Grapa Launched Tiqi Seedless Grape Variety
The company introduced a new grape cultivar designed for a year-round supply chain.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Tea
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Grapa successfully launched the tiqi seedless grape variety globally, with an initial retail release alongside M&S Food in the UK during the summer of 2026. Breeder Shachar Karniel developed the cultivar, which was formally unveiled to international markets at an event in Hong Kong.
Why it matters
Grapa identified this specific variety for its unique eating experience and intends to expand production across diverse regions to ensure a consistent 12-month supply for consumers. The rollout is managed by Fruitips, a joint venture that oversees commercialization and grower selection protocols.
The tiqi variety features a specialized grab-and-go packaging design that allows for convenient washing and draining. The commercialization strategy relies on the Fruitips joint venture, which builds on a 20-year partnership between Grapa Global and TopFruit International.
The players
Grapa
Grapa is an international fruit development company that creates and manages proprietary grape cultivars.
Shachar Karniel
Shachar Karniel is the breeder responsible for the development of the tiqi grape cultivar.
Fruitips
Fruitips is a joint venture between Grapa Global and TopFruit International tasked with managing the commercialization of new fruit varieties.
M&S Food
M&S Food is a major UK-based retailer that served as the initial launch partner for the tiqi grape.
The details
The tiqi grape is marketed in transparent pots to prioritize consumer convenience and cleanliness. Fruitips utilizes specific selection criteria to manage the variety, ensuring the product maintains consistent standards as it moves into global retail markets.
Timeline
The tiqi variety launched with M&S Food in the UK during summer 2026.
Attendees can experience the product in Madrid from October 6 to 8, 2026.
Roadmap
The introduction of the tiqi cultivar reflects a broader shift toward year-round availability in the global table grape market. By scaling production across multiple regions, Grapa is positioning its proprietary varieties to compete with traditional seasonal produce cycles.
Shoppers can expect to see the tiqi grapes in convenient, pre-packaged containers designed for immediate consumption. These pots include features for washing and draining, simplifying the preparation process for those purchasing the fruit on the go.
The takeaway
The move toward year-round supply chains indicates that produce developers are prioritizing consistent shelf availability over traditional harvest windows. Consumers benefit from this trend through more reliable access to premium, branded fruit varieties throughout the entire calendar year.
Further reading
For more information on the latest developments in global produce and beverage trends, visit our Tea section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FreshFruitPortal.
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