Australian growers expect to have shipped 88,000 tonnes of table grapes in 2015 to major export partners, including a new market, Japan. “The industry shipped around 160 containers of Thompson Seedless and Crimson Seedless to Japan, our first full season into what is a new market for Australian grapes and the sweeter fruit was well received,” notes 888 Grapes owner David Minnis. Japan and South Korea are both ripe for expansion, with new FTAs in each market helping reduce tariffs for the industry, he says. “The Australian table grape industry is bullish about our prospects for Seedless grapes in these two markets.” That expansion will also be on top of re-entry into Vietnam after the market was closed seven months ago, a major win for table grape producers in Australia.
The 2014 season saw 87,000 tonnes shipped out, worth $248 million to the Australian economy. 2015 will be slightly larger, with new areas of production compensating for a lighter crop, with markets short on fruit from mid-April onwards. China was a big market once again, taking 45% of Australia’s table grape exports. “We were very happy with the way the season finished in China having shipped our largest quantity of grapes directly into China this season, " Mr Minnis says, adding that prices improved significantly in late April.
Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, Singapore and the Philippines were other key markets for exports. “South East Asia has become very strong with very competitive prices and open to more varieties, so the market is working by itself in Asia with supply and demand and returns for the growers,” notes grower and exporter Anthony Dichiera. “We have a main point of difference with the freshness of our produce since we are so close to Asia.”
As for consumer trends, while other countries, including Peru and Chile ship large quantities of the seeded Red Globe variety, Mr Minnis believes the markets in Asia are swinging over to seedless varieties because they are easier to consume [no seeds ] and are sweeter.
Excellent growing conditions maintain premium market prices
Growing conditions have been ideal, according to Mr Minnis, with little rain and no repeat of the excessively high temperatures of 2014. “One aspect that was different were the cool nights in January, which enhanced red colour development in varieties like Flame Seedless and Crimson Seedless,” he adds.
The excellent conditions, along with ‘clean and green’ growing practices and less chemical use ensured that Australian grapes were able to maintain a premium price, and customers continued to be happy to pay it, according to Mr Dichiera. “Australia has a higher cost of production, but also has a fresher and healthier product than anyone else and is known all around the world.” Growers are still looking to go direct to point of sale with no middleman or agent, to reduce cost and improve customer satisfaction, he adds.
For more information
Visit the Australian Table Grape Association website: www.australiangrapes.com.au
David Minnis
888 Grapes
Phone: +613 9380 5369
Email: 888grapes@gmail.com
Website: www.888exports.com.au
Anthony Dichiera
Sweet Angie Enterprises
Phone: +61 428 256 300
E-mail: dichieradelites@bigpond.com