Two years after forming, SATI, the joint venture between South African table grape producers and exporters, has announced plans to embark on phase two of its development plan.
SATI Chairman Graham Retief, said: “The initial task of bringing together the most critical role-players and devising an overall industry strategy to deliver on the vision of a progressive, equitable and sustainable table grape industry, has been achieved.
“The two key objectives, firstly, of improved market access and, secondly, the more pressing short-term provision of dependable industry information and intelligence are being met.”
Phase two of the proceedings will include expanding stakeholder representation on the SATI board and establishing the Grape Forum (GF).
Retief said the GF will afford all industry players an opportunity to share information and co-ordinate activities to best service the needs of the global market, on a voluntary basis.
He said: “The partnership, which has been developed in SATI will be strengthened and expanded in the newly formed Grape Forum, while SATI will continue to focus on the strategic imperatives.
“As our industry evolves and positions itself as the preferred supplier of table grapes to the global market, we will continue to amend our structure and short term approach to best meet demands.
“We are confident that our industry has turned the corner and is heading back to profitability and further growth.”
