New branded grapes look set to offer category greater flavour, convenience, and consumer appeal
New table grape brand Tiqi has entered the international market. Developed by the Grapa Global breeding programme, the red, seedless grapes are bred to be sweet, juicy and crunchy, and designed to stand out in both flavour and presentation.
In August, they made their debut at Marks & Spencer in the UK, where recent consumer trials reportedly elicited a strong and positive response.
Commercial trials in both the UK and the US have paved the way for the brand’s international launch – with its own standout branding and packaging – in Hong Kong in early September, to coincide with Asia Fruit Logistica.
The product’s presentation is deliberately different and aims to disrupt. In a category dominated by conventional grape punnets, Tiqi bunches are presented in a striking transparent pot with a replaceable lid.
The format is deliberate, with snacking and convenience in mind: consumers can wash the grapes directly in the pot, while its easy-to-hold shape fits into the palm of the hand or cupholders for on-the-go consumption.
The brand brings together two exceptional red seedless table grape varieties originally bred by Shachar Karniel at Grapa Global in Bakersfield, California. These are commercialised by Fruitips (Fruit IP Solutions), a joint venture between Grapa Global and South African IP management group Top Fruit International.
Grapa Global CEO Rafi Karniel is excited about the launch. “After four years of intensive yet exciting teamwork behind the scenes, we are proud to introduce to the world a brand that will change the table grape category,” he says. “Leading retailers around the world, after experiencing both the grapes and the brand, are telling us that it has been a long time since the fresh produce industry has seen something as unique and exciting as Tiqi.”
Fruitips business manager Jacobus van der Merwe, who announce the brand’s launch in an interview for the Lucentlands Podcast, highlighted the remarkable flavour and nuanced aroma as qualities that set the grapes apart.
“Once you open a pot of Tiqi and taste the incredible flavour, you will be surprised and delighted, and we truly believe that this is what will keep people coming back for more,” he said.
Rob Meihuizen, CEO of Top Fruit International, commented: “Launching this table grape brand in a commercialisation model similar to leading brands in our fruit industry is a dream that we have shared with Grapa for decades and we are really excited that this has finally become a reality.”
Click here to register for next month’s Fruitnet Grape Congress in Bari.
