New table grape variety looks to be a success
New table grape variety looks to be a success
International Fruit Genetics, a major table grape and stone fruit breeding organization in Bakersfield, CA, said that its new table grape variety called Sweet Sunshine has surpassed expectations.
The first commercial crop of Sweet Sunshine has been harvested in Arvin, CA, by Grapery, a grape producer owned by Jack Pandol.
Sweet Sunshine is a mid-season, naturally large, elongated, white seedless grape that ripens with similar timing to Thompson seedless but is said to be larger, crunchier and more flavorful.
David Cain, breeder and general manager of International Fruit Genetics, said in a press release, "This grape has excellent eating quality and is easier to grow than either Thompson or Princess."
Mr. Pandol, who is a partner in International Fruit Genetics, added in the press release, "Sweet Sunshine is easier to grow, produces a lot of fruit, and more importantly, meets Grapery's strict quality standards for flavor. "We are not interested in a grape that looks good in the store but is tasteless," Mr. Pandol added. "It is all about the flavor for us at Grapery -- and Sweet Sunshine delivers."
This first commercial harvest shipped to chains such as Whole Foods and Marks & Spencer in the United Kingdom has been received with rave reviews. Jim Beagle, chief executive officer of Grapery, said in the press release that many produce buyers have come out to the field to see Sweet Sunshine and have been impressed with the flavor and appearance of the fruit.
"We harvest Sweet Sunshine at its optimal maturity, so our buyers are excited to put this grape in their stores because they know their customers will have an exceptional eating experience."
IFG's goal is to develop high-quality seedless table grapes with unique and better flavors. Mr. Cain spent seven years bringing Sweet Sunshine to market, one of the shorter times for a new variety to be developed and unveiled.
IFG, a partnership between Jack Pandol and Sunridge Nurseries Inc., a longtime wine and table grape nursery headquartered in Bakersfield, CA, is continuing to explore the development of new table grape varieties.
Other new IFG varieties that are being harvested this year by Grapery are Sweet Surrender, an early-season black seedless with deep rich flavor, and Sweet Celebration, a mid- to late-season red seedless that shows remarkable eating quality as well.
The first commercial crop of Sweet Sunshine has been harvested in Arvin, CA, by Grapery, a grape producer owned by Jack Pandol.
Sweet Sunshine is a mid-season, naturally large, elongated, white seedless grape that ripens with similar timing to Thompson seedless but is said to be larger, crunchier and more flavorful.
David Cain, breeder and general manager of International Fruit Genetics, said in a press release, "This grape has excellent eating quality and is easier to grow than either Thompson or Princess."
Mr. Pandol, who is a partner in International Fruit Genetics, added in the press release, "Sweet Sunshine is easier to grow, produces a lot of fruit, and more importantly, meets Grapery's strict quality standards for flavor. "We are not interested in a grape that looks good in the store but is tasteless," Mr. Pandol added. "It is all about the flavor for us at Grapery -- and Sweet Sunshine delivers."
This first commercial harvest shipped to chains such as Whole Foods and Marks & Spencer in the United Kingdom has been received with rave reviews. Jim Beagle, chief executive officer of Grapery, said in the press release that many produce buyers have come out to the field to see Sweet Sunshine and have been impressed with the flavor and appearance of the fruit.
"We harvest Sweet Sunshine at its optimal maturity, so our buyers are excited to put this grape in their stores because they know their customers will have an exceptional eating experience."
IFG's goal is to develop high-quality seedless table grapes with unique and better flavors. Mr. Cain spent seven years bringing Sweet Sunshine to market, one of the shorter times for a new variety to be developed and unveiled.
IFG, a partnership between Jack Pandol and Sunridge Nurseries Inc., a longtime wine and table grape nursery headquartered in Bakersfield, CA, is continuing to explore the development of new table grape varieties.
Other new IFG varieties that are being harvested this year by Grapery are Sweet Surrender, an early-season black seedless with deep rich flavor, and Sweet Celebration, a mid- to late-season red seedless that shows remarkable eating quality as well.
