Foley Represents Sun World International in Strategic Partnership with Pairwise to Develop Pitless Cherry

Foley & Lardner LLP is proud to have served as legal advisor to Sun World International, LLC in its strategic joint venture with Pairwise, an industry-leading pioneer in agricultural gene editing, to collaborate in the development of specialty fruit, beginning with the development of a high-quality pitless cherry.

The collaboration combines Sun World’s globally recognized innovation in fruit breeding and licensing with Pairwise’s proprietary Fulcrum® platform, an advanced plant breeding technology that accelerates the introduction of new, desirable crop traits. Under the agreement, Sun World will have exclusive commercial rights to these genetics as they seek a first-to-market position in pitless cherries.

Pairwise will lead research and development efforts while Sun World contributes its germplasm, breeding infrastructure, and commercial market access. In addition to its focus on consumer traits, the collaboration aligns with broader industry efforts to use advanced plant breeding to support sustainable agriculture, reduce waste, and create higher-value outcomes for both consumers and producers.

Sun World International is a global fruit variety development and licensing company, propelled by emerging technologies and rooted since its inception in the principles of sustainability. Sun World pioneered seedless grape varietal development and formalized its fruit genetics program three decades ago. Sun World specializes in table grapes, mandarins, mangoes, stone fruit, and cherries and is part of the Bridgepoint Group of private equity investors.

The Foley deal team was led by partner Christopher Rasmussen, with key support from associates Sean Aguirre and Donivine Stewart.