First South African table grape shipment to the Philippines
[Paarl, 26 March 2026] – The South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) is pleased to confirm the successful completion of the first official shipment of South African table grapes to the Philippines, marking an important milestone following the granting of market access in 2025.
The industry extends its sincere appreciation to the Ministry and the Department of Agriculture in South Africa, the South African Embassy in the Philippines, Her Excellency Bartinah Ntombizodwa Radebe-Netshitenzhe, Ambassador of South Africa to the Philippines, and the Philippine Ambassador to South Africa for their continued support and partnership in facilitating this outcome. This milestone stands as a testament to the strength of collaboration between government and industry in advancing South Africa’s agricultural trade agenda.
“Expanding market access for South African table grapes remains a key priority, with Asia representing an important focus area. The Philippine market presents exciting opportunities for our exporters,” said Mecia Petersen, CEO of SATI.
“We are also grateful to our trade partners who made this first shipment possible, including Mr Kingson Chan, the importer in the Philippines, and South Africa-based exporter Safpro. The industry deeply values these partnerships, as well as the support of the former Philippine Ambassador to South Africa, Noralyn Jubaira Baja, whose contribution has been instrumental in strengthening trade relations between the two countries,” said Petersen.
With access now secured, South Africa has market access to 17 of the world’s top 18 table grape-importing countries (Trademap, 2024). This achievement reflects many years of dedicated work by various industry representatives and officials to unlock new trade opportunities, while reinforcing South Africa’s reputation as a reliable supplier of quality table grapes to global markets.
The arrival of the first shipment was commemorated through a targeted market development campaign in Manila. These included an official welcome dinner, at which Ambassador Radebe-Netshitenzhe delivered a keynote address, and a welcome ceremony hosted at a leading retailer in Manila. Speaking at the dinner, the Ambassador noted, “This milestone reflects the strength of our bilateral relationship and the shared commitment to expanding trade between South Africa and the Philippines. We are proud to see South African table grapes reach Filipino consumers.”
“South Africa is well positioned to meet the Philippine market’s preference for sweeter berries with a firm, crunchy texture—delivering quality grapes that offer both taste and competitive value,” said Petersen.
While the industry continues to prioritise maintaining and strengthening its presence in established markets such as the UK and the European Union, which remain the largest destinations for South African table grape exports, the Philippines represents an important strategic addition to the export portfolio. New markets such as this support long-term resilience and complement the industry’s broader, balanced market approach.
The successful arrival of the first shipment creates a platform for building a sustainable presence in the market and exploring further opportunities in the Philippines and the wider Southeast Asian region.
Photo Caption: Celebrating the arrival of the first shipment of South African grapes to the Philippines in Manila (26 March 2026), from left: Kingson Chan (Importer), Diana Ang (Merchandising Director for The Marketplace and Shopwise Supermarket), Her Excellency Bartinah Ntombizodwa Radebe-Netshitenzhe, Ambassador of South Africa to the Philippines, Mecia Petersen (CEO of the South African Table Grape Industry), and Johannes Mashaba (Special Advisor to the South African Minister of Agriculture).
ISSUED BY SATI
Enquiries:
SATI
Denene Erasmus
Market Development and Communications Manager
+2721 863 0366
About SATI
SATI is the unified South African Table Grape Industry Association. All table grape producers are required to register with SATI, which is mandated by law as the industry’s official levy administrator. The levy is required to fund and facilitate market access and development, research and technology, information provision, transformation, and training. SATI is dedicated to operating a partnership that strives to maintain South Africa’s position as the preferred country of origin for retailers around the world. Contact: info@satgi.co.za