Sun World Unveils Summer Blush and Flavorcrush Grape Varieties as Global Partners Connect During 2026 Symposium and Field Day

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Sun World International, a global leader in fruit genetics and licensing, welcomed more than 450 growers, marketers, retailers, researchers and industry partners to its 2026 Symposium and Field Days, where the company introduced two new specialty table grape brands, SUMMER BLUSH™ and FLAVORCRUSH™.

Held as Sun World celebrates 50 years of variety development and licensing, the two-day gathering brought together the global network behind the company’s fruit programs to explore how the industry can work more closely to deliver consistent, differentiated premium fruit that earns repeat purchase by providing a delightful eating experience each week.

Guests eagerly sampled the company’s two new brands, both of which are set to become category darlings and fill gaps in both novelty and availability for consumers. SUMMER BLUSH, the brand name in which the new Sugra74 variety will be marketed under, is a midseason bi-color seedless grape with a natural ombre coloring, with tones of green to pink and red blush, with a crisp texture and candy-like flavor. FLAVORCRUSH, the brand name under which the new Sugra60 variety will be marketed under, is a midseason red seedless grape with large berries, a mildly crisp texture and a fruity flavor profile with tropical flavor 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.”

Across the symposium, speakers and panelists dove deep into breeding advances, highlighted consumer preferences, field performance, technology, use of AI, supply management and shared ideas around retailer collaborations. Discussions reinforced that premium fruit programs depend on more than genetics. They require careful variety selection, disciplined production, reliable supply, consistent quality and close communication across the value chain.

Retail panelists shared the need for fruit with clear consumer relevance, strong branding (at shelf and outside of the store) and dependable execution. Growers and licensees discussed the importance of grapes that can deliver both a differentiated eating experience and practical production benefits. Breeders outlined how sensory data, genomics, field evaluation and ongoing feedback from commercial partners can help guide future development.

Sun World also used the event to showcase its ongoing breeding pipeline and strengthen the relationships that support the company’s global licensing network. The company’s approach is designed to create value throughout the system, connecting technical innovation with the needs of growers, marketers, retailers and consumers.varieties

“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.”

As Sun World expands its portfolio across table grapes, stone fruit, citrus, cherries, mango and avocado, the company continues to focus on fruit experiences defined by flavor, texture, consistency and commercial performance. SUMMER BLUSH and FLAVORCRUSH are the newest examples of that work in table grapes.

About Sun World International

Sun World International is a global variety development and licensing business. The California-based company has a global network of licensed growers and marketers and maintains offices in the United States, Europe, Australia, South America, Israel, and South Africa. In 2024, Sun World acquired BioGold, a South African-based global fruit variety rights manager, trading as Citrogold in South Africa, expanding Sun World’s table grape and stone fruit breeding and licensing portfolio to include citrus, mango, and avocado.