Unique tasting notes, giving back to the community: The story of South African table grapes

South African table grapes have officially entered the Philippines in March after a decade of negotiations, thanks to the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI).

Filipinos now have the chance to explore new flavors and tasting notes they have never tried before, including varieties with interesting names such as Autumn Crisp and Crimson Seedless.

GMA News Online got a glimpse of the South African table grape industry in an interview with SATI CEO Mecia Petersen and South African grape grower Michael Vorster.

Over the years, South Africa has developed a highly sophisticated table grape industry and become a major producer and exporter, capitalizing on its five grape-growing regions that feature different land topography and conditions: the Northern Province Region, Orange River Region, Olifants River Region, Berg River Region, and Hex River Region.

With a suitable climate for growing grapes — warmer temperatures at daytime and cooler temperatures at nighttime — and soil that has high-calcium content, South Africa has "an opportunity to grow different types of varieties in the different regions, and it also extends our marketing window in which we can supply grapes," Petersen tells GMA News Online.

South Africa is the world's first-largest table grape exporter as well as the third-largest in the southern hemisphere, giving it a strong positioning in the global market, Petersen says. It's a position the country has held for several years.

Reflecting South Africa's history, she noted that the country simply looked at what it has and how these can be exported to other parts of the world.

“It adds to us as a nation, that we are survivors. So when we do something, we want to do it really well, so if we start farming table grapes, we won't stop until we are right at the top,” Vorster also said.

“We really want to be the best at what we do. So we'll always strive to be there, so I think that over the years has evolved."

Per Vorster, South Africans have a family-oriented culture, with knowledge and practices passed down through generations.

“It's because we've been doing it for so long, you know, you rely on the wisdom of your grandparents and the knowledge of your father. It's a culmination of years of experience that's been passed down through generations that, eventually, you are going to get good at if you do it long enough. You're going to become good at it, so I think that's what's happened in South Africa,” he said.

Petersen attested to this tight-knit family structure, noting that there is vested interest among family members as everyone wants to make the business work.

Why it took so long

It has taken a long journey for South African table grapes to reach the Philippine market. Negotiations between the South African and Philippine governments took around 10 years, which Petersen said is a reasonable amount of time; the process can take as long as 20 years.

According to Petersen, SATI needed to meet certain Philippine requirements, including not risking bringing any pests or diseases into the country. The organization needed to provide data, conduct trials, and present evidence demonstrating there was no such risk.

“It's a very thorough process on both sides and once it is complete, both parties can feel confident that there is a very good, thorough process. The consumer can feel confident that [they're] eating a product that is safe and grown in a safe environment, meets the highest safety standards, and you can just enjoy,” Petersen said.

Logistics was another factor, as the grapes had to be shipped by sea and cleared upon arrival.

The highly perishable grapes also need to be stored at the right temperature for a number of days by service providers to ensure their quality.

“You must understand what this setup is. You've got to have good relationships there with the receivers, with the importers,” Petersen said, adding that good strategies are needed for this kind of dynamic.

“That’s also part of our job to get to understand that landscape and make sure we have a good plan in place."

Vorster also shared that South Africa has an inspection service, where every grape must pass certain standards before being cleared for export.

As the industry association of table grape growers in South Africa, SATI represents growers on key government and industry initiatives, with the aim to create more opportunities for growers and make market access more sustainable.

The organization also helps grape growers by providing data-driven training and education to maintain South Africa’s position as the preferred country for grapes.

What this means to the Philippine market

The Philippines has a large grape market dominated by China, with Australia having a significant presence.

Petersen, for her part, attested that Filipino consumers can count on the freshness of the grapes SATI ships.

“There's no storage in between and when you store grapes, especially for extended periods, it can influence the eating quality. We believe that our grapes will have good eating quality and it will be consistent with our high standards that we need to abide by on the farms,” Petersen said.

“Because we're an export-driven industry, there are standards you need to meet according to the breeders who breed the genetics, there's an inspection service, and also the market has its own specifications."

She also noted that consistent eating quality is a differentiator.

“That means you know what to expect. It's not one time the grape will be extremely sweet and the next time it will be extremely acidic or sour. It will always have a good, balanced flavor profile,:

Per Vorster, South Africa exports 95% of their products, sharing, “Our best fruits go out. And think Filipinos, if they do eat our grapes, they’ll experience that."

Moreover, Petersen believes the Philippines is an attractive market for South African table grapes as they have a product the market will like, with their team understanding that Filipinos also enjoy fruits for special occasions.

“And then for us as South Africa, it's important to diversify our markets, and that's also where the Philippines market fits in,” she said.

Different grape variants and what makes them special

South African table grapes come with intriguing names like Autumn Crisp, Sweet Globe, Sweet Celebration, and Sweet Joy. Similar to perfume or coffee notes, each variety has its own unique flavor profile.

“I think it's a learning curve," Vorster said. "You're not going to know everything, so it's experience. It's a journey that the Filipino people will have to take in the way of experiencing the different varieties and deciding which one is for you."

According to Vorster, some varieties will be sweet and neutral with a crunch, while some will have a more tropical flavor. Other tasting notes include muscat, cotton candy, and mango.

“I think the crunch in the varieties will stay consistent because it enhances the eating experience,” he said.

“I think it's a journey between South Africa and the Philippines to expose the Filipino people to the different varieties and then get feedback from the market about what [their] flavor profile is, what do you as a country like. And then we position ourselves and supply you with that."

Petersen noted that the grape flavors are layered. In the same vein, Vorster stressed that the grapes' flavor should be natural and that there is no genetic enhancement.

He encourages consumers to try out different flavors to experience the nuanced profiles of the grapes.

“I think the reason for this is we, as a country, are really invested in table grapes, because it's a long-term investment for us. It's expensive to plant vineyards, and then you farm them for 12, 15, 16 years. To us, it's very important that we keep the market interested in table grapes and we do understand that we've got to make table grapes interesting,” Vorster said.

He added that aside from the grapes themselves, the eating experience should be just as interesting. Trying a new grape variety, for example, is akin to experiencing a new perfume.

"If it interests you, you're going to buy it," he said.

“That is what we are targeting and trying to do, and we've done it successfully the last couple of years. It's, to me, very interesting that Filipinos haven't been exposed to the new varieties. It's really interesting. I can't understand it because in other parts of the world, it's almost normal."

According to Vorster, grape varieties Filipinos might be interested in are Ruby Rush and Fire Crunch, which come with an “addictive” crunch and sweet neutral tastes. Crimson also offers a neutral taste.

Meanwhile, Autumn Crisp is a green variety with a crunchy texture and muscat notes. It is already available in the Philippines.

Applause, on the other hand, is “Autumn Crisp on steroids” with its larger size and heavy muscat flavor, whereas Cherry Crush is a large red variety that keeps for a long time.

What this collaboration means

Now that South African grapes have finally arrived on Philippine soil, SATI is primarily looking at volume and premium positioning, as well as the Philippines as a long-term strategic market in Southeast Asia.

"I think first, as South Africans, one of our characteristics is relationships and long-term relationships. We will not enter the market if we don't see it as a long-term investment and a relationship,” he said.

Vorster also underscored that farming is the only commodity in a lot of South African rural communities.

“To make farming successful and to be able to support the community, we need to sell our grapes. So every good market that we know is a long-term market. It's valuable, and I think what the Philippines must understand is farming is not a one-man show, not a one-family show," he shared.

"It's a community, because those farms support communities that actually don't have other opportunities. I always want to say, eating South African table grapes, it's a community project. It's a community effort."

SATI is also responsible for their workers and the community at large.

“We need to be successful in the international market because our success we bring back home and invest back into our communities,” Vorster said.

Petersen noted the table grape industry supports 105,000 direct jobs and half a million livelihoods.

She said that the Philippine market has been a success so far, according to importers, retailers, and consumers. Sales have been good thus far and consumers have given positive feedback in terms of their expectations of the grapes' eating quality.

“Also, we're in touch with the embassy because last time we were here we had some events as well with [them] and we've heard a lot of feedback from them that they've received inquiries from people waiting for the next South African grapes to arrive so that's very positive for us,” Petersen said.

“It's really exciting to receive that kind of feedback and we really look forward to being able to see more grapes in the coming season,” she added. “We do plan to send more than last time. There was one container and we are really planning to send more and hope to expand on the market presence."

More than a transaction

SATI has described the market access for table grapes as being “more than a commercial transaction.”

“We didn't see it as a once-off or a short-term transaction. We are committed to being in the market, we are committed to understanding and learning more about what that market needs so that we can supply that. And I do believe that as a country there is more opportunity,” Petersen said.

She added South Africa is looking forward to letting the Philippines and the world know and experience its high-quality produce.

Asked if there would be a big opportunity for South Africa, Petersen said, “We would say yes, we would like there to be, and we do believe that our industries are geared for that.”

Vorster added that the opportunity should mean for South Africa to be the top choice when it comes to table grapes and other produce.

“If we are your number one choice, then we're going to have a long-standing relationship and it won’t stop with table grapes. If table grapes are this good, what do you have more?” Vorster said. “I think as a country we don't normally do something on our own. We do it for the collective, for the whole country.”

“Table grapes might be the start of something bigger and better and I think that's what we all want because it's, again, I'll say it's not for individuals. It's for the community, for the country."

—CDC, GMA News

This story is sponsored by South Africa Table Grapes Industry (SATI)