The season’s first direct shipment of Australian table grapes to China is now selling in Jiangnan Market following clearance by customs officials there.
The consignment was sent by Melbourne-based Benny’s Exports. The company’s export manager Gary Esterman told Fruitnet.com the grapes arrived in good condition and have sold well in the market.
“The market right now is good for Australian Crimson as the Ching Ming Festival is taking place next week,” he added.
Australia and China signed off on a protocol last year to allow table grapes to be shipped directly to China. As it was signed at the end of the Australian season only one consignment was sent last year.
Under the protocol grapes can either be pre-cleared by Chinese inspectors in Australia, or cleared on arrival.Benny’s chose to have its first consignment inspected in China as well as another container expected to arrive in the county in the coming days.
The Australian Table Grape Association has brought two inspectors out from China to pre-clear consignments.The association's CEO Jeff Scott said this was done to promote the trade, as some exporters were reluctant to have fruit cleared in China.
Esterman told Fruitnet.com he had heard as many as seven additional containers were headed for the Chinese mainland and there were positive signs the trade will grow in future.
