IFG Seven, commercially known as Cotton Candy™, is a green seedless table grape grown in California by Grapery®. The variety was specifically developed for its extraordinary flavor profile, combining the fresh, juicy character of a grape with naturally occurring flavors reminiscent of cotton candy, caramel/toffee and vanilla. Its distinctive flavor results from conventional plant breeding rather than added flavorings.
Organoleptic Properties
Oval green to golden-green berries measuring approximately 17–23 mm in diameter. Firm, crisp and highly juicy seedless flesh. Remarkably sweet aroma with caramel and vanilla nuances. Distinctively sweet Cotton Candy-like flavor complemented by toffee/caramel notes and a subtle perception of vanilla. IFG indicates an optimum maturity of approximately 18–22° Brix.
Suggested Uses
Ideal for fresh consumption, premium fruit platters, catering, hotels, buffets, desserts, pastry, culinary garnishes and tasting experiences. It can also be served chilled or frozen as a naturally sweet snack.
Format
C-CTN carton box with an approximate weight of ±8.3 Kg (18 lb). Clusters selected for color, firmness, flavor development and excellent commercial presentation.
Storage and Handling
Store between 0 and 1 °C with 90–95% relative humidity. Maintain the cold chain and protect clusters from dehydration, condensation and excessive handling. The variety is also recognized for maintaining its distinctive flavor during storage.
Quality and Selection Criteria
Fresh, well-formed clusters with firm, crisp berries securely attached to their stems. Characteristic green to golden-green coloration, free from splitting, dehydration, decay, excessive moisture or mechanical damage. Proper sweetness and development of the distinctive Cotton Candy™ flavor are particularly important indicators of eating quality.
Origin
United States.
Cotton Candy™ is the trademark name for the IFG Seven variety, developed in Bakersfield, California, by International Fruit Genetics (IFG) under the leadership of geneticist and co-founder Dr. David Cain. The variety originated from a cross made in 2003 and was selected in 2005; its documented parentage is A2674 × Princess. Since 2001, IFG has specialized in developing new table grape varieties through conventional breeding, focusing on distinctive flavors, texture, berry size and commercial performance. Cotton Candy™ became one of IFG's signature varieties and helped pioneer a new category of table grapes specifically developed around unique flavor experiences.
