Milestone is the culmination of ten years of negotiations.
South Africa has secured market access to export fresh table grapes to the Philippines after ten years of negotiations. Agriculture minister John Steenhuisen said the achievement marks a significant milestone for the country’s agricultural sector, further boosting its economic growth.
To ensure the successful exportation of fresh table grapes to the Philippines, the Minister said South African exporters must comply with the applicable phytosanitary and food safety standards, as outlined in the final phytosanitary import conditions for the export of fresh table grapes to the Philippines.
According to the South African Table Grape Industry (Sati), around 55 per cent of the country’s table grape exports are destined for the European Union (EU), while 20 per cent are sent to the UK.
During the 2022/23 season, a total of 63mn cartons of table grapes were exported, with the industry providing jobs to around 86,870 seasonal workers and 14,843 permanent employees.
Steenhuisen noted that the opening of the Philippines market will also advance the Department of Agriculture’s empowerment initiatives, particularly in fostering participation by black farmers in international export markets.
He added that expanding access to agricultural markets will drive increased production, boost exports, and enhance the sector’s contribution to South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Steenhuisen said an announcement would be made when the first consignment is ready for loading.
