Jeff Scott, CEO of industry body ATGA, recalls how a 30 percent rejection rate in 2012 forced the sector to rethink shipments to the Asian giant.
According to Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry, the company submitted misleading documentation to the department to obtain phytosanitary certification during the 2017 and 2018 export seasons.
Japan has lifted restrictions on grape imports from Australia following several bilateral phytosanitary discussions. The easing of regulations and the agreement on quarantine standards now allow all table grape varieties from Australia to enter the country. Murray Watt, Australia's Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry said in a release that this is a "positive outcome […]
This season’s production volume would represent the third-highest export result on record of 140,000 metric tons.
Table grape export volumes increased by 20,000 tons to more than 130,000 tons – worth more than $570 million – lower than the industry’s pre-Covid peak, but an improvement on the past two seasons.
Recent USDA reports project that total production for Australian table grapes is to rise to an estimated 210,000 metric tons (MT) for the 2022-23 season.
Australia’s strong domestic market and its proximity to Asia makes it a strategically important production region within Sun World’s global supply program, the company said.
Australian table grape exports to Vietnam reached record levels in 2021–22, thanks to improved trading conditions and ongoing export diversification efforts.
China remains the prime destination and growers are optimistic for this season's results despite logistical challenges.
This move expands Sun World’s roster of table grape marketers in Australia, with FPG joining longstanding Sun World licensees Costa Group, Perfection Fresh/Fruit Master and Fruitico.
