South African table grapes to enter Philippine market

SOUTH AFRICA – South African table grape growers have received a major boost as the country gains access to the Philippine market, expanding its reach in the Far East.

Mecia Petersen, CEO of the South African Table Grape Industry (Sati), said the move presents valuable opportunities for growers and exporters.

Sati confirmed that the first shipment would be sent once the remaining administrative steps are completed. The industry body credited the collaboration between government departments and trade officials in both countries for making this possible.

South Africa is one of the world’s top six exporters of table grapes, with Europe and the UK remaining its biggest markets.

Last year, the country exported 74 million 4.5kg-equivalent cartons, with 57% going to the European Union and 20% to the UK. Other markets included the Middle East (4%), China (2%), and the rest of the Far East (3%).

This season, the industry expects a production of 76.4 million cartons. By the end of February, 94% of the packing season had been completed, with inspection volumes reaching 71.72 million cartons—a 4% increase from last year.

Exports have also risen, with 59.81 million cartons shipped by week eight of 2024, reflecting a 5% increase compared to the same period last year.

Growth in the avocado industry

Meanwhile, South African avocado growers anticipate a strong season, with the first small shipments to Europe and the UK set to arrive by the end of week 11 2025.

Following favorable conditions in key production areas, the industry expects to export around 23 million cartons this season.

This follows last year’s 21 million cartons, which was initially expected to be followed by a decline. However, ongoing investments in new plantings have led to continued expansion.

“The fact that we are likely to exceed last year’s volumes reflects the growth in plantings in recent years,” said Derek Donkin, CEO of Subtrop.

Donkin highlighted the importance of Europe and the UK as key destinations, with consumer demand expected to grow. He also noted that the first avocado shipments to China are expected before the end of March.

“Exporters say they will gradually build their presence in China and possibly Japan over the next few months,” he said. “Most will increase volumes towards the middle of the year, during the peak of the South African Hass season.”

Looking ahead, the industry is also optimistic about securing access to South Korea. “At present, the Koreans are working on access for South African table grapes, and after that, they will focus on avocados,” Donkin added.

With expanded plantings in different regions and the introduction of new avocado varieties, South Africa now produces avocados from late January to November. Demand for one-kilogram avocado bags is also growing in the domestic market, helping balance local and export sales.

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