The South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) offers its members a range of services, that includes extensive market information, research initiatives and its outcomes, skills development and industry communications.
South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) is a knowledge hub available to all industry role players, as well as non-members interested in the country’s table grape production. The association grants access to its core activities, that includes the following:
Market information - SATI is essentially the table grape market gatekeeper; they are involved in the improvement of existing market access, accessing new markets on a specifically targeted basis and re-opening closed markets. This requires continuous attention to the demands and expectations of global markets, as well as industry stakeholders.
A high level of cooperation with both foreign and local government agencies is also required, as maintaining and increasing South Africa’s share of global fruit markets is extremely important to the long-term economic growth of the country’s fruit sector, as well as improving rural livelihoods.
Trade protocols - SATI supports the table grape industry in terms of South Africa’s trade policy and strategy framework. Reviewed in 2007 by the International Trade and Economic Development (ITED) Division, and the Department of Trade and Industry, the framework is meant to protect all role players in the industry. SATI aims to educate their members on both local and international trade agreements, such as Industrial Policy Action Plan, South African Customs Union, and South African Development Community member countries.
Consumer education - the association is actively involved in increasing awareness of the South African table grape industry in international, regional and local markets. They are instrumental in ensuring that local consumers are updated and informed about the benefits of table grapes. This is achieved by well-defined marketing campaigns, market mediation visits and trade shows.
Table grapes are grapes produced for fresh consumption as a fruit. This sets them apart from grapes produced for making grape juice, wine or...