California-based fruit breeder International Fruit Genetics (IFG) has announced the approval of new price look-up (PLU) codes for its seedless table grape varieties.

The codes were assigned by the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) and the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS) on May 1, 2018.

The company has six new PLU codes which it says are placed into two categories - Core and Novelty - to capture the unique characteristics of its variety offering.

IFG says it chose to group its varieties into categories to allow for "maximum flexibility for the grower, marketer and retailer."

Table grapes in the IGF Core category have "specific characteristics to meet international grower and market needs, which include key table grape qualities like improved size, texture, coloring, yield, lower growing costs or focus on early/late season timing," the company said.

Meanwhile, the Novelty category includes varieties that were created "to break the mold of table grapes known today."

"They capture new flavors, textures, colors and shapes while at the same time delivering on the Core variety potential for more desired sizing, texture, coloring, yields, growing costs or harvest timing. Unique and novel, these table grape varieties have the potential to inspire the category."

Core varieties include Jack's Salute, Sweet Surprise, and Sweeet Globe, while Novelty varieties include Sweet Sapphire, Cotton Candy, and Candy Drops.

“We are thrilled to have these PLU codes assigned," said IFG CEO Andy Higgins.

"Our varieties are performing well, and retailers and marketers are asking for them by name. These PLU codes provide another tool for marketers and retailers to uniquely position our varieties for maximum impact.

"Our groupings allow for clearer messaging and allow for varieties to be on the shelf correctly positioned and priced, year around. We look at this as a win-win for all involved."

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