The following is adapted from an article that examines the Sun World Technical Support Program and highlights success stories of the program.

Click here to read the article in its entirety (pdf format).

Sugraone (SUPERIOR SEEDLESS®) had become known in South Africa and in many other parts of the world as a variety with low and inconsistent yields. And the high percentage of small and non-uniform berries, that demanded high labor inputs to trim out, contributed to an already doubtful reputation. In fact had it not been for its earliness, large berry size, crispy texture, good eating and storage qualities, this variety could have been buried long ago.

Sun World, with decades of production experience, realized that prospective producers should have access to production technology required to grow this variety successfully. To turn the negative impressions of the Sugraone around, Sun World needed to expose licensees around the world to optimal production practices to achieve profitable yields of good and consistent quality that is typical for this variety.

In 1999 Sun World instituted a Sugraone advisory program in South Africa, first by visits to Sugraone growers by its own viticulturists Kevin Andrew and David Fenn, and later by contracted consultants like Hovav Weksler, Claus Orth and Herbert Hattingh to regularly advise Sugraone growers on best production practices.

Results

 During this five-year period from 1999 to 2003, average national exportable production increased 64% from 2,200 cartons (10 tons) per hectare to 3,600 cartons (16 tons) per hectare (4,5 kg equivalent). The top third Sugraone producers today obtain an average production of 4,200 cartons (19 tons) per hectare and individual performances are in excess of 6,000 cartons (27 tons) per hectare on an annual basis.

Advisory programs in other countries

In addition to South Africa and Namibia, Sun World’s advisory consultants are continually exposed to Sugraone production in various parts of the world, including Brazil, Argentina, Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Spain, Italy, Australia and the United States. Periodically, the information and experience is pooled into a Sugraone Production Manual that details best production practices as well as recommended steps for establishing a new Sugraone vineyard. These guidelines are available to interested licensed Sugraone producers.

Technical Support Enquiries

Please contact:

• Johan Jooste (for matters pertaining to the African Continent): ph: 021 870 2921
   jjooste@sun-world.com

• Bob Wickson in Australia ph: 061-26-331-7272
  bwickson@sun-world.com

• Andrew Mansour (for matters pertaining to Chile and France) ph: 01-760-398-9377
  amansour@sun-world.com

• Guy McGhie in the United States ph: 01-661-392-5103
  gmcghie@sun-world.com

Andrew Mansour, a four-year member of Sun World's licensing staff, has been named Regional Licensing Manager for Chile and France. He will continue to be based at the Company's Coachella, California office and assumes new expanded responsibilities for all of Sun World's propagation, production and marketing activities in Chile and France. Mansour also assists management with various special licensing projects.

"These two countries require special, focused attention. With Andrew devoting much of his energy toward developing new licensed Sun World fruit production in both France and Chile, I know we'll provide even better service and growth opportunities to our licensees," Senior Vice President Licensing & Corporate Development David Marguleas said.