Published on September 29, 2026, in FreshFruitPortal

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From Grapa genetics to the global stage: tiqi begins its international journey

ARRA FIRE CRUNCH

Leading global table grape breeder Grapa’s newest seedless variety is now stepping onto the international stage. 

Developed in the company’s Global Breeding Program, tiqi™ shines with its sweet flavor and juicy, super-crispy texture. The brand is now ready to debut globally after being officially launched with M&S Food in the UK this summer. 

From there, tiqi traveled to Hong Kong, where key industry figures gathered at a rooftop cocktail for the cultivar’s first international unveiling. Attendees experienced the brand and got the chance to taste the grape behind it.

The variety will continue its journey with Madrid as the next stop, where Fruit Attraction attendees will be able to experience tiqi between October 6 and 8.

Rob Meihuizen, CEO of TopFruit Group, and Rafi Karniel, CEO of Grapa Global, toasting tiqi in Hong Kong | Image by Grapa

A revolutionary cultivar

Bred by Shachar Karniel, tiqi was recognized by Grapa for its exceptional eating experience, which warranted an equally impactful way of reaching consumers. 

“After four years of intensive yet exciting teamwork behind the scenes, we are proud to introduce to the world a brand that will change the table grape category,” said Grapa Global CEO Rafi Karniel, in a statement. 

The executive emphasized the positive feedback received from retailers around the world after trying tiqi for the first time. 

“[They] are telling us that it has been a long time since the fresh produce industry has seen something as unique and exciting as tiqi,” he added.

The unparalleled eating experience of tiqi

According to Grapa, the red seedless grape combines a pronounced crunch with a layered flavor profile “that doesn’t necessarily reveal itself all at once.” 

“Different flavor notes can emerge from one bite to the next, while a subtle aroma adds another dimension to the eating experience,” the press release reads.

 

Grapa conceived tiqi as a versatile food, ready to be shared with friends, for snacking at a desk or eating on the move. To complement this profile, the fruit comes in a transparent grab-and-go pot that supports that flexibility, allowing the grapes to be washed and drained directly inside.

The idea, the company says, is captured simply under the slogan “Anytime is tiqi time.”

Building the international route to market

Commercialization for tiqi is managed by Fruitips (Fruit IP Solutions), a joint venture between Grapa Global and TopFruit International. 

The partnership builds on a relationship spanning over two decades, with the latter having represented Grapa varieties in South Africa since the early days of the breeding program. 

Shachar Karniel, breeder of tiqi, Grapa Global; Jacobus van der Merwe, Business Development Manager, Fruitips; and Rafi Karniel, CEO of Grapa Global | Image by Grapa

Do you see potential to expand the popularity of the grape category further?

Absolutely. We believe there is significant opportunity to continue growing the category.

One of the biggest opportunities lies in delivering a more exciting consumer experience. Over the last decade, breeding has dramatically improved texture, appearance and shelf life. The next stage is combining those qualities with flavour experiences that go beyond traditional expectations.

At Grapa, we believe the next chapter of the grape category is about delivering something consumers have never experienced before. Over recent years, we have developed a new generation of varieties that combine a signature crunch with layered, evolving flavour profiles without compromising the productivity, shelf life, and grower friendliness required for commercial success.

We’re excited to introduce these varieties to the market this year. They have successfully completed both agronomic and market evaluations, receiving outstanding feedback from consumers for their rare combination of flavour and crunch.

Visitors to our California Field Days will also have the opportunity to experience these varieties firsthand and see them in commercial plantings.

While white grapes continue to dominate the category, we believe our red stars represent one of the greatest opportunities for future growth. Our goal isn’t to replace successful white varieties, but to complement them with red grapes that deliver the same exceptional crunch, outstanding eating quality, and commercial performance.

Expanding the range of premium choices is how we believe the category will continue to grow.

At the same time, traits such as earliness, resilience and supply chain reliability help ensure that high-quality grapes remain available throughout the season. Together, these innovations can continue to strengthen the category and create new opportunities for growers, retailers and consumers alike.

Through Fruitips, tiqi will be managed with careful grower selection, dedicated production and marketing protocols, and controlled expansion.

The longer-term plan is to establish production across selected table grape-growing regions to create continuous 12-month international supply, supported by the variety’s robustness, grower-friendly production, and extended shelf life. 

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The Crush Everyone’s talking about!

Tony Calvillo, Vice President of International Business Development, Dayka & Hackett LLC, shared: “Today, we visited the ARRA Cherry Crush—a grape variety that exceeds the expectations of growers, consumers, and retailers alike. We are thrilled to witness its remarkable potential. Boasting an alluring cherry colour, impressive size, abundant production, and a perfect balance of taste and crunch, ARRA Cherry Crush creates a mutually beneficial scenario for discerning producers, consumers, and retailers.”

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Don’t miss the footage, showing this landmark arrival, now the sky’s the limit.

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Sharing the passion – Right now in Southern Africa:

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We’ve heard other growers excited about this year’s performance.

“The ARRA Passion Fire was probably the most beautiful red grapes around on our farms.”

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