China’s doors set to open for SA grape exporters

RAY SMUTS ANOTHER MILESTONE for South African fruit exports – notably table grapes, apples and pears – is a new protocol-in-the making with the People’s Republic of China. Unlike the China/South Africa citrus protocols of 2004 and 2006, this is the only other fruit accord between the countries, the difference being that the Chinese expect to be involved with exports of their own – apples and pears specifically – given production cross-seasonality. (China is a northern hemisphere producer). Elaine Alexander, CEO of the South African Table Grape Industry, confirmed last week the protocol had been initialled by technical experts on both sides, though pre-conditions have yet to be met by the local table grape industry before final signatures allowing for exports to commence. As the current grape season ends within two months, it is likely the first table grape, apple and pear exports will only commence next year, assuming, naturally, the protocol is successfully concluded.