A Victorian table grape grower has welcomed the new market access for the fruit into Japan, but has questioned if the progress has come a little too late.
Previously, Australia has been limited to exporting only three varieties of table grapes to Japan, resulting in significant market value loss, but those varietal restrictions have now been lifted.
"It was great news for Australia in July when Japan announced new table grapes variety access, from the three varieties allowed, which is now extended to all Vitis vinifera (grapes)," Budou Farms co-owner Enrique Rossi said. "However, looking at the number a few years ago Australia was shipping around 750 containers and continued in decline where last year there were close to 230 containers. The intake from Japan is around 1500 containers from the Southern Hemisphere. From last year Peru entered as well, and they start earlier than Australia and Chile - with this in mind will it be a big success?"
The Federal Government estimates that the expanded variety access will grow by approximately $30 million, reaching $50 million over the next few years. But Mr Rossi says growers are going to need to ensure a high-quality product to remain competitive in the market.
"With a range of over 100 varieties from Australia available in a period of about 20 weeks means we can offer 4–5 varieties per week," Mr Rossi said. "Most likely will be grouped red, black and green. Factors like economy, exchange and arrival conditions will be key to prevail in that market, so perhaps this variety opening is nine years too late."
Budou Farms is based in Merbein South, in Western Victoria, and is dedicated to exporting to Asian markets - with the majority of its supply going into Japan.
The most predominant variety grown is Crimson, but Mr Rossi says new varieties have been planted in recent seasons on a smaller scale – and a new juice has been launched as well.
"Budou Farms this year will keep growing within the Japanese market due to our way of marketing and flavour profile for all varieties," he said. "But we are aware it will be harder to compete. We are a brand established and recognized by customers and most importantly the consumer. With the same way of thinking, we are open to new markets within Asia that share the same view in regard to sustainability and flavour profile, therefore we are known as 'So Sweet'."
While at the moment Japan is the company's main market, Vietnam has been growing for the last few years. Budou's table grape season begins to ramp up in December.
For more information:
Enrique Rossi
Budou Farms
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