The Future of Fruit Is Here—And It’s Not What You Think | Ep. 72

In Ep. 72 of the Lucentlands Podcast, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie sit down with Dimi Spanos, Managing Director of Grape Evolution Limited, to explore the cutting-edge world of table grape variety development.Dimi shares insights into the breeding process, evaluation challenges, and the importance of adaptability when introducing new grape cultivars to different climates. As the master license holder for the Volcani Institute’s breeding program, he explains how his team works to develop high-performing, climate-resilient, and market-ready grape varieties.From super early black grapes to high-flavor red varieties, this episode dives into the next generation of table grapes that could transform the industry.Key Topics Covered:🍇 How new grape varieties are developed and tested worldwide🌱 Why selecting the right rootstock is crucial for sustainability and climate adaptation⏳ The challenges of bringing a new grape variety to market (it takes years!)🚀 Game-changing innovations in early-season and late-season grape varieties🌍 Why global markets are shifting, and what’s driving demand for better grapesKey Takeaways:•Why it takes 8–12 years to develop a successful new grape variety•How table grapes are tailored for different climates and global markets•What supermarkets look for in premium grape varieties•The science behind breeding grapes with improved flavor, shelf life, and resilienceIf you're in fruit farming, table grape production, or just curious about how new grape varieties make it to your local store, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!Connect with Us:Website https://lucentlands.co.za/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmediaLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more in-depth conversations on agriculture and innovation!