The table grape producer association South African Table Grapes (SAT) has completed its division from the South African deciduous fruit organisation, the Deciduous Fruit Producers’ Trust (DFPT).

The move is seen by the table grape industry itself as necessary for its future growth and to focus better on its activities, but it does mean the nirvana of a single South African fruit producers’ association now seems less likely. “This is a new era for the table grape sector,” said Elaine Alexander, executive director of SATI, who joined the organisation nearly four years ago.

Alexander said SAT and South African Table Grapes Industry will still make use of some DFPT services. “They are still helping to administer our research programme, but SAT makes the strategic and budgetary decisions.” l

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