Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has welcomed the successful arrival of the first official shipment of South African table grapes to the Philippines on Thursday.
Image: Supplied By Department of Agriculture
Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen, has welcomed the arrival of the first official shipment of South African table grapes to Philippines, marking a major milestone in agricultural trade between the two nations.
The inaugural consignment, which landed on Thursday, follows the granting of market access in 2025 and is the result of years of technical negotiations and regulatory alignment between the two governments.
Steenhuisen said the shipment represents more than a routine export, describing it as the beginning of a new trade corridor built on cooperation and shared standards.
“This inaugural shipment represents the culmination of several years of sustained technical engagement between the South African and Philippine governments, underpinned by close collaboration with industry stakeholders and regulatory authorities,” he said.
“It reflects a shared commitment to science-based phytosanitary standards and the steady expansion of agricultural trade between the two countries.”
The minister emphasised that the Philippines presents a significant opportunity for South African exporters. As one of the world’s top 20 importers of table grapes, the country imported an estimated 74,000 tons in 2024, equivalent to around 16 million cartons (4.5kg cartons).
With a population exceeding 118 million and a rapidly growing middle class, demand for fresh produce is expected to rise steadily, creating favourable conditions for South African producers seeking to expand into new markets.
Steenhuisen said the shipment signals the start of a long-term partnership rather than a once-off transaction.
“We see this as the beginning of a sustained partnership. South Africa remains committed to being a reliable, predictable supplier of high-quality, safe agricultural products, and to working closely with our Philippine counterparts to build a consistent and growing presence in this market over time,” he said.
South Africa’s table grape industry has shown continued resilience, with exports reaching 76.6 million cartons so far in the 2025/26 season. The industry’s ability to adapt to shifting global demand has been key to its growth, and the opening of the Philippine market is expected to further strengthen its export base.
The expansion into Southeast Asia forms part of a broader strategy to diversify export destinations and reduce reliance on traditional markets.
Steenhuisen noted that the region is becoming increasingly important for South African agriculture due to its strong economic growth and rising consumer demand.
“Southeast Asia represents a dynamic and increasingly important region for South African agriculture. 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.”
Steenhuisen said that the table grape industry will now focus on establishing a firm foothold in the Philippine market during South Africa’s supply window, with a view to expanding volumes, varietal offerings, and market integration over the next three to five years.
He also acknowledged the role of key stakeholders in securing the breakthrough, including the South African Table Grape Industry, the Department of Agriculture, and the South African Embassy in Manila led by Ambassador Bartinah Ntombizodwa Radebe-Netshitenzhe, as well as Philippine authorities such as the Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Plant Industry.
“This milestone is the result of coordinated effort across government and industry. It lays a strong foundation for deeper cooperation, expanded trade, and shared prosperity between our two nations.”
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