Sun World International
Sun World International, LLC is an American fruit-breeding and licensing company and a global pioneer in the development, patent protection, and international licensing of table grape and stone fruit cultivars. The company's administrative headquarters are located in Bakersfield (California, USA), while its primary 160-acre research and breeding complex (Sun World Center for Innovation, opened in November 2020) is situated in Wasco (California).
History and Key Researchers
Sun World was founded in 1976 in California by Howard Marguleas together with Carl Maggio and Domenick Bianco. Initially operating as a major agribusiness and marketing enterprise, the company soon revolutionized the global produce industry by introducing a commercial licensing model for patented varieties under unified trademarks for growers worldwide (today, its licensee network encompasses over 2,700 growers across 17 countries, and its portfolio includes more than 450 plant patents).
The starting point of the company's varietal portfolio was the acquisition in 1985 of rights to the Sugraone cultivar, bred by California breeder John M. Garabedian. Sun World's proprietary grape breeding program (whose cultivars carry the unified prefix Sugra) has been operating in central California for over 40 years. Over the decades, leading American and Israeli geneticists and breeders have contributed to the company's germplasm: Phyllis R. Maki (breeder of Sugrathirteen / Midnight Beauty®), Dr. David Cain (developer of Sugranineteen / Scarlotta Seedless® and the original hybrid for Sugrathirtyfour / Adora Seedless® prior to founding IFG), Dr. Michael J. Striem (breeder of the flagship cultivar Sugrathirtyfive / Autumncrisp®), and Terry A. Bacon (breeder of Sugrafiftythree / Ruby Rush® and Sugrafiftysix / Epic Crisp®). The company's current research laboratory and grape genetics program are led by Dr. Paola Barba.
In 2024, Sun World International expanded its genetic portfolio through the acquisition of Biogold, adding citrus, mango, and avocado breeding programs alongside its table grape, stone fruit, and cherry operations.
Main Breeding Directions
- Embryo rescue and molecular breeding: Hybridization of seedless parent lines followed by in vitro culturing of immature ovules (embryo rescue) and DNA marker-assisted selection at the Center for Innovation in Wasco.
- Extension of the seasonal supply window: Development of ultra-early and ultra-late ripening cultivars capable of extended vine hang time and cold storage to ensure year-round global market availability.
- Enhancement of marketability and disease resistance: Breeding large-berried seedless varieties featuring firm, crisp flesh, high productivity, natural berry coloration without plant growth regulators, and improved resistance to fungal pathogens.
Most Notable Releases by Sun World International
- Sugraone (Superior Seedless®): An early-to-mid-season white seedless cultivar with large, elongated berries and a subtle muscat note, which became the company's first global licensed bestseller.
- Sugrathirtyfive (Autumncrisp®): A large-berried (22–28 mm) mid-to-late-season white seedless cultivar with exceptionally crisp flesh and a delicate muscat aroma, serving as the company's flagship global brand.
- Sugrathirteen (Midnight Beauty®): An early-to-mid-season black seedless cultivar with large, elongated berries and sweet, firm pulp.
- Sugranineteen (Scarlotta Seedless®): A late-ripening red seedless cultivar with large berries, low acidity, and superior post-harvest storage capability.
- Sugrathirtyfour (Adora Seedless®): A very late-ripening dark-red (nearly black) seedless cultivar with very large, round berries.
- Sugrasixteen (Sable Seedless®): A black seedless cultivar featuring a pronounced fruity-tropical aroma.
- Sugrafiftythree (Ruby Rush®), Sugrafiftyfour (Applause™), and Sugrafiftysix (Epic Crisp®): The company's newest commercial seedless cultivars offering increased yields, natural berry coloration, and enhanced disease resistance.