SA set to ship first consignments of table grapes to the Philippines

According to Steenhuisen, this was a significant milestone for the country’s agriculture sector, and the result of a decade-long negotiation process that began in January 2015.

He added that producers were gearing up to ship their first consignments.

“South Africa is one of the top five global exporters of table grapes, and the industry is a key contributor to the economy, providing employment and generating significant foreign exchange,” Steenhuisen said.

According to the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI), in 2022/23, 55% of the country’s table grape exports were sent to the EU, followed by the UK, which received 20% of South Africa’s table grape exports. The season concluded with 63 million (4,5kg-equivalent) cartons exported.

“Expanding agricultural markets can lead to increased production and exports, boosting the sector’s contribution to our country’s GDP,” Steenhuisen said.

Mecia Petersen, CEO of SATI, said that the Philippines market presented farmers and exporters with new opportunities.

“We remain committed to providing high-quality products that meet global market demands. With this new market access, we look forward to building the South African table grape brand in the Philippines,” Petersen said.

Source: Farmersweekly.co.za