Australian Table Grape Association chief executive Jeff Scott was encouraged by the potential of the Japanese market during a recent week-long promotional visit to the Asian nation.
The trip, organised in association with the Victorian Government and AusTrade, included an official launch event at the Australian embassy in Tokyo, along with in-store retail promotions across four Japanese cities. Scott said the visit highlighted the demand for high quality, Australian-grown table grapes.
“We had 120 people, including importers and members of the media, attend the launch, which included an address from Australian ambassador Bruce Miller and a 50 minute presentation on our industry,” Scott told Asiafruit. “We also had strong interest in our retail promotions, with one store in Fukushima selling through over 150 boxes in the one day we were there.”
The Australian industry secured direct access into the Japanese market in early February. Scott said 15 containers have been sent to Japan so far this season, a foundation he is adamant the industry can build on.
“From the base level we have created this year, I think it’s realistic we could send between 50 to 100 containers there next season,” Scott said. “Over time, I can see Japan developing into a significant market for the Australian industry but we want to do it properly and not cut corners.”
The Thomson Seedless variety has formed the majority of shipments to Japan this season, with trial volumes of Red Globe and Crimson Seedless, the other two varieties Australia has access for, also sent.
“It’s encouraging to see Japanese consumers looking at Thompson, we can see a real window opening up for it there,” Scott said. “In the fullness of time, we can see market access opening up for all Australian varieties.”
Next week, Scott will embark on a similar trade mission to South Korea, which also opened up market access to Australia earlier this year.
