Table grapes market access and trade development (TG20000)

The Australian table grape industry, comprising around 400 entities on 25,000 acres, produced approximately 230,000 tonnes annually, with a value rising from $700 million in 2019 to $918 million in 2023. Despite numerous challenges, the industry's export value remained stable at $557 million from 2019 to 2023. This project supported the industry through various trade initiatives, including export strategy development, market access programs and promotional activities.

Challenge

The table grape industry has faced significant challenges in maintaining and growing their exports in recent times, including the Covid-19 pandemic which disrupted operations, and seasonal labour shortages with rising production costs.  Environmental pressures, as well as unseasonal weather events, and vineyard health decline, further compounded these issues. Limited chemical availability and regulatory changes added complexity to maintaining production quality.

Response

The project provided expertise and support in export strategy, developing market programs, improving export quality standards, and logistics. Additionally, the project helped with international trade missions and emergency response plans for market disruptions. Collaborative efforts within the horticulture sector strengthened the industry's overall performance.

The project accomplished the following outputs:

• Provided essential input into the maintenance of an industry export strategy focusing on market access, improvement, and development priorities.
• Contributed to market development programs in alignment with priorities identified in the table grape export strategy and the Strategic Investment Plans (SIP).
• Assisted in the development of training materials for a broad, multi-industry export training program that aligns with the table grape export strategy.
• Contributed to the creation and enhancement of export quality standards to ensure the highest quality of exported table grapes.
• Facilitated logistics and assist growers for export registrations and support the DAFF’s registration and audit of export facilities.
• Prepared and submitted business cases to the Trade Assessment Panel for new market access and market improvement, based on priorities identified in the table grape export strategy.
• Served as a point of expert industry advice for growers, exporters, and other stakeholders.
• Coordinated international inspectors to ensure compliance with export standards and protocols.
• Organised and managed logistics for inbound and outbound trade missions to promote Australian table grapes globally.
• Supported emergency industry consultation and response plan to address market disruptions or closures effectively.
• Worked collaboratively with other horticulture sectors to share best practices and enhance overall industry performance.
• Ensured the continuity of knowledge within the industry to sustain growth and innovation.
• Contributed to articles for the national table grape magazine, The Vine, to disseminate valuable information and updates to industry stakeholders.
• Provided market intelligence on all facets of exports, including weekly updates on export statistics and detailed market reports from Chinese wet markets.

Benefit

By opening new markets and enhancing trade relationships, this project has driven the global competitiveness of Australian table grapes. Improved market penetration, increased visibility and appeal of Australian table grapes, and support for the industry’s growth are results from the work completed. The sustained backing from industry stakeholders positions the industry as a leading player in the global table grape market and ensures long-term resilience and success.