Agriculture minister says arrival of first South African grapes in the Philippines opens up a whole new trade corridor
South Africa’s minister of agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has been quick to welcome the successful arrival of the first official shipment of South African table grapes to the Philippines, saying it marks a significant milestone following the granting of market access in 2025.
“The arrival of this first shipment is more than a commercial transaction. It is the opening of a new trade corridor between South Africa and the Philippines,” Steenhuisen said. “It demonstrates what can be achieved through sustained cooperation, mutual trust, and a shared ambition to grow our agricultural sectors.”
In recent times, Steenhuisen has been at the forefront of driving and promoting better access for South African fruit. He has been quick to publicise success in a year that South Africa will hold local government elections and where all parties involved in the National Unity Government need to show their constituencies that they are making a difference.
Leaders in the fruit industry have been pleading for greater government involvement and higher levels of success in market access issues. Steenhuisen, who is also leader of the opposition Democratic Party, will be retiring as leader of the party next month and he has seen a string of new market access achievements in Asian markets in recent times.
“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. It reflects a shared commitment to science-based phytosanitary standards and the steady expansion of agricultural trade between the two countries,” he said.
Steenhuisen said the Philippines is among the top 20 global importers of table grapes, with imports estimated at approximately 74,000 tonnes in 2024, equivalent to around 16mn cartons (4.5kg). With a population of over 118mn people, a rapidly expanding middle class, and increasing urbanisation, the market presents a significant long-term opportunity for South African producers.
It should provide a valuable outlet for South Africa’s table grape industry, which continues to show steady growth.
“In the current 2025/26 season to date, exports have reached 76.6mn cartons, reflecting both the resilience of the sector and its ability to respond to evolving global demand,” Steenhuisen shared.
Steenhuisen emphasised that South Africa views the Philippines not simply as a destination market, but as a long-term partner in food security, trade, and agricultural development. An approach mirrored for the wider South-East Asian region.
“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-East 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.”
