Bakersfield, Calif. – Merrill N. Dibble has been appointed president and chief executive officer of Sun World International, LLC. The announcement was made by Renewable Resources Group Inc. principals Cole Frates and Ari Swiller.
Dibble succeeds David Dever and takes the helm as the Company embarks on an aggressive plan to strengthen its position as a premier grape breeder, producer, marketer and licensor.
Dibble comes to Sun World from AgReserves, Inc., where he served as its Bakersfield, California-based vice president of California operations for the company’s almond, walnut, pistachio and prune business units.
The leadership transition is part of a larger strategy to optimize Sun World’s product portfolio, expand its international trading platform and bolster its variety development and licensing business. With a continued commitment to grape and stonefruit variety development and breeding, as well as table grape production, sales and marketing, the company also announced the following strategic focuses:
• Portfolio Optimization – In order to better meet customer demand for a consistent supply of its unique grape varieties, including all three colors (black, green and red), Sun World is progressing an aggressive California grape planting program, with new vineyards to supplement its existing owned and leased properties in California’s Coachella and San Joaquin Valleys which support its refined focus on and the expansion of its grape business.
The Company plans to divest its pepper and strawberry farming, and citrus packing and marketing interests. In conjunction with Woodspur, an affiliated date company owned by Renewable Resources Group, Sun World’s Coachella Valley facility will be re-purposed for packing and handling fresh dates. The Company’s citrus activities will be phased out. All Coachella-area farming activities will be centered on its grape acreage, which is slated for considerable growth in the coming years.
• Variety Development – With one of the world’s leading grape and stonefruit variety development programs, Sun World will continue to bring differentiated varieties with improved flavor, size, color and texture to the marketplace.
• Licensing Growth – The Company is committed to expanding its already significant varietal presence with continued licensed production throughout Europe, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Israel, South America and North America to support global demand.
“Sun World has the proprietary varieties that deliver a distinguishable difference in taste and quality,” Dibble said. “I am excited to lead the Sun World team as we focus our efforts on world-class plant science, exceptional farming practices and differentiated sales and marketing programs that allow us to be a superior supplier, and to deliver healthy, delicious grapes that delight consumers around the world,” he said.
Sun World is a leading innovator in the research, production, distribution and promotion of fresh produce. The Company maintains integrated agricultural operations throughout central and southeastern California, as well as a licensed growing and marketing program with leading agricultural operations in Australia, New Zealand, North America, Europe, South America, Israel and South Africa. More information about Sun World is available at www.Sun-World.com.
Source: Sun World International
