Australia's booming export of table grapes is significantly fueled by the increasing demand from Japan, marking a remarkable growth in this sector. Despite facing a few challenges due to heatwaves, consumers around the world can expect a wide variety and high quality of Australian table grapes this year.
The grape harvest has commenced for local growers, with a substantial portion destined for international markets, especially in Asia. Jeff Scott, the chief executive of the Australian Table Grape Association, expressed optimism for the season ahead, particularly following the first complete year of access to a broader range of grape varieties in Japan. "While it’s still early in the season, we’ve conducted trade briefings across about five or six countries in Asia, and early signs suggest that demand is set to be exceptionally strong again," he noted.
Previously, Australia was limited to exporting just three varieties of table grapes to Japan—Crimson Seedless, Red Globe, and Thompson Seedless. However, thanks to a successful initiative that eliminated an old trade restriction, growers now have the opportunity to offer over 130 different varieties to the Japanese market. Mr. Scott highlighted the impressive growth in exports last year, which soared by an astonishing 300 percent, increasing from approximately 3,500 tonnes to nearly 10,000 tonnes. "This is a milestone we've been striving towards for a long time, and we are thrilled to see it come to fruition," he said.
Since the establishment of a free trade agreement with Japan, Australia began exporting table grapes there in 2014, and this collaboration has continued to flourish (https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/programs/vic-country-hour/2014-07-10/table-grapes-to-japan/5585034).
Mr. Scott also expressed his satisfaction that the industry association is one of nine horticultural groups included in the federal government’s Trade Diversification Network, which could lead to enhanced promotional efforts and support for both inbound and outbound trade missions.
To guarantee top-notch fruit quality for export, a committed workforce and innovative farming techniques are essential. At Talia Farms, located in South Australia’s Riverland region and recognized as one of the largest table grape farms in the country, the process from vine to supermarket shelf can be completed in as little as 48 hours. The workforce on this 230-hectare farm expands from 13 full-time employees to nearly 80 during the harvest period.
Bill Avery, the farm manager, explained that this operation requires continuous effort, with some workers starting their shifts at dawn equipped with headlamps to begin harvesting in low light conditions. "We typically start picking as early as 2:30 or 3:00 AM, depending on the dew point. By 9 AM, the pickers have completed their rounds and the packing shed is filled," he detailed. The team continues operations until 6 PM to ensure that the grapes are stored and ready for dispatch later that night.
Mr. Avery emphasized that these practices not only preserve the grapes’ quality but also extend their shelf life by an additional three to four days, as they are harvested during cooler temperatures rather than in the heat of the day. Generally, it takes several weeks to ship table grapes, but the premium prices associated with fruits shipped before the Chinese New Year make air freight a worthwhile option. "From the moment of dispatch, it takes just 48 hours for our grapes to reach fruit shops in Southeast Asia," he added.
Although the business, owned by US-based RPG Capital Management, is currently on the market, Mr. Avery confirmed that the existing management team would remain in place when a new investor comes on board.
Even with a fruitful growing season reported, Mr. Avery cautioned that Australian consumers might not experience a drop in local grape prices. "Market control rests with three to five major players. Unless you’re part of these groups, it’s incredibly challenging to gain entry into the supermarket chains, as they prefer not to engage with individual growers."
This situation raises an important question: How do you think the dynamics of market control affect smaller growers in the agricultural sector? Share your thoughts in the comments!
