BAKERSFIELD, CA – As 2026 begins, Sun World International is celebrating its 50th anniversary, marking a half-century of growth and transformation that has helped reshape the global fruit industry and set new standards for flavor, quality, and commercialization.
Founded in 1976 as a California-based produce marketing firm, Sun World has evolved through multiple reinventions — emerging today as a worldwide engine of genetics, licensing, and brand development. Over five decades, the company has introduced category-defining fruit, expanded into new geographies, built one of the industry’s most influential licensing businesses and supply networks, and helped advance the role of branding in produce.
“Fifty years ago, Sun World was built on a bold idea — that better fruit could create better outcomes for growers, retailers and consumers,” said David Marguleas, executive chair of Sun World, in the recent release. “What began as an exploration of ‘what’s next’ for fruit has become a global force for innovation. Our evolution is a testament to the people, partners, and growers who believed in what was possible and worked tirelessly to make it happen.”
Sun World’s legacy is defined by category-shaping breakthroughs. From introducing the first seedless watermelon, to elevating stone fruit with more flavorful plums and peaches, to transforming the global table grape sector through seedless innovations and premium brands that redefined consumer expectations for flavor and consistency, the company has consistently pushed the boundaries of what fruit can deliver. Today, flagship grape brands such as AUTUMNCRISP® and RUBY RUSH® continue that tradition, driving excitement and value across international markets.
The company also has expanded well beyond grapes. Through strategic acquisitions, Sun World gained a citrus portfolio and the world’s largest private collection of mango genetics, accelerating its ability to bring new eating experiences to consumers. Its global network now spans more than 4,000 licensed producers and marketers across 18 countries, with fruit available in leading retail chains worldwide.
While the anniversary celebrates Sun World’s past, CEO Bernardo Calvo emphasized that the next chapter may be the most ambitious yet.
“Sun World is entering an era of innovation that our founders could only dream of,” Calvo said. “From AI-assisted breeding to deeper global trial networks, to partnerships that give us new reach and capability, we are positioned to deliver breakthroughs at a pace the industry has never seen. The opportunities ahead across our entire portfolio of fruit are extraordinary, and we’re just getting started.”
Throughout 2026, Sun World will commemorate its anniversary by honoring the people and partners who helped shape the business, while sharing new stories and milestones that signal where the company is headed next. The half century anniversary milestone will be recognized at various events throughout the year, complemented by a series of storytelling initiatives that reflect Sun World’s values, evolution, and future trajectory.
“Anniversaries remind us of where we began, but they matter most when they sharpen our focus on what comes next,” Marguleas said. “During our first 50 years, we established an extraordinary foundation. The next 50 will shape how we continue to advance the industry.”
