Sun World Unveils Two New Specialty Grapes Ahead of Summer 2027 Launch

Sun World International is adding two specialty grapes to its portfolio, unveiling SUMMER BLUSH and FLAVORCRUSH during its 2026 Symposium and Field Days as the company looks to create new eating experiences and merchandising opportunities within the table grape category.

More than 450 growers, marketers, retailers, researchers and other produce industry partners attended the two-day event, which also marked Sun World’s 50th anniversary and provided a look at the company’s breeding pipeline and global licensing programs.

Both new grape brands are targeted for market introduction in summer 2027.

SUMMER BLUSH will be the consumer-facing brand for Sun World’s new Sugra74 variety. The midseason bi-color seedless grape features natural ombre coloring that transitions from green to pink and red blush. Sun World describes the grape as having a crisp texture and candy-like flavor.

FLAVORCRUSH will be the brand name for the Sugra60 variety, a midseason red seedless grape featuring large berries, a mildly crisp texture and a fruity flavor profile with tropical notes.

“SUMMER BLUSH and FLAVORCRUSH reflect the work underway across our program to give growers and commercial partners high-end, differentiated options, while giving retailers a clearer way to communicate eating experiences to shoppers,” said Elena Hernandez, vice president of global marketing at Sun World International. “A successful brand starts with great fruit, as well as the connected work of the people who grow it, market it, merchandise it and bring it to consumers.”

The introductions come as table grape breeders and marketers increasingly focus on attributes beyond traditional color and size. Flavor, texture and appearance have become important tools for differentiating varieties in a crowded produce department and encouraging repeat purchases.

Sun World’s symposium reflected that shift, with discussions covering consumer preferences, retail trends, breeding advances, field performance, technology, artificial intelligence and supply management.

Retail participants emphasized the importance of varieties with clear consumer relevance, recognizable branding and dependable supply. Growers and licensees, meanwhile, discussed the need for grapes that combine a differentiated eating experience with production characteristics that make commercial programs sustainable.

Sun World’s breeding teams are using sensory information, genomics, field evaluations and feedback from commercial partners to guide development of future varieties.

The company’s approach recognizes that genetics alone are not enough to build a successful fruit program. Consistent quality, disciplined production, reliable availability and coordination among growers, marketers and retailers are also needed to turn a new variety into a successful consumer brand.

“Events such as these give us the opportunity to host the full conversation in one place,” said Gerardo Lugo, chief commercial officer at Sun World International. “We can evaluate fruit in the field, hear directly from partners, discuss what is changing at retail and build and strengthen the relationships needed to move programs forward with greater alignment to please consumers every time.”

The symposium also provided attendees with an opportunity to sample emerging varieties directly in the vineyard and see additional fruit moving through Sun World’s development pipeline.

Although table grapes remain a cornerstone of the company’s business, Sun World’s portfolio has expanded into stone fruit, citrus, cherries, mangos and avocados as it applies its breeding and licensing model across additional fresh produce categories.

For retailers and consumers, SUMMER BLUSH and FLAVORCRUSH offer an early look at where premium grapes may be headed: varieties marketed not simply by color, but by distinctive appearance, texture and flavor experiences shoppers can recognize and seek out again.

The first commercial test will come next summer, when both brands are expected to begin reaching the marketplace.