BAKERSFIELD, CA - Sun World International LLC has added five carefully selected marketers to its global licensee network, expanding its presence in Egypt, Chile, and Italy—three powerhouse regions in the global produce trade. This strategic growth follows a thorough evaluation process and reinforces Sun World’s commitment to delivering consistent, year-round access to premium branded grapes for consumers worldwide.

As global demand grows for fresh fruit that delivers quality, consistency, and sustainability, more growers and retailers are turning to proprietary varieties—and Sun World is setting the standard. This selective expansion strengthens the company’s supply chain and expands the reach of its breakthrough grape brands, including AUTUMNCRISP® and RUBY RUSH®, in key markets.

“Each of these partners brings valuable regional expertise and a deep commitment to quality,” said Petri van der Merwe, Vice President of Global Licensing, in the recent release. “Their addition enhances our ability to provide a reliable, exceptional eating experience throughout the year—grown with care and delivered with integrity.”

New Additions:

• GB Farms (Itamco for Agriculture Development): Established in 1991 as a grower and exporter of premium table grapes and mangoes from Egypt. With 2,000 acres of cultivated farmland, the company upholds the highest standards of quality, sustainability, and traceability—serving global markets with a steadfast commitment to integrity and environmental stewardship.
• Nivex Farms (Nivex for Agriculture Investment & Export): A family-owned company since 1978 that specializes in growing and exporting fresh organic and conventional fruits and vegetables to leading retailers across the EU and UK.
• Calcare Farm (Azienda agricola Calcare srl): Based in Italy, Calcare blends tradition and innovation to produce high-quality table grapes and apricots, with a strong focus on sustainability and social responsibility.
• Blue Nile (Elbostaniah for agriculture development): A leading Egyptian grower-exporter supplying major European retailers, Blue Nile operates 700 acres of licensed grapes and three BRC-certified packing stations strategically located across the country.
• Geofrut (Exportadora Geofrut Ltda): Founded in 1991, Geofrut is a major Chilean grower-exporter with over 1,500 hectares of owned farmland and partnerships with 180+ producers. Known for quality, consistency, and traceability, the company delivers fresh fruit worldwide with a strong focus on sustainability.

“Sun World is committed to building meaningful, long-term partnerships that strengthen our global network and deliver unmatched value to our growers and retail customers,” said Gerardo Lugo, Chief Commercial Officer, in the recent release. “This expansion reflects a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and bringing our brands to more consumers—when and where they want them.”

These new partners are now authorized to market Sun World’s signature grape brands—including AUTUMNCRISP®, RUBY RUSH®, ADORA SEEDLESS®, MIDNIGHT BEAUTY®, and others—tailored to their region’s unique growing conditions and market demands. As members of the Sun World licensee network, they’ll receive marketing support, access to proprietary tools, and ongoing insights to help fuel their long-term success.

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

MONTEREY, CA - Dole Fresh Vegetables/Bud Antle, manufacturer of DOLE® Brand packaged salads, continues to redefine what consumers expect from packaged salads with three intriguing new DOLE® salad kit varieties that tap the very latest taste preferences, consumer research findings, and restaurant and culinary trends.

The produce and salad leader is using global flavors, reimagined classics, and fresh new pairings to target both salad kit loyalists and the growing number of Millennial and Gen Z salad users.

Thanks to the work of the company’s salad innovation team, America’s expanding salad consumer base will be the first to experience the mozzarella-based richness of Italian caprese, the unexpected blend of classic ranch and herby pesto, and the tangy-but-sweet indulgence of apple cider in minutes-to-make salad kits featuring farm-fresh lettuces, vegetables, toppings, and original dressings.

According to David Austin, Dole Fresh Vegetables/Bud Antle’s VP of Marketing & Innovation, the new kits are the direct result of expanded research by the Company into the latest taste trends, ranging from fruits, herbs, and spices to low-sugar, smoke, and char preferences. They also directly leverage 12-month shopper grocery sales and preferences.

“By working closely with taste influencers, researchers, and salad consumers, DOLE® brand is able to stay ahead of ever-changing flavor trends to deliver bold flavor experiences that consumers crave—sometimes before they even know they crave them,” said Austin. “Our goal is to use consumer insights, culinary partnerships, and other R&D tools to continually create new salad enthusiasts, including both long-time loyalists and the growing number of Millennials and Gen Zers experiencing packaged salads for the first time.”

The three new kits bring the total number of DOLE® Salad offerings to 70, including 31 separate salad kit SKUs, and strengthen the brand’s reputation for pairing DOLE® lettuces and vegetables with differentiated toppings and dressings in new, inspired ways to encourage healthier eating and increased vegetable consumption.

“Our Fall 2025 extension further strengthens U.S. shopper confidence in the DOLE® brand, which was ranked the most-trusted in Salad Kits in the 2025 BrandSpark Most Trusted Awards Presented by Newsweek,” said Austin in the recent release.

Now shipping to retail throughout the U.S., the new SKUs will join the DOLE® refrigerated salad sets at supermarkets in September.

• DOLE® Caprese Chopped Salad Kit: Salad kit lovers will be saying “Ciao bella!” with this globally inspired, classically Italian indulgence. Our salad experts have combined the freshest DOLE® Romaine Lettuce, Green Cabbage, Kale, and Carrots with creamy mozzarella, brioche croutons, and savory tomato-basil seasoning and vinaigrette dressing for an unmistakable “Mangia! Mangia!” experience.
• DOLE® Pesto Ranch Chopped Salad Kit: Two classic tastes – rich creamy ranch and bright herby basil pesto – come together in a perfectly blended salad experience that’s both familiar and unexpectedly craveable. Crisp DOLE® Romaine Lettuce is topped with nutty shredded Parmesan, golden garlic crouton crumbles, and a house Pesto Ranch dressing for an easy upgrade to the everyday salad—comforting, elevated, and sure to please ranch lovers and picky eaters alike.
• DOLE® Apple Harvest Premium Salad Kit: This hearty and flavorful salad features a bed of tender spring mix baby leaf lettuces, topped with savory and creamy aged cheddar cheese, crunchy brown sugar pecans, and our house Apple Cider Vinaigrette. The dressing is a secret blend of tangy and sweet apple cider, real Dijon mustard, and a blend of spices that celebrates a comforting flavor experience.

For the Caprese and Pesto Ranch kits, Austin said his team is leveraging the phenomenal popularity of these flavored grocery items, which are up 118% and 93% in related grocery component sales over the past year, respectively. Similarly, the Apple Harvest kit taps into the increasing consumer appeal of apple cider vinaigrette, especially as a pairing during the fall and winter holidays.

“We’re especially excited that all three new DOLE® Salad Kits scored an ‘always’ or ‘often’ intent-to-purchase score of at least 75% among the general population -- meaning that at least three-fourths of consumers who tried our newest salads would buy them often or always,” said Austin.

The DOLE® Brand’s latest salad kit debut is being supported by a national marketing program encompassing advertising, PR and at-retail POS.

MURRIETA, CA - West Pak Avocado, a global supplier of premium avocados, is excited to announce the launch of its new Nutritional bag. This innovative, slightly whimsical packaging is more than just a way to package fruit; it was developed with today’s health-conscious shopper in mind, bringing educational storytelling directly to the retail shelf.

"Our new Nutritional bag is designed to empower consumers with the knowledge they need to make informed choices. At West Pak Avocado, we believe that great taste and nutrition can go hand in hand, and this innovative packaging reflects our commitment to promoting the many benefits of avocados for a healthier lifestyle," said West Pak Avocado CEO Mario Pacheco in the recent release.

West Pak’s Nutritional bag features health-forward messaging that highlights the numerous benefits of incorporating avocados into everyday diets. The packaging underscores the impressive nutritional profile of avocados, which contain nearly 20 vitamins and minerals that can contribute to a healthier lifestyle. In addition to their delightful taste, avocados are calorie-smart and contribute good fats linked to numerous health benefits. Key highlights of the Nutritional Bag include that avocados are sugar-free, heart-healthy, and support gut health, weight management, and the management of type 2 diabetes.

The Nutritional bag aims to enhance consumer awareness of the benefits of avocados, demonstrating that they offer more than just great taste. With avocado nutritional facts prominently displayed on each bag, shoppers will have quick access to essential nutritional information, making it easier to make informed choices for themselves and their families.

“Avocados are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that support a variety of health goals,” added West Pak Senior Marketing Manager George Henderson, who spearheaded the project. “We are proud to offer a fun packaging solution packed with Avo Fresh Facts that educate shoppers on the incredible benefits of avocados. This bag makes it easy for them to incorporate this superfood into their meals.”

For more information about the Nutritional bag and to learn more about West Pak Avocado’s commitment to health and wellness, please visit here.