The first pitless cherry takes shape thanks to the synergy between Sun World International and Pairwise, who join forces and technologies to transform the future of premium fruit.
On September 19, 2025, from La Quinta (California) and Durham (North Carolina), comes the announcement of a strategic joint venture between two leading players in the world of agricultural innovation: Sun World International and Pairwise. The goal? To launch the first pitless cherry on the market — a revolutionary fruit in terms of convenience and quality.
Thanks to this alliance, Sun World acquires exclusive commercial rights to the new genetics, aiming to become a pioneer in the category of premium pitless cherries. The collaboration combines Sun World's thirty years of expertise in varietal selection and licensing management with Pairwise’s next-generation technology: the Fulcrum platform.
The project goes beyond just removing the pit. As Bernardo Calvo, CEO of Sun World, pointed out:
“We have always focused on offering truly distinctive genetics, with innovative traits like flavor, texture, and convenience. The pitless cherry is the natural next step in our innovation journey.”
Sun World has been a pioneer of products designed for the modern consumer, such as the introduction of the first seedless mini watermelons and ongoing advancements in the seedless grape sector. More recently, it has acquired the rights to seedless lemon varieties and several successful mandarins sold in supermarkets under brands like Cuties, Halos, Peelz, and Clemengold.
A partner in the operation, Pairwise has already made headlines with the creation of the world’s first thornless blackberry. Now it brings its Fulcrum technology to serve the new frontier of cherries.
“This is a segment of agriculture full of opportunities to bring real innovation,” said Tom Adams, CEO of Pairwise. “Sun World has one of the most advanced genetic pipelines. Together we can meet consumer and grower needs like never before.”
The joint project foresees Pairwise leading the R&D phase, while Sun World provides germplasm, infrastructure, and market access. Development of the first varieties is already underway, and further strategic collaborations are not ruled out.
In addition to simplifying consumption and enhancing taste experience, this collaboration fits into a broader context of sustainable and high-yield agriculture, aiming to reduce waste and increase value across the entire supply chain — from farm to table.
With this initiative, Sun World and Pairwise place another building block in the path toward more sustainable, innovative fruit designed for the consumer of the future.
Source: bluebookservices.com
Image source: SL Fruit Service
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