Italian table grapes gain access to South African market as Italy seeks apple exports

SOUTH AFRICA – A newly established trade agreement between Italy and South Africa has officially permitted Italian table grape exports, with future discussions already targeting access for apples to expand bilateral agricultural relations.

The agreement was confirmed during a bilateral meeting between Italy’s Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, Francesco Lollobrigida, and South Africa’s Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, on the sidelines of the South Africa-Italy Agribusiness Forum in Cape Town.

The two ministers welcomed the conclusion of negotiations and the formal acceptance of the work plan governing exports of Italian table grapes. According to the parties, the agreement is expected to support agricultural trade by aligning production seasons and strengthening commercial cooperation.

Lollobrigida said the agreement opens the South African market to Italian table grapes and noted Italy’s interest in exploring similar arrangements for other products, including apples.

As a result, this seasonal complementarity enables Italy to supply grapes during South Africa’s off-season, ensuring year-round availability for retailers and consumers. Consequently, both nations benefit from reduced price volatility and more stable supply chains.

The development was discussed at the South Africa-Italy Agribusiness Forum, held under the theme “South Africa and Italy Building Resilient, Value-Added Agri-Business Partnerships: From the Soil to the Shelf.”

Speaking during the event, Steenhuisen said the forum had created opportunities for engagement between businesses, researchers, and industry representatives from both countries. “What stood out to me was not simply the opportunities that were identified, but the enthusiasm with which people engaged with one another,” Steenhuisen added.

Furthermore, the minister highlighted agriculture’s role in supporting rural economies and livelihoods, noting that cooperation extends beyond trade. “Agriculture is about far more than production alone. It is about communities, culture, heritage and the people whose livelihoods depend on the success of the sector,” Steenhuisen stated.

Across both nations, agriculture has shaped landscapes, sustained rural economies and preserved traditions passed down through generations. These shared values provide a solid foundation for the strategic alliance.

Future discussions may extend this arrangement to include apples, pears, and citrus products, further strengthening bilateral commercial cooperation.

The accord ultimately serves as a foundation for resilient food systems and shared innovation across the global agricultural sector.

Lastly, both ministers have committed to annual review meetings to identify further export opportunities.

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