South Africa gains market access to export fresh table grapes to Korea
It’s official—South Africa will officially export fresh table grapes to Korea. This market access is a long-awaited milestone for the industry after more than two decades of technical negotiations between the countries.
Korean authorities confirmed the market access on January 23, 2026, allowing South African producers to start shipping to the Asian market. According to South Africa’s Department of Agriculture (DoA), an announcement will be made when the first table grapes are ready to ship.
South African Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen emphasized that this achievement reflects the country’s agricultural sector's growing prominence as a driver of economic growth. He also stressed that Korean market access represents a strategic opportunity to diversify the export destinations of table grapes coming from the African country.
Similarly, Mecia Petersen, CEO of sector organization African Table Grape Industry (SATI), said the local supply chain continues to work to expand market access opportunities for the category.
"The South African table grape industry maintains a firm commitment to supplying the highest quality fruit, complying with the demanding requirements of international markets," she stated.
The long road to gaining Korean market access
Negotiations between the two countries began over 20 years ago and intensified in 2025 with an on-site verification visit by the Asian phytosanitary authorities. The trip allowed the parties to finalize the import requirements demanded by Korea.
South Africa is currently among the five largest exporters of table grapes worldwide. According to SATI, approximately 55 percent of exports are directed to the European Union and 20 percent to the United Kingdom. For the 2025/2026 season, the sector estimates shipments of 79.4 million 4.5-kg cartons, a 0.6 percent increase over the previous cycle.
To be exported into Korea, table grapes must comply with all phytosanitary and food safety conditions established by the country’s authorities.
Exporters, production units, and packing centers interested in this market must be registered with the Department of Agriculture and have official production unit codes (PUC) and packing house codes (PHC).
Additionally, producers must implement good agricultural practices, including orchard health initiatives and integrated pest management, to mitigate risks associated with quarantine pests identified by Korea.
The DoA emphasized that strict compliance with phytosanitary protocols will be key to protecting and consolidating this new export market.
*All images are referential
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