Japan has expanded its market for Australian table grapes by removing restrictions on grape imports from the country, allowing a wider variety to be imported after successful bilateral talks on quarantine standards.
Australian grapes will now be available in Japan mainly during the winter and spring seasons, offering a refreshing alternative to the typical autumn fruit selection.
The Australian Table Grape Association reports that the majority of Australia’s annual grape shipment volume of 220,000 tons is exported, with China being the largest importer followed by Indonesia and Vietnam. Despite starting exports to Japan in 2014, restrictions have limited Australia to hold just a 5% market share in Japan.
Australia, known for its diverse grape varieties, aims to increase its grape exports to Japan to AU$50 million in the coming years. This push for market expansion follows Japan’s recent acceptance of Australian mangoes into its market.
Australia’s Minister of Agriculture, Murray Watt, sees Japan as a stable and lucrative market for Australian agricultural products, and hopes for continued collaboration with Tokyo to further enhance market opportunities.