Sun World Expands Marketer Network, Import Relationships in Q4 to Support Strategic Growth of Branded Grape Programs

Q4 licensee additions across Southern Africa, the U.S. strengthen year-round branded grape supply while expanded Sun Pacific partnership enhances North American market access

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Sun World International added 10 new marketers to its global licensee network in the fourth quarter of 2025 and expanded its longstanding relationship with Sun Pacific, which also now serves as an authorized importer for Sun World varieties in North America.

The new marketers span South Africa, Namibia and the United States, reinforcing Sun World’s strategy of disciplined growth in key production and export regions. The expanded Sun Pacific relationship reflects a deepening partnership and adds importer capabilities that further strengthen Sun World’s ability to deliver consistent, high-quality branded table grapes to North American retailers year-round.

“Expanding our marketer network, while deepening trusted relationships like 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.”

New Additions:

• SanLucar South Africa (Pty) Ltd (South Africa) is part of the global SanLucar Group, a grower-exporter supplying premium fruit to European and international retail markets with a focus on branded programs and sustainability.
• Karsten Namibia Agriculture (Pty) Ltd (Namibia) operates table grape production along the Orange River, combining climate-smart farming, advanced irrigation, and export-focused quality standards.
• Cederberg Farming Trawal (Pty) Ltd (South Africa) produces premium table grapes in the Olifants River Valley and is part of the Fruitful Ventures group, supporting integrated farm-to-market programs for European customers.
• Rainbow Produce Company Sa T/A Rainbow Export (South Africa) is a boutique export company specializing in table grapes, working with a select group of growers across South Africa and Namibia to serve global retail markets.
• Capespan South Africa Pty Ltd (Namibia) is part of the Capespan group, a vertically integrated global fruit grower, packer, and distributor with table grape operations in Namibia’s Aussenkehr region.
• Silverlands Namibia (Namibia) is an early-season table grape producer based in the Aussenkehr Valley, supplying southern hemisphere grapes to international markets from one of Namibia’s largest grape operations.
• Naturesmart Foods Pty Ltd (South Africa) & Naturesmart Foods Pty Ltd (Namibia)connects growers directly with domestic and international markets, focusing on streamlined supply chains and value-driven fresh produce solutions.
• Southern Fruit Growers (Pty) Ltd (South Africa) markets deciduous fruit through year-round programs built on long-term grower partnerships and export market expertise.
• Fresh Farms/Grupo Molina (United States/Mexico) is a grower-focused marketer with operations in the U.S. and Mexico, supplying premium table grapes and vegetables to North American retail customers.
• Star South Fruits (Pty) Ltd (South Africa) markets a broad portfolio of fresh fruit, including table grapes, serving retail, wholesale, and processing customers through a global supply network.

“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.”

The new marketers are authorized to market Sun World’s proprietary grape brands, including AUTUMNCRISP^®, RUBY RUSH^®, ADORA SEEDLESS,^® and MIDNIGHT BEAUTY^®, based on regional production and market demand.

Sun Pacific is a California-based, vertically integrated grower, marketer, and importer known for its longstanding retail partnerships and expertise in branded fresh produce programs. The company joins a distinguished list of Sun World-licensed importers in North America and now holds a license to distribute and market Sun World’s full line of proprietary grapes in the United States and Canada from licensed suppliers. 

For more information about Sun World and its programs visit sun-world.com.

About Sun World International 

Sun World International is a global leader in fruit breeding, licensing, and marketing, dedicated to developing superior produce varieties and supporting its network of growers with cutting-edge solutions. With a focus on quality, innovation, and sustainability, Sun World continues to shape the future of fresh produce.