Australian grapes soon to set sail for China

The grape season in Australia is in full swing. This season is proving extremely challenging for the growers. The torrential downpours and massive flooding have seen growers in Northern Queensland having to use boats and pontoons just get the fruit in and volumes will certainly be lower that expected.

In the later regions such as Sunraysia, where 70% of production comes from, heavy rain may also affect the crop. Jeff Scott from Australia Table Grape Association said that the grapes in this region are covered to give them some protection from the rain, but if it continues to rain so heavily the harvest will be affected. Earlier in the season growers also faced concerns about downy mildew, but they were able to spray against this disease and damage will be limited.
According to Jeff, overall volumes will be greater than last year at around 120,000 - 125,000 tons.
Australia will count China as one of her export markets for grapes this year for the first time. Inspectors from China will arrive at the end of January to do the necessary checks and all being well exports can commence. Volume to China this season will be limited, Jeff says, "It more a case of testing the water there, next year will see an increase in volumes exported." A large number of growers have expressed interest in this new market and certainly in Northern China there seems to be a big demand.
Australia already exports to many countries throughout Asia and Jeff said they hope to expand the exports to include Korea within the next 12-18 months then on to Japan shortly afterwards.
At the moment the high Australian dollar is affecting returns to the growers, but Jeff explains that the high quality of the produce is demanding high prices which makes all the difference.
All in all Jeff is looking forward to good times ahead for Australian grapes.