Grower/exporter body the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) is strengthening its position as industry representative, taking over several functions from the Deciduous Fruit Producers’ Trust (DFPT).

According to SATI chairman Graham Retief, the process will allow SATI to establish a greater capacity to support the industry’s needs and strategic objectives.

As part of the re-allocation, SATI will expand its communication and technical functions while maintaining its responsibilities, for knowledge management and market access.

It will also take new charge of promotional activity in the sector, and put in place a dedicated transformation strategy.

The DFPT will retain some of its existing functions including financial administration and research.

Retief said: “The process is driven by the successes that we have achieved in SATI and the acceptance that if we place specific responsibility and accountability in a single organisation, the focus and dedication which this brings about will lead to greater success.”

To manage the new duties, SATI will employ additional personnel and implement new service-level agreements. The changes are planned to become effective on October 1, to coincide with the end of the industry’s financial year.

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