Sun World International Announces Newest Table Grape Brands; Jen Sanchez, Mecia Petersen, and Kyle Hackett Share


Wed. August 28th, 2024 - by Peggy Packer

WASCO, CA - The phrase “field day” brings excitement to most ears, and what this report shares is no different, as more than 250 grower licensees, retailers, and media partners joined Sun World International for its Mid- to Late-Season Table Grape Field Day. This annual event was hosted at Sun World’s Center for Innovation in Wasco, California, and gave licensed growers and marketers the opportunity to see mid- to late-season varieties in a setting similar to what they would see in its vineyards.

Jen Sanchez, Vice President of Marketing, Sun World
Jen Sanchez, Vice President of Marketing, Sun World

“Sun World’s Field Day was a milestone in the company’s history as we introduced the EPIC CRISP® and APPLAUSE™ brands. It was a privilege to showcase these brands to over 250 of our partners from around the globe,” said Jen Sanchez, Vice President of Marketing, Sun World. “We are excited to see these brands grow in prominence in the coming years as production volumes increase worldwide.”

Sun World shared a behind-the-scenes look at their commercial, semi-commercial, and pipeline grape varieties in commercial vineyards as well as at their test block at the Center for Innovation, a press release shared. The EPIC CRISP and APPLAUSE brands enables producers, marketers, and retailers to increase sales by delivering retailers and consumers a high-quality, delicious, and consistent eating experience.

Mecia Peterson, Market Development and Communications Manager, South Africa Table Grape Industry
Mecia Petersen, Market Development and Communications Manager, South Africa Table Grape Industry

“It was an honor to be part of the first audience to have exposure to the EPIC CRISP and APPLAUSE branding at Sun World’s Field Day,” said Mecia Petersen, Market Development and Communications Manager, South Africa Table Grape Industry. “Exciting developments are happening in the table grape space, and we look forward to seeing what's next.”

Here is a breakdown of the brand characteristics and flavor profiles of APPLAUSE and EPIC CRISP:

  • APPLAUSE: Sugrafiftyfour variety, marketed under the APPLAUSE brand, is a mid-season green seedless variety that brings an unexpected twist with its sweet, tropical fruity flavor. APPLAUSE offers a unique series of limited-edition red, green, and black seedless grapes with different shapes, sizes, colors, and flavors
  • EPIC CRISP: Sugrafiftysix variety, marketed under the EPIC CRISP brand, is a green seedless variety available during the mid-season that offers consumers a serious crunch with every bite, bursting with sweet, juicy goodness
Sun World shared a behind-the-scenes look at their commercial, semi-commercial, and pipeline grape varieties, including the EPIC CRISP® and APPLAUSE™ brands

In addition to exploring innovative varieties, attendees had the unique opportunity to witness Tortuga’s cutting-edge automated robots harvesting grapes in Sun World’s fields, which was a first-time experience for many. The field day also brought attention to the beloved AUTUMNCRISP® brand.

Kyle Hackett, President, Dayka & Hackett
Kyle Hackett, President, Dayka & Hackett

“We know and love AUTUMNCRISP grapes, and now it's time for consumers to experience and savor them by name,” said Kyle Hackett, President, Dayka & Hackett. “Sun World's AUTUMNCRISP® grape marketing campaign showcased how strong grower partnerships and a well-executed retail strategy can elevate an exceptional product from vineyard to the forefront of consumer demand.”

Certainly a field day to remember! AndNowUKnow keeps a pulse on all the latest happening in the industry, so keep clicking back for more.