André Van Wyk, technical manager of trade body South African Table Grape Industry (SATI), told FPJ that the industry needs to look to markets beyond the UK and Europe. “There is huge potential in the east and we can’t ignore that,” he said.
Variety-wise the market is looking increasingly towards seedless fruit, but there is still a space for seeded cultivars, said Van Wyk. “We need to look at new seeded varieties too and should not just focus on seedless,” he said. “Seeded fruit may have an opportunity in the east due to the emphasis over here on healthy living.
“The Muscat flavour is quite big and doing well, so that represents an opportunity. You have to look at what your market wants.”
But generic marketing campaigns for all South African products are needed to promote opportunities in new markets, added Van Wyk.
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