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It’s been a tough season for Australian grapes. But removal of trade restrictions into a key Asian market could turn things around.
Madeleine Stuchbery writing for the Weekly Times - July 25, 2024
Removal of trade barriers for Australian table grapes in a key Asian market could remedy sentiment in the horticulture industry, following a tough season for growers.
It comes as some producers note a 40 per cent decline in yield in the past 12 months.
The Federal Government recently announced Japan lifted varietal restrictions on Australian table grapes.
The move comes after the horticulture sector recently flagged Japan as a focus for market opportunities and increased trade, with the market worth more than $214 million last year.
Australian Table Grape Association chief executive Jeff Scott said with more than 130 varieties of grape in Australia, there was plenty of opportunity.
But strategic marketing intelligence work in the coming year would be instrumental to capitalising on the opportunity.
“There are a number of new varieties in existence for about five or seven years now that are very popular in all Asian countries
“Asian countries love our sweetness, the crunchiness of our varieties, when you bite in and get that snap,” Mr Scott said.
Grape House Group export trade manager Phillip Brancatisano said the decision was “all good”, with plenty of opportunity to demonstrate the full spectrum of varieties available.
“With Japan, we were restricted to three varieties (Thompsons, Crimson Seedless, and Red Glow) and we’ve got all varieties which we grow and send all over Asia. But the work that Jeff’s done overall for us getting access into Japan, and now with all varieties into Japan, that’s big plus for industry,” Mr Brancatisano said.
“Our only problem in Australia competing with other countries is our labour cost, it destroys us. The plus for Australia … Australia is seen as a good clean country …
they trust our environment.”
Mr Scott said growers have face tough conditions in the past year, with “our lowest recorded volume season for quite a long time”.
“Some farmers are down 40 per cent in yield,” Mr Scott said.
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