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Agriculture, led by the minister of agriculture Limber Cruz, partnered with Bloom Fresh to launch a pioneering programme to support farmers and agricultural organisations interested in growing table grapes.
The programme provided training and opportunities to network with high-quality table grape-producing organisations and technicians.
Bloom Fresh said it provided strategic leadership, cutting-edge technology, and technical expertise throughout the programme, with its team of specialists designing and leading the training sessions, equipping local farmers and agricultural organisations with the knowledge and tools needed to grow premium table grape varieties.
Trial plantings of Bloom Fresh varieties in Baní and San Juan proved successful, leading to the introduction of commercial varieties such as Sweet Globe, Timpson and Allison and “laying the foundation for a thriving local industry”.
To support this growth, Bloom Fresh hosted an open day in the Dominican Republic in April, dedicated to empowering local growers and providing technical support and knowledge to enhance their table grape cultivation practices.
“In a region where grape growing is still new, our goal is to empower farmers with the expertise and resources they need to succeed,” explained Bloom Fresh CEO Joesp Estiarte.
”This initiative, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture of the Dominican Republic, aims to foster the local agricultural sector and promote sustainable agricultural practices.”
Market Update
Bloom Fresh pointed out that the Dominican Republic has demonstrated its ability to deliver ”world-class agricultural products”, strengthening its position in global markets and highlighting the success of its agricultural sector.
The first container of table grapes shipped to the US marks the beginning of a new commercial window, allowing Dominican growers to tap into the lucrative US market.
This initiative is expected to enhance the country’s agricultural diversity and strengthen its rural economy, the company noted.
The grapes will be commercialised in Walmart stores across the US, providing consumers with access to high-quality, premium table grapes.
“We have identified strong potential for table grape cultivation in the Dominican Republic, due to its tropical climate and agroecological conditions comparable to those of other grape-producing countries in the region,” noted Sebastian Diaz, technical manager for the Americas at Bloom Fresh.
”As a result, we have implemented the adaptation of specific agronomic protocols to optimise yield and fruit quality.
“Preliminary results validate this collaborative approach and allow us to confidently project a sustainable path to success in the country,” he added.
