ATGA – “Indonesia is now our largest export destination, taking over from China”

Australia is the largest exporter of grapes to Asia from the Southern Hemisphere countries.

Australia exports roughly 140,000 to150,000 tonnes to Asia each year. Due to weather challenges last season, only around 120,000 tonnes were exported, a decrease of around 20 per cent from the average.

China traditionally accounts for around 35 to 40 per cent of Australian table grape shipments; however, China is decreasing its imports of grapes, with volumes to China from all Southern Hemisphere countries dropping to 53,000 tonnes last season.

“Across the industry, exports built on that Asian demand have helped Australian table grapes pass US$600 million in export value,” commented Jeff Scott, CEO of the Australian Table Grape Association.

“Japan has increased from 3500 tonnes to over 12,500 tonnes in the last 2 years as a result of gaining access for most of the varieties that we grow. Indonesia is now our largest export destination, taking over from China for the first time this year.”

Recent trade mission
The largest multi-industry Australian horticulture delegation to visit China’s emerging inland cities has concluded an eight-day trade mission spanning Kunming, Chongqing, Changsha and Qingdao at the beginning of August. During the trade mission, a memorandum of understanding was signed with Kunming Haiguangxing Wholesale Market – a new strategic channel for premium Australian produce into southwest China. The mission was led by the Australian Table Grape Association.

“The first Austrade TDN activity was a familiarisation visit to second-tier cities in China, giving the delegation direct exposure to emerging consumer markets outside the major hub cities. Nine Australian Horticultural Peak Industry bodies attended along with 11 grower/ exporters. Cities visited were Kunming, Chongqing, Changsha and Qingdao. We signed an MOU with the Kunming International Market. We networked with the major importers in each of those cities via market and retail visits and evening gala dinners in each city.

According to Jeff, there is great potential, but follow-up visits are required with exporters to further enhance the relationships with the market importers and be confident in the supply chain to these markets.

“These markets are expanding and to date have received very little fruit from Australia. I see potential, not only for grapes but also other commodities like citrus, cherries and summerfruit. Australia’s counter-season production creates a good window for Australian grapes; this is a genuine structural advantage. This, alongside its reputation as a clean and safe producer, strengthens its export position. Also, our ability to have shorter transit times than other countries is an advantage.”

New varieties and increased production
“Recent seasons cut both ways here: production reached over 220,000 tonnes in 2025/26, a 20 per cent increase, driven by higher yields and younger vineyards reaching full maturity. There is also growth in new proprietary varieties.

“Crimson Seedless has historically been the main variety sent to China; Asian consumers are increasingly drawn to seedless varieties, including eye-catching black grapes. Ivory Seedless, Sweet Globe, and Adora have been some of the most prominent newer varieties in recent years, alongside other proprietary types as they come into full production.”

For more information:
Jeff Scott
ATGA
Tel: +61 417 122 086
Email: jscott@atga.net.auPublication date: Wed 26 Aug 2026

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