South Africa Secures New Export Market for Table Grapes in South Korea
South Africa has successfully secured a new export market for fresh table grapes in South Korea, marking a significant milestone for the country's agricultural exports. The Republic of Korea formally notified South Africa of the market opening on January 23, 2026, allowing local producers to begin exporting table grapes to the Asian market. The negotiations for this market access began over 20 years ago, culminating in a physical field verification visit in February 2025. South Africa is ranked among the world's top five table grape exporters, with the industry playing a vital role in generating foreign exchange earnings and creating employment opportunities. The 2025/26 table grape season is progressing well, with an estimated export volume of 79.4 million cartons, representing a slight increase from the previous season.