Key Takeaways
- The Dominican Republic exported its first commercial shipment of BLOOM FRESH™ table grapes to the U.S., totaling over 2,800 boxes.
- This milestone results from a five-year collaboration between BLOOM FRESH™, the Dominican Ministry of Agriculture, and AMFRESH Group.
- The grapes, including Timpson™ and Allison™, will be available in Walmart stores across the United States.
- The initiative supports economic development, rural employment, and agricultural innovation in the Dominican Republic.
- BLOOM FRESH™ plans to expand its varietal offerings and continue supporting local growers with training and technical expertise.
BLOOM FRESH™ and Dominican Republic Launch New Table Grape Industry
BLOOM FRESH™, a global leader in table grape breeding, in collaboration with the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Agriculture, has announced a landmark achievement: the country’s first commercial export of premium table grapes to the United States. The shipment includes 2,250 boxes of Timpson™ grapes and 550 boxes of Allison™, totaling 16 tons, and will be sold through Walmart stores nationwide.
This milestone reflects over five years of public-private collaboration aimed at developing a local table grape industry in the Dominican Republic, positioning the country to fill a strategic supply window in the U.S. market. President Luis Abinader highlighted the importance of the achievement, calling it “a historic moment for our country” and a signal of the potential for Dominican agriculture on the global stage.
BLOOM FRESH™ Drives Innovation and Farmer Training
The initiative was launched through a joint program between BLOOM FRESH™ and the Dominican Ministry of Agriculture. Led by Minister Limber Cruz, the program aimed to introduce local growers to high-quality table grape varieties and cultivation techniques. BLOOM FRESH™ provided technical training, agronomic expertise, and trial plantings across regions like Baní and San Juan.
Josep Estiarte, CEO of BLOOM FRESH™, emphasized the program’s focus: “Our goal is to empower farmers with the expertise and resources they need to succeed. This initiative, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, aims to foster the local agricultural sector and promote sustainable agricultural practices.”
In April 2025, BLOOM FRESH™ hosted an Open Day event in the Dominican Republic, further strengthening its technical support network for growers and reinforcing its commitment to knowledge-sharing and sustainable growth.
Global and Local Backing: AMFRESH and Government Support
AMFRESH Group, the majority owner of BLOOM FRESH™, has played a central role in backing the project. CEO Alvaro Munoz and Vice Minister of Technology and Agriculture Rafael Ortiz Quezada joined President Abinader in celebrating the commercial harvest and discussed opportunities for expanding into other fruit categories.
“This milestone is a testament to our commitment to innovation and sustainability,” said Munoz. “We are proud to contribute to the growth and global competitiveness of Dominican agriculture.”
The program has already provided economic opportunities, with local producers like Arismendy Almonte citing the impact of BLOOM FRESH™ support in meeting international quality standards and enabling successful grape production.
Outlook: Strengthening Market Presence and Sustainability
Looking forward, BLOOM FRESH™ plans to enhance its breeding programs to develop new, resilient, and flavorful grape varieties while expanding its partnerships with retailers and growers. As Sebastian Diaz, Technical Manager for the Americas, explained, the Dominican Republic’s tropical climate offers strong potential for grape cultivation, and early results have validated this approach.
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