Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFresh
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Fresh table grapes in Australia are produced across multiple warm growing regions and supplied primarily to the domestic fresh fruit market, with seasonal export programs. The Australian Table Grape Association describes a six-to-seven-month season starting in November, peaking in February and March, and closing in May. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported table grape production of 187,000 tonnes sold and a local value of AUD 751.6 million in the 2023–24 financial year. Export outcomes are strongly influenced by importing-country phytosanitary requirements and maintaining a continuous refrigerated supply chain.
Market RoleMajor domestic producer and seasonal exporter
Domestic RoleDomestic fresh fruit category supplied through national retail and wholesale produce channels
SeasonalityThe Australian fresh table grape season starts in November, peaks in February–March, and closes in May (six to seven months).
Specification
Primary VarietyCrimson Seedless
Secondary Variety- Thompson Seedless
- Red Globe
Physical Attributes- Berry size and uniformity
- Firmness and low shatter (berry drop) during handling
- Color development consistent with variety (green/white, red, black)
- Low incidence of splits, decay, and dehydration (stem browning)
Compositional Metrics- Soluble solids (°Brix) minimums set by buyer program/specification
- Maturity and flavor balance assessed to meet market program requirements
Grades- Buyer/importer program specifications commonly define defect tolerances, berry size, and bunch presentation for acceptance
Packaging- Ventilated cartons for cold-chain transport and export
- Retail punnets or clamshell packs for supermarket programs
- Decay-control materials (e.g., SO2 pads) may be used in some export programs where permitted/required by destination and buyer specification
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Vineyard harvest → rapid pre-cooling → packing shed (grading/packing) → cold storage → domestic distribution or reefer containerization → port export → importer cold storage → wholesale/retail distribution
Temperature- Rapid pre-cooling after harvest is critical to preserve quality
- Maintain near-0°C refrigerated conditions and high humidity through distribution to reduce dehydration and decay risk
Atmosphere Control- Ventilated packaging and liners may be used to manage moisture loss and quality (program-specific)
- Decay management practices (including SO2-based systems) may be applied in some export programs (program- and destination-specific)
Shelf Life- Shelf life is highly sensitive to cold-chain breaks, handling damage, and delays in distribution
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Phytosanitary HighFailure to meet importing-country phytosanitary requirements (including inspection outcomes and required phytosanitary certification) can block market entry, cause shipment rejection, and trigger intensified inspections for Australian fresh grape consignments.Align pest monitoring, packhouse sorting, and documentation to destination protocols; use DAFF export inspection and certification pathways and run pre-shipment compliance checks against importer requirements.
Logistics MediumReefer capacity constraints, freight rate spikes, and port schedule disruption can delay shipments and increase quality claims (dehydration/decay) for exported fresh grapes.Secure reefer bookings early in peak weeks (February–March), use temperature logging, and prioritize contingency routing and buffer lead times for program shipments.
Climate MediumHeatwaves and water constraints in irrigated regions can reduce yield and quality, disrupting domestic supply and export program fulfillment during the peak season.Use heat-risk operating procedures (rapid pre-cooling capacity, harvest timing controls) and diversify sourcing across regions when possible.
Labor & Social Compliance MediumWorkplace-law non-compliance exposure in seasonal horticulture labour arrangements can lead to legal penalties and buyer delisting, especially where labour hire and weak record-keeping are present.Implement labour due diligence for growers and labour-hire providers, audit payroll/payslips/time records, and use Fair Work Ombudsman horticulture tools and checklists.
Sustainability- Irrigation water availability and allocation risk in major inland growing regions
- Extreme heat events during the season can reduce packout quality and increase dehydration risk
- Pesticide residue compliance against destination maximum residue limits (MRLs) is a recurring market-access requirement
Labor & Social- Fair Work Ombudsman identifies horticulture as a high-risk sector for workplace-law non-compliance due to seasonal work, labour hire use, and vulnerable workers; buyers may require labour due diligence and strong record-keeping controls.
- Labour-hire and multi-tier labour supply chains increase exposure to wage, payslip, and record-keeping breaches if governance is weak
Standards- Freshcare Food Safety & Quality (FSQ) certification program (Australian fresh produce on-farm and supply chain assurance)
FAQ
When is the Australian fresh table grape season?The Australian Table Grape Association describes the fresh grape season as starting in November, peaking in February and March, and closing in May.
Which regions are major table grape growing areas in Australia?The Australian Table Grape Association lists major growing regions including Sunraysia and the Murray Valley (Victoria), Riverina (New South Wales), the South Australian Riverland, south-eastern Queensland, Carnarvon and Swan Valley (Western Australia), and central Northern Territory.
What official export document may be required for shipping Australian fresh grapes to some markets?DAFF notes that a phytosanitary certificate may be required by the importing country for plant exports (including fresh fruit) and is issued by DAFF when requirements are met.