Sun World International’s David Marguleas Discusses Pairwise Partnership and 2025 Science & Technology Circle of Excellence Award

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Further cementing its legacy as a leading player in the produce arena, Sun World International recently gained recognition for its transformative partnership with Pairwise. During the 2025 Global Produce & Floral Show, Sun World’s David Marguleas accepted the 2025 Science & Technology Circle of Excellence Award from the International Fresh Produce Association on the table grape maven and Pairwise’s behalf.

“Being recognized with this award is a tremendous honor—and a reflection of the entire Sun World ecosystem,” shares David Marguleas, Executive Chair, Sun World. “Innovation isn’t a new focus for us; it’s been our defining strength for five decades. Every success story, from AUTUMNCRISP® to RUBY RUSH®, is the product of a process that blends deep genetic insight, rigorous field evaluation, and collaboration across continents.”

As David explains to me, this prestigious recognition validates the idea that science isn’t separate from fresh produce; instead, it is the engine that drives it forward.

“Our teams have spent years building a breeding platform that integrates sensory science, data analytics, and AI modeling to predict consumer preferences and optimize performance for growers,” David says. “That approach doesn’t just move Sun World ahead—it raises the bar for the global fruit industry by proving that data-informed innovation can be both scalable and sustainable.”

Sun World’s game-changing partnership with Tom Adams and the team at Pairwise represents a pivotal moment for modern fruit breeding. Sun World has remained committed to advancing plant genetics through classical breeding techniques for decades, developing superior fruit through time-intensive, trial-based innovation. With Pairwise’s CRISPR-enabled technology, the producer brings precision and speed to that process, identifying and editing specific traits that affect texture, flavor, and the overall eating experience.

“This partnership was born from a shared belief that science can make fruit more accessible, enjoyable, and sustainable. Together, we’re developing a true pitless cherry—not just a novelty, but a fruit that maintains full flavor, firmness, and postharvest resilience,” David previews. “The alliance combines Pairwise’s technology with Sun World’s proven commercialization network—a global system of more than 3,800 licensed growers—ensuring these breakthroughs actually reach consumers at scale.”

Combined with Sun World’s five decades of horticultural data, Pairwise’s precision tools have accelerated discovery, ensuring every selection meets the real-world grower and retailer criteria for yield, taste, storage, and marketability.

“Innovation determines whether fresh produce thrives or is passed over,” notes David. “The entire produce supply chain faces unprecedented compounding challenges: climate volatility, tightening labor markets, stricter retail standards, and shifting consumer definitions of value. Depending on one's position in the supply chain, the impact of these challenges varies. One common marketplace challenge for genetics providers, producers, marketers, and retailers is the critical need for differentiation. We remain laser-focused on bringing differentiation through innovation—in the form of new fruit varieties with a range of distinctive traits—to discerning producers and retailers and the customers they serve.”

At every level of the organization, Sun World continues to accelerate industry development, upholding its legacy as a produce innovator.

“At Sun World, we view innovation as risk management. Our breeding teams are designing fruit that can withstand hotter seasons and unpredictable rainfall. Our licensees are using postharvest analytics to extend shelf-life and reduce shrink, and our marketing partners are building brands that connect emotional value to everyday purchases. Every one of these advancements makes the supply chain more adaptive and less wasteful,” explains David. “Simply put, innovation is the difference between surviving and leading, and our collective responsibility as an industry is to choose leadership.”

This well-deserved award also recognizes the importance of collaborative innovation.

“Recognition like this one highlights a fundamental truth: no company innovates in isolation,” says David. The fresh produce industry advances when expertise converges—when breeders, technologists, retailers, and growers all bring their perspectives to the same table. At Sun World, that spirit of collaboration drives everything we do, whether it’s building branded programs with global retailers or expanding our breeding footprint into citrus and mango through the Biogold acquisition.”

“By combining genetic science, regional expertise, and global commercialization, we’re creating a system where innovation travels faster and benefits everyone, from growers in South Africa to shoppers in Copenhagen,” David continues. “Ultimately, our goal is simple: to make better fruit available to more people, in more places, all year long—fruit that delights consumers and sustains the people who grow it.”

Join us in congratulating Sun World International and Pairwise on their groundbreaking partnership and commitment to continued industry innovation!