As hybrid events become more and more convenient, we can look forward to reconnecting with friends in the media that we miss, and learning more about the brands that we know and love, with experts signing in from all over the world. This was the case when I attended the recent launch for Taste Australia, A Grapeful Summer.
Philippines is Top 5 in Exports
Did you know that the Philippines is in the TOP 5 countries where Australian Grapes are exported and sold? There is a huge market for anything Australian because Filipinos enjoy high quality products like beef, grain, dairy, wine, citrus, and of course grapes in all forms.
Grapeful Pride
Jeff Scott, CEO of the Australian Table Grape Association shared “The average farm is 30 hectares in size, and almost all are family owned.” The smaller sized farms foster a greater sense of pride in crops from this close knit association of growers. Big thanks to Australian farmers, for consistently providing new, fresh, and responsible ways for consumers to enjoy the different varieties of table grapes. The goal is to continually perfect these small globes of crispy goodness.
With technology, growing standards, exporting regulations, and an optimal climate for Australian growers and food producers they can create and grow nearly 3x more food than the Australian population can consume. This surplus of produce and food products is welcomed to surrounding countries in the region fervently. Increasing demand for Australian goods continues to rise despite the challenges in the supply chain and the slow recovery of surviving a pandemic.
Sweet and Easy to Love
When asked why he believes this fresh fruit is so popular here in the Philippines, Christopher Lim, Commercial Minister-Counsellor of Austrade, believes that Pinoys love these vine ripened sweet treats for three reasons.
Mr. Lim calls on the Pinoy love for fruits that are round, red, and easy to share. And sourcing Australian grapes and even oranges for our family tables has now become effortless. Australian Table Grapes are readily available in Rustans Market Fresh, S & R Warehouse, Landmark, and Dizon Farms outlets, and can be bought both instore, and online with ease.
More Options than Before
As the ever present desire of Australian growers to provide new varieties of table grapes continues to evolve, consumers will reap the delicious benefits. Grape lovers can look forward to in-store promotions, give aways, and fun contests highlighting newer types of grapes different than the years before. In addition to this, they can enjoy an extended season of harvest all the way through June.
Hooray for more ways to explore and prepare nature’s quick and easy snack!
| Variety Name | Characteristics |
| Sweet Nectar | An early red variety with roundish berries |
| Sweet Sapphire | A long black variety |
| Pristine Seedless | A green variety |
| Long Crimson | A red variety |
| Sweet Angie | An early green variety |
| Jack Salute known as “Cotton Candy” | A very sweet green variety |
| Melody Seedless | A black variety |
Savory and Sweet Treats
With a plethora of varieties being welcomed into the country, consumers can choose to snack on grapes as nature created them, or play with savory and sweet flavors to endless possibilities.
Newly appointed Executive Chef of Hilton Manila, Ryan Hong, demonstrated innovative recipes to serve Australian Table Grapes that satisfied foodies of all walks. Vegan Hot Dogs, Sausage Rolls with Pickled Grapes, Grape Salsa atop Tuna Tartar, and beautifully sculpted Grape Tarts adorned the snack table for guests that were in attendance for the Grapeful Summer launch.
Excited to dig in and start snacking on your colorfully sweet pops of fruity goodness from Down Under?
Check out the grocery stores in your area or visit www.tasteofaustralia.ph.
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