The International Trade Council has announced a major advancement for Australia's table grape industry following the successful conclusion of negotiations with Japan. The Australian government has revealed that restrictions on grape varieties have been lifted, significantly enhancing export opportunities.
As of last week, Australian producers can now export over 130 varieties of table grapes to Japan for the upcoming season, which runs from December to May. Previously, exports were limited to just three varieties: crimson seedless, Thompson seedless, and red globe.
Australia produces approximately 220,000 tonnes of grapes annually, with 70% allocated for export. While China is the largest market for these exports, Japan is Australia’s second-largest market for agricultural products. The recent agreement is expected to provide a substantial boost to the industry.
“Japan is a key market for premium Australian fresh fruit, and this development will open up significant growth opportunities,” stated an industry representative. “The removal of these restrictions is expected to enhance market value and create long-term benefits.”
Experts predict that the expanded access will lead to an increase in market value by around $30 million, potentially reaching $50 million in the coming years. This represents a significant leap from the initial exports.
The Australian grape industry has seen growing interest from Japan over the past decade, especially since technical market access was first established. The removal of varietal restrictions is anticipated to further bolster this trend.
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