THE FRUIT industry has dramatically changed over the last 20 years, and the International Fruit Genetics (IFG®), is celebrating the pioneering advancements we have brought to the world of fruit breeding. IFG is one of the world's largest fruit-breeding operations. It has shown that a table grape could be so much more, providing a new and interesting consumer experience with the Cotton Candy™ grape. During the past 20 years, there has been a steady increase in the growth of proprietary fruit breeding programs and IFG has been very successful by placing a greater emphasis on consumer acceptance of our new varieties. With each step forward, IFG continues to secure its place in the agricultural space, and we are proud to be a source of vision and advancement in the industry. Taking the table grape and making it not just an option at the store, but something that consumers seek out is a huge change in the industry. Until recently, most grape varieties were created with public funding and supported by universities and government agencies. There was little variety beyond the three main colors, and grapes were primarily bred for appearance or the ability to be stored for long periods of time. However, as consumer demand is changing with more sophisticated palates seeking out unique flavors, textures and experiences, the industry is undergoing a gradual shift to more proprietary programs and varieties. There have also been some major technological advances in the last 20 years that allow plant breeders to more quickly develop new varieties of fruit.
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