The Australian Table Grape Association (ATGA) has announced the country has sent its first shipments of table grapes to China, following six years of negotiations.

The container of crimson seedless grapes from Nangolic Colignan Farms arrived in the port city of Shenzhen, where Quarantine Bureau of the People’s Republic of China (CIQ) inspectors issued approval.

ATGA Chairman Nick Muraca says gaining official access to China was 'not an easy road', requiring plenty of money and research.

"We had to convince the Chinese that we have rigourous system-based management processes that will prevent any incursion of pest or disease into China," he says.

"Witnessing the first consignment arriving and being given the approval by CIQ was a proud moment for me and the table grape industry."

ATGA CEO Jeff Scott hopes the move will also benefit other Australian horticultural producers.

"Hopefully our access will be the catalyst and template for other commodity groups to follow and for them to achieve market access into China."

An ATGA release said the inspection was carried out by 10 officers, with representatives of importer Golden Wing Mau and shipping line APL also present.

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