The Team

The Variety Development Center is managed by Terry Bacon, who also oversees breeding of peaches, plums, nectarines and apricots.  Dr. Michael Striem, oversees table grape breeding, and Sharon Rosenthal, laboratory facilities. Research Associates Larry Okumoto and Gary Lott assist the Company’s breeders with crossing and general horticulture management.

Internationally, Sun World's Variety Development efforts are supported by various regional managers located in key fruit producing regions of the world. Vice President of International Licensing, Johan Jooste, directs the company’s global licensing programs from his base in South Africa and he is assisted by Bob Wickson (Australia and New Zealand), Maurizio Ventura (Europe), Rafael Parada (Chile) and Uldarico Durazo (Mexico). Sun World also employs grape and stonefruit consultants in key locations worldwide to provide technical support to licensed growers.