This podcast is proudly sponsored by Agrarius. Find out more: ⁠https://www.agrarius.co.za/?ref=recR9vP8u5CYfEOek&utm_source=lucentlands&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LucentLandsPromo⁠

Visit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/

In this episode of the Lucentlands Podcast, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie sit down with Georgios Bitsakos, Head of Brand Marketing at Grapa, and Nomi Karniel Padan, Commercial Director at Grapa.

This wide-ranging conversation explores how one of the world’s most influential table grape breeding programmes is built — not around hype or short-term trends, but around grower success, resilient genetics, and long-term sustainability.

From the family origins of the breeding programme in Israel, to Grapa’s global footprint across more than 36 countries, Georgios and Nomi share rare insights into what it really takes to align genetics, growers, marketers, retailers, and consumers in a highly complex global fresh-produce system.

The discussion also dives into branding in fresh produce, the recent Grapa Global rebrand, South Africa’s strategic role in global grape supply, and why early, labour-efficient, long-shelf-life varieties are becoming essential in an increasingly volatile world.

Key topics covered:

•Why Grapa breeds varieties for growers first — not trends

•The role of genetics in true agricultural sustainability

•Branding fresh produce in retailer-dominated markets

•Matching the right growers and varieties to the right markets

•South Africa’s unique position in global table grape supply

•What’s coming next in Grapa’s breeding pipeline

Key takeaways:

•Financial sustainability starts with the right genetics

•Consistent quality is the foundation of strong fruit brands

•Early and resilient varieties reduce risk across the value chain

•Long-term breeding programmes require patience, trust, and partnership

More about Grapa: https://grapaes.com/

Connect with Nomi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nomi-karniel-padan-46281a155/

Connect with Georgios: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgiosbitsakos/

Connect with us:

Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmedia

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/

Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1