There was much excitement in the port of Philadelphia on May 28 as the first commercial shipment of table grapes grown in the Dominican Republic arrived in the U.S.
The shipment, which included 2,250 boxes (16 tons) of Timpson grapes and 550 boxes of Allison, marks a significant milestone for the country’s agricultural sector, according to a news release. This result was made possible through over five years of collaboration between Bloom Fresh and the government of the Dominican Republic. This new industry will create a significant local economy in partnership with Dominican growers and also allow them to tap into an underserved window in U.S. table grape supply, the release said.
“The first commercial harvest of Bloom Fresh table grapes is a historic moment for our country. It represents the potential of Dominican agriculture to reach new heights in quality and global market presence,” said Dominican President Luis Abinader.
This initiative is also heavily supported by the Amfresh Group, the majority owner of Bloom Fresh. In a recent event, Alvaro Munoz, CEO of Amfresh Group, and his son Alvaro Muñoz Palacin joined Abinader and Rafael Ortiz Quezada, vice minister of technology and agriculture, to celebrate the country’s first-ever commercial harvest of premium, patented table grapes developed by Bloom Fresh and discuss opportunities to accelerate the growth of this industry and potentially expand into new fruit categories, the release said.
“This milestone is a testament to our commitment to innovation and sustainability. We are proud to contribute to the growth and global competitiveness of Dominican agriculture,” Muñoz said
Four years ago, the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Agriculture, led by Minister of Agriculture Limber Cruz, partnered with Bloom Fresh to launch a pioneering program to support farmers and agricultural organizations interested in growing table grapes, the release said. This program provided training and opportunities to network with organizations and technicians that produce high-quality table grapes. As the driving force behind the initiative, Bloom Fresh said it provided strategic leadership, cutting-edge technology and technical expertise throughout the program. Its team of specialists designed and led the training sessions, equipping local farmers and agricultural organizations with the knowledge and tools needed to grow premium table grape varieties. Trial plantings of Bloom Fresh varieties in Baní and San Juan proved successful, leading to the introduction of commercial varieties such as Sweet Globe, Timpson and Allison, and laying the foundation for a thriving local industry, the release said.
To support this growth, on April 3, Bloom Fresh hosted an Open Day in the Dominican Republic, dedicated to empowering local growers and providing technical support and knowledge to enhance their table grape cultivation practices.
“In a region where grape growing is still new, our goal is to empower farmers with the expertise and resources they need to succeed.” said Josep Estiarte, CEO of Bloom Fresh. “This initiative, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture of the Dominican Republic, aims to foster the local agricultural sector and promote sustainable agricultural practices.”
Arismendy Almonte, producer of table grapes in the Dominican Republic, added: “Bloom Fresh’s support and innovative techniques have enabled us to produce high-quality grapes that meet international standards. We now have the knowledge and resources to grow premium table grapes,”
The Dominican Republic has demonstrated its ability to deliver world-class agricultural products, strengthening its position in global markets and highlighting the success of its agricultural sector, the release said. The first container of table grapes shipped to the United States marks the beginning of a new commercial window, allowing Dominican growers to tap into the lucrative U.S. market. This initiative is expected to enhance the country’s agricultural diversity and strengthen its rural economy. The grapes will be commercialized in Walmart stores across the U.S., providing consumers with access to high-quality, premium table grapes, the release said.
Sebastian Diaz, technical manager for the Americas for Bloom Fresh explains: “We have identified strong potential for table grape cultivation in the Dominican Republic, due to its tropical climate and agroecological conditions comparable to those of other grape-producing countries in the region. As a result, we have implemented the adaptation of specific agronomic protocols to optimize yield and fruit quality. Preliminary results validate this collaborative approach and allow us to confidently project a sustainable path to success in the country.”
Bloom Fresh said it is committed to continuing its innovative approach to fruit breeding and sustainable agricultural practices. The company plans to expand its varietal offerings and enhance its breeding programs to develop even more resilient and flavorful table grape varieties. Additionally, Bloom Fresh aims to strengthen its partnerships with growers and retailers worldwide, ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality fruit that meets the evolving demands of consumers. The focus will be on integrating cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices to drive progress in the fresh produce industry, the release said.