Following years of collaboration, the Karniel and Giumarra families recently formed an official partnership, Grapa Global LLC. The families say this move is the next natural step in the partnership and will accelerate the growth and innovation of its ARRA seedless table grape varieties.
Grapa Global’s headquarters will be in California, and Rafi Karniel will lead the company as CEO.
“We are at the threshold of a significant breakthrough in our breeding and commercial capacities,” says Tammy Aviad-Eshel, commercial development manager for Grapa Global. “By consolidating into a single entity now, we increase efficiency and reinforce the foundations for imminent global expansion, all without changing the heart and soul of who we are. We were partners before, and we remain united now, only stronger and better positioned.”
Aviad-Eshel says Grapa Global’s five-year trajectory includes innovation and strong influence in the global table grape industry. Grapa Global says its reach extends to 35 countries with its ARRA table grape program.
“This period will mark dramatic growth, not only in terms of volume, but also through pioneering expansion into regions previously overlooked or considered unviable for high-quality grape cultivation,” Aviad-Eshel says. “Much of this reach is made possible by the genetic resilience of the ARRA varieties, which unlock new frontiers for cultivation and supply.”
Aviad-Eshel says that while Grapa Global sees an opportunity to grow its reach in traditional grape-growing regions and climates, nontraditional climates also offer growth potential due to ARRA’s genetics.
“Many traditional grape-growing areas still rely heavily on dated seeded or seedless varieties, in effect, over 90% of global production is based on traditional grapes that increasingly struggle to meet today’s evolving commercial demands and are therefore gradually due to be phased out,” she says. “Our varieties’ genetic resilience and adaptability are enabling successful cultivation in non-traditional climates, from the extreme dry heat of Abu Dhabi to the downpours of Brazil and India. These regions are now capable of growing grapes at a quality once thought impossible, and the success there is quickly unfolding.”
Grapa Global says current ARRA genetics, which offer genetic resilience and early harvest times, can help growers meet sustainability goals because shorter growing cycles mean less irrigation and inputs are needed. And, in the end, Grapa Global says it will make for a better product in produce departments,
“Shorter growth cycles mean fewer labor hours, reduced use of pesticides and ultimately less water, all while delivering top-tier results,” Aviad-Eshel says. “It’s an efficiency model that doesn’t compromise on quality or yield. Especially in regions facing labor scarcity or soaring costs, our varieties help growers remain competitive and sustainable. This resilience also supports logistical advantages: extended shelf life, reduced loss during transport and a reliable eating experience for consumers worldwide. It is not only about growing grapes; it’s about ensuring they arrive intact, flavorful and beautiful.”
Grapa Global says it also plans to release a new grape category boasting exceptional crunch and flavor. This new category will complement Grapa’s current offerings, and is a “bold new direction,” the company says. It is also non-GMO.
“In recent years, the industry spotlight has shifted, first toward flavor, and more recently, toward crunch,” Aviad-Eshel says. “What we’ve done is combine both and go even further. The result is a multidimensional experience defined by aromatic intensity, layered and evolving flavor, exceptional crunch, long shelf life and vibrant visual appeal. “