Where new grape varieties are born
GRAPE LAB
Grape Lab is the research and development heart of Grape Evolution. It is where genetic heritage, modern science and practical farming needs come together to create the next generations of seedless table grapes. Every new variety starts here—as an idea, a cross, a seedling—and is guided step by step toward real vineyards and real growers.
Our role in the Volcani breeding programme
For over two decades, Grape Evolution has acted as a key financial investor in one of the world’s most distinguished table grape breeding programmes, housed within the Volcani Institute (Agricultural Research Organization – A.R.O.). This sustained investment ensures continuous access to a top-tier genetic pipeline, driving the mission to deliver breakthrough varieties.
The commitment extends beyond financial backing. Grape Evolution provides active technical and scientific capital to the breeding programme, integrating proprietary data analysis, advanced genetic mapping protocols and market-validated KPI criteria directly into the Volcani pipeline. In addition, the company fully manages the global, multi-site evaluation and agronomic refinement of all promising selections. This seamless integration ensures that genetic breakthroughs generated in the lab are rapidly transformed into commercially de-risked and highly profitable varieties for global licensees.
Legacy of innovation
Grape Evolution works on top of a world-class genetic history. Over the past forty years, the breeding team at the Volcani Institute has pioneered early seedless table grapes and introduced landmark varieties to the global market.
Prime Seedless, one of the earliest white seedless grapes, and Star Light Seedless, one of the earliest red seedless grapes, are examples of this legacy. These varieties helped define what “early seedless” means and opened the way for structured grape calendars that start earlier and offer better eating quality.
Grape Lab continues this tradition by building on proven successes and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in flavor, timing, resilience and efficiency.
Genetic power and precision
The strength of Grape Lab lies in a rich and diverse genetic bank. Over the years, the breeding program has been continuously enriched with new germplasm, bringing in:
Different flavor profiles, from neutral and classic to tropical and muscat-like
A wide range of berry colors, from milky white to deep red and black
Important resistances and tolerances sourced from Far Eastern and European material
This diversity is the raw material for innovation. To unlock its full value, Grape Lab integrates modern precision tools into the breeding process, including:
Genetic mapping and marker-assisted selection
DNA sequencing and molecular profiling
Structured field trials linked directly to genetic data
By combining genetics and field performance, the team can:
Enrich a proven early varietal calendar with even better options
Strategically expand into mid-season and very late-season slots
Design a portfolio that delivers value across the full grower year, not just a single window
Breeding focus: traits for tomorrow
The direction of research in Grape Lab is guided by two core ideas: Environmental Integrity and Grapeconomics. In practice, this means breeding work is focused on traits that matter both to the planet and to the farm’s bottom line.
Environmental resilience
- Fungus resistance to reduce dependence on chemical sprays
- Drought tolerance to support farms in water-stressed regions
- Resistance to berry splitting and weather shocks, helping maintain yield and quality when conditions are not ideal
Consumer excellence
- Enhanced shelf life to keep grapes attractive and crunchy for longer
- Premium flavor profiles that encourage repeat purchase and brand loyalty
- Potential for higher antioxidant content and a stronger nutritional story
- Exceptional crispiness and bite, which define the eating experience of modern table grapes
Grower efficiency
- Natural thinning tendencies that reduce the need for intensive manual labor
- Natural sizing characteristics that limit or remove the need for sizing treatments
- An overall vine architecture that fits efficient, modern vineyard management
Each new code is evaluated not only for how it tastes in a tasting session, but also for how it behaves in the field, how it uses resources and how it contributes to long-term farm stability.
From lab to vineyard
Work in Grape Lab does not stop at the greenhouse or the first selection. Promising candidates are advanced into multi-year, multi-location field evaluation in collaboration with Grape Team and the agronomy group. Data flows in both directions: from genetics to the vineyard and from the vineyard back to genetics.
This continuous loop allows the breeding program to learn quickly, correct course where needed and prioritize varieties that offer real advantages for growers, marketers and consumers.
Grape Lab is where innovation begins—but its true success is measured in healthy vines, resilient farms and grapes that people enjoy, season after season.
Supporting growers for the long term
This data-driven work helps Grape Evolution refine clear farming protocols and give growers practical, tailored support. The goal is not only to deliver standout flavor, crunch and consistency, but also to support the long-term viability of each farm by linking scientific innovation with everyday decisions in the vineyard.