Event brought global partners together for an exclusive look at what’s next for premium table grapes
Sun World International welcomed more than 200 licensed growers and partners to its Centre for Innovation in Wasco, California, for the 2025 July Field Day – an event focused on varietal innovation, vineyard performance, and Sun World’s commitment to delivering high-quality branded grapes worldwide.
Held bi-annually, the Field Day offers an in-field look at the company’s latest developments, providing partners with updates on planting trends, performance insights, and shared goals around flavour, sustainability, and market leadership.
This year’s event spotlighted five early-season pipeline varieties – including Sugrafiftythree, Sugra60, and advanced, yet-to-be-released selections. “Bred for early maturity, high yield, and exceptional post-harvest performance, these cultivars give growers an edge in delivering fruit that meets both consumer expectations and production needs,” Sun World said.
Attendees toured test blocks and commercial vineyards to see firsthand how each variety performs under real-world conditions.
“We’re constantly balancing consumer preference with grower performance,” said Paola Barba, table grape breeder at Sun World. “Our newest selections offer earlier harvest windows, simplified production, and the flavour traits that today’s shoppers crave.”
With a focus on the future, Sun World said it continues to invest in premiumisation, brand adoption and storytelling that links field performance with shelf appeal. Its upcoming Late Season Field Day, set for 21 August, will further these efforts by fostering innovation and collaboration across its global network.
In addition to its California-based events, Sun World also hosts regional field days around the world, offering growers a closer look at newly introduced varieties and sharing best practices tailored to local growing conditions.
“Innovation is the foundation of everything we do—from the varieties we develop to the partnerships we build,” said Bernardo Calvo, president and CEO of Sun World International. “Sun World’s Field Day events are more than a showcase of what’s next in grapes, it’s a celebration of the growers, marketers, and visionaries driving the future of fresh produce across the globe.”
