Breeder has announced licensing agreements with multiple Namibian exporters, strengthening its presence in early season production regions
The early Southern African table grape business is dominated by production in the North of South Africa, the Orange River region and Namibia, where the main production is located at Aussenkehr along the northern shores of the Orange River.
While South Africa has been dominating early supply season for many years, Namibia has over time carved an important niche in this area.
The fortunes of Namibian growers were boosted a few years ago when one of the leading table grape breeders in the world, Sun World International, announced that it would officially engage in the country.
Now, some years later, Sun World has announced that several Namibian export entities have been licensed to sell its varieties.
Observers said this is a clear sign that Sun World varieties are gaining traction in the country, along with other breeding programmes.
Sun World added ten new marketers to its global licensee network in the fourth quarter of 2025, while also expanding its longstanding relationship with Sun Pacific, which now serves as an authorised importer for Sun World varieties in North America.
The Namibian exporters now licensed are Capespan South Africa, Silverlands Namibia, Naturesmart Foods and Karsten Namibia Agriculture.
Other exporters in Southern Africa licensed are SanLucar South Africa, Rainbow Produce Company Sa T/A Rainbow Export, Southern Fruit Growers and Star South Fruits.
“Expanding our marketer network, while deepening trusted relationships like with Sun Pacific, allows us to strengthen the supply chain at every stage, from production to market,” said Petri van der Merwe, vice president of global licensing at Sun World International.
“This approach supports reliable supply, strong brand execution, and long-term value for our retail partners.”
The new marketers licensed by Sun World are now authorised to market Sun World’s proprietary grape brands.
“These additions reflect our focus on building long-term partnerships that strengthen the global supply chain while supporting consistent execution in market,” said Gerardo Lugo, chief commercial officer at Sun World International.
“Expanding our relationship with Sun Pacific further reinforces that strategy by enhancing our importer capabilities in North America.”
It has been a challenge for growers in the early regions of South Africa to find better performing early white and red varieties, often having to evaluate around 50 cultivars to select those that best meet their farming conditions and seasonal production.
There are now very promising varieties from different breeding programmes available to consider, but it takes time for growers to evaluate them under their own conditions.
