The country’s table grape industry has confirmed that South Africa has added another export market in south-east Asia to its portfolio
South African table grapes have successfully arrived in the Philippines for the first time, marking an important milestone after being granted market access in 2025.
The country’s table grape industry (Sati) confirmed that South Africa had added another export market in south-east Asia to its portfolio, attributing it to the strength of collaboration between the South African government and the industry in advancing the country’s agricultural trade agenda.
“Expanding market access for South African table grapes remains a key priority, with Asia representing an important focus area,” said Mecia Petersen, chief executive of Sati. ”The Philippine market presents exciting opportunities for our exporters.”
Sati pointed out that the South African Department of Agriculture, the South African embassy in the Philippines, ambassador Bartinah Ntombizodwa Radebe-Netshitenzhe, and the Philippine ambassador to South Africa all played leading rolea in the new development.
“We are also grateful to our trade partners who made this first shipment possible, including Mr Kingson Chan, the importer in the Philippines, and South Africa-based exporter Safpro,” Petersen continued. ”The industry deeply values these partnerships.”
With entry secured, South Africa now has market access to 17 of the world’s top 18 table grape importing countries.
The arrival of the first shipment was celebrated through a targeted market development campaign in Manila.
This included an official welcome dinner, at which ambassador Radebe-Netshitenzhe delivered a keynote address, as well as a welcome ceremony hosted at a leading retailer in Manila.
Speaking at the dinner, the ambassador said the milestone reflects the strength of the bilateral relationship and the shared commitment to expanding trade between South Africa and the Philippines.
“We are proud to see South African table grapes reach Filipino consumers,” she said.
“South Africa is well positioned to meet the Philippine market’s preference for sweeter berries with a firm, crunchy texture—delivering quality grapes that offer both taste and competitive value,” noted Petersen.
While the industry continues to prioritise maintaining and strengthening its presence in established markets such as the UK and the EU, which remain the largest destinations for South African table grape exports, the Philippines represents an important strategic addition.
“New markets such as this support long-term resilience and complement the industry’s broader, balanced market approach,” Petersen added.
Sati said that the successful first shipment creates a platform for building a sustainable presence in the market and exploring further opportunities in the Philippines and the wider Southeast Asian region.
