Divine Flavor and Grupo Alta host Sun World for Ruby Rush showcase

Produce shipper-marketer Divine Flavor, along with its principal grower and one of Mexico’s largest table grape producers, Grupo Alta, recently hosted Sun World International at Sonora vineyards for a special showcase of Ruby Rush (Sugrafiftythree variety), the company’s newest red seedless grape brand. 

The event served as an exclusive opportunity for select Mexican growers and licensees, including Divine Flavor’s grower-partners, to learn more about the promising new variety, which is being positioned not just as a solution for the early-season grape window but as a new benchmark in quality and consistency for red seedless grapes in that time frame.

“Ruby Rush is a very exciting development for the industry,” said Carlos Bon of Divine Flavor. “Not only does it address the demand for early-season red seedless varieties, but it also raises the bar in terms of flavor, appearance and shelf life — all critical elements for retailers and consumers.”

“Ruby Rush represents the next generation of premium table grapes — bold in flavor, striking in appearance and thoughtfully grown to meet rising consumer expectations,” said Jen Sanchez, vice president of marketing at Sun World. “Mexico is instrumental to our global supply strategy, and we’re fortunate to work with Grupo Alta, Divine Flavor and other experienced growers who understand what it takes to bring a new brand to life. Their expertise and market reach are accelerating Ruby Rush adoption and ensuring consumers experience its full potential.”

Grupo Alta, recognized for its innovation, premium quality and status as Divine Flavor’s founding grower, will produce a significant portion of the Ruby Rush crop in Mexico throughout its locations in Sonora. 

Similar to the advanced collaboration executed in 2023 to bring more of Sun World's AutumnCrisp (Sugrathirtyfive) variety to North American markets, a similar concept is now unfolding with Ruby Rush, as this alliance aims to introduce a distinctive, premium red seedless grape brand earlier in the season. 

By leveraging Grupo Alta’s state-of-the-art farming practices and Sun World's world-class breeding program, the partnership is poised to set a new standard for flavor, appearance and consistency in the early-season grape category.

Alongside them, several other Divine Flavor grower-partners and licensed producers will also take part in bringing this variety to market.

During the field day, representatives from the Sun World and Grupo Alta team presented the variety’s key agronomic traits, market potential and flavor profile — generating strong interest from attendees while also providing valuable insights to deepen understanding of the variety’s commercial and horticultural advantages. 

It was mentioned that Ruby Rush has been developed with a focus on consumer satisfaction and grower performance, offering exceptional flavor, color and crunch — critical characteristics for success in today’s table grape market.