South Africa has officially marked a historic milestone in its agricultural expansion as the first shipment of domestic table grapes has arrived in the Philippines. This inaugural delivery follows the granting of market access in 2025, representing the culmination of years of sustained technical partnership and diplomatic cooperation between the two countries.
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen welcomed the achievement and stressed that it was more than just a trade deal. “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 shows what can be achieved through continued collaboration, mutual trust and a shared ambition to grow our agricultural sectors.”
This step has been taken at a strategic time. The Philippines is a huge consumer center, ranked among the top 20 global importers of table grapes. With a population of over 118 million and a rapidly urbanising middle class, the market offers an attractive “supply window” for South African producers. Currently, South Africa's industry is thriving, with exports reaching 76.6 million cartons in the current 2025/26 season.
The Minister highlighted that this expansion is part of a broader strategy to diversify export destinations and reduce over-dependence on traditional partners. “We see this as the beginning of an ongoing partnership,” he said. “South Africa is committed to working closely with our Philippine counterparts to become a reliable, predictable supplier of high-quality, safe agricultural products and to build a consistent and growing presence in this market over time.”
Looking ahead, the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) and the government plan to increase the volume and variety offered over the next five years. Steenhuisen commended the South African Embassy in the Philippines, led by Ambassador to the Philippines Bartina Nombizodwa Radebe-Netshitenze, and the Philippine Plant Industry Bureau for their roles.
The Minister concluded, “This milestone is the result of a coordinated effort by government and industry. It lays a strong foundation for deeper cooperation, expanded trade and shared prosperity between our two countries.”