In a milestone for the South African fruit industry, the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has officially welcomed the arrival of the first shipment of South African table grapes in the Philippines. This inaugural delivery marks the successful opening of a new trade corridor following the granting of market access in 2025.
A Decade of Technical Diplomacy
The arrival of this shipment is the result of over ten years of sustained technical and diplomatic engagement. Minister Steenhuisen characterized the event as more than just a commercial transaction, but rather the “opening of a new trade corridor” built on mutual trust and science-based phytosanitary standards.
- The successful entry was facilitated by a collaborative effort between:
- The South African Table Grape Industry (SATI)
- The Department of Agriculture and the South African Embassy in the Philippines, led by Ambassador Bartinah Ntombizodwa Radebe-Netshitenzhe
- The Philippine Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Plant Industry
Tapping into a High-Growth Market
The Philippines represents a massive opportunity for local producers, currently ranking among the top 20 global importers of table grapes. In 2024, the country imported approximately 74,000 tonnes (roughly 16 million 4.5kg cartons).
With a population exceeding 118 million people, a rapidly expanding middle class, and increasing urbanization, the Philippine market offers significant long-term potential for South African agricultural growth.
Strategic Diversification and Industry Growth
This move is a core component of South Africa’s broader strategy to diversify export destinations and reduce over-reliance on traditional trading partners. By broadening the footprint in Southeast Asia, the government aims to strengthen the resilience of the agricultural sector.
“Our approach is not to replace existing markets, but to broaden our footprint in a way that supports long-term growth, stability, and opportunity for our producers,” Minister Steenhuisen stated.
2025/26 Season Performance
The table grape industry continues to show robust performance. In the current 2025/26 season to date, South African exports have already reached 76.6 million cartons.
Over the next three to five years, the industry intends to establish a firm foothold in the Philippines by expanding export volumes, diversifying varietal offerings, and deepening market integration. Minister Steenhuisen emphasized that the Philippines is viewed as a long-term partner in food security and agricultural development, laying a foundation for shared prosperity between the two nations.