Grapa Varieties Ltd is a family-owned company based in Zichron Yaacov, Israel, specializing in the global commercialization of proprietary table grape varieties. Renowned for its ARRA™ (Advanced Reliable Repeatable Agriculture) and Early Sweet™ grape series, the company plays a pivotal role in bridging agricultural innovation with international growers and distributors.
Company Background
Founded by the Karniel family, Grapa Varieties Ltd was established to carry forward the legacy of table grape breeding innovator, Mr. Shachar Karniel. The company’s roots lie in decades of research and development in plant genetics and table grape cultivation. Operating as the exclusive global distributor of ARRA™ and Early Sweet™ grape varieties, Grapa maintains strong collaboration with breeders, growers, and marketers worldwide.
Core Business Activities
Grapa Varieties Ltd licenses and manages intellectual property rights for premium seedless grape varieties. It works in close cooperation with international growers to ensure consistent quality, productivity, and market adaptability of its grape offerings.
Key business functions include:
- Licensing and IP management
- Agricultural consultancy and field support
- Global marketing and branding of proprietary grape varieties
- Coordination of testing programs and technical workshops
Product Portfolio
Grapa’s flagship products fall under two major varietal categories:
- ARRA™ Varieties: These grapes are known for their superior taste, size, durability, and climatic adaptability. The ARRA™ series includes varieties across all color and harvest-time segments (early, mid, late).
- Examples: ARRA Sugar Drop™, ARRA Passion Fire™, ARRA Mystic Dream™, ARRA Sweeties™, ARRA Yum!bo™.
- Early Sweet™: One of the earliest white seedless grape varieties available globally, prized for its earliness and high sugar content.
Specialization and USP
Grapa Varieties’ competitive edge lies in its combination of:
- Exclusive Licensing: Sole global licensor for all ARRA™ and Early Sweet™ varieties.
- Climatic Adaptability: Varieties perform well across diverse climates—from Mediterranean zones to arid subtropical regions.
- Farmer-Centric Approach: Offers hands-on agronomic support and real-time field evaluations.
- Post-Harvest Quality: Focused breeding for shelf life, resistance to rain, and post-harvest consistency.
Financial and Operational Strength
While private and not publicly traded, Grapa’s operational scale and international footprint indicate a robust financial foundation. The company’s reach spans over 30 countries with more than 300 licensed growers worldwide.
Notable metrics:
- Global Trials and Commercial Plantings: Conducted in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Australia, and Asia.
- Export Volume Influence: Grapa’s licensed varieties account for a significant share of table grape exports in several regions including Egypt, India, and South Africa.
Shipment Records
According to data from trade platforms like Volza and ImportYeti, Grapa’s licensed growers and partners have recorded substantial export activities, especially in:
- India: Over 500 containers of ARRA™ grapes exported annually by Grapa licensees.
- Egypt: Grapa’s ARRA varieties make up a significant portion of the early-season grape exports to the UK and EU markets.
- South Africa: Licensed ARRA varieties are widely grown and exported to Europe, Middle East, and Far East markets.
Target Market
Grapa Varieties targets both:
- Growers and Packhouses: Seeking high-yield, climate-resilient, and commercially viable grape varieties.
- Retail and Distribution Networks: Demanding consistent fruit quality, shelf-life, and year-round availability.
Markets served:
- Europe (UK, Germany, France, Spain)
- Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia)
- Asia (China, India, Japan)
- North America (USA, Canada)
- Africa (South Africa, Egypt, Namibia)
- Latin America (Chile, Brazil, Peru)
Capabilities
Grapa’s global capabilities include:
- Technical Field Support Teams: Offering on-ground advice and monitoring.
- Innovation Pipeline: Continuous breeding and introduction of next-gen grape cultivars.
- Quality Assurance Programs: Collaboration with marketing desks to ensure premium brand reputation.
- Training & Knowledge Transfer: Annual field days, virtual seminars, and regional workshops.
Certifications and Compliance
Grapa maintains strict compliance with intellectual property regulations and phytosanitary requirements in all operational regions. While not a grower itself, the company ensures that its licensed partners adhere to:
- GLOBALG.A.P.
- ISO certifications (where applicable to packhouses and exporters)
- National and international plant variety protection (PVP) standards.
Customer Testimonials
- “The ARRA varieties perform exceptionally in our hot climate with high yield and remarkable berry quality. Grapa’s technical support is unparalleled.” — Licensed Grower, India.
- “We’ve seen significant commercial success since shifting to ARRA grapes. Our customers demand them by name.” — Distributor, UK.
Major Achievements
- Recognized globally for pioneering one of the most successful premium table grape brands: ARRA™.
- Developed over 25 commercial varieties adapted to diverse growing regions.
- Successfully transitioned Early Sweet™ into the world’s earliest white seedless grape in the market.
- Hosted international field days attracting over 300 visitors annually including major retailers, marketers, and growers.