Melbourne-based exporter Benny’s Exports is the first company to send a consignment of Australian table grapes directly to China this season after a protocol was established in March of last year.
The company's export manager Gary Esterman told Asiafruit he loaded a container of Crimson Seedless grapes at the end of February, which is being shipped directly to Nansha in southern China.
A single consignment of Crimson Seedless was sent to Shenzhen in May of last year after China granted direct access for Australian table grapes.
The first consignment for this season is being imported by Guangzhou Sanyu Trade Development Co, and will be sold at Jiangnan wholesale market, the major trading hub for China's fresh fruit imports in Guangzhou.
The grapes were grown and packed by John and Sandra Argiro of Palms Vineyards.
The consignment is expected to arrive in China around 26 March where Chinese authorities will inspect it.
The import protocol allows for pre-clearance of consignments by Chinese officials in Australia or clearance on arrival in China.
The Australian Table Grape Association is currently in talks with Chinese officials to bring two inspectors to Australia to pre-clear shipments.
An industry source told Asiafruit he was unsure whether this would be viable as to date he knows of just four exporters with permits to send produce to China.
Esterman told Asiafruit he plans to send another container on the next available vessel and hopes these consignments will help pave the way for other Australian exporters.
