Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFresh
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Fresh Red Globe (Redglobe) grapes in Japan are positioned primarily as an imported table-grape option rather than a domestically produced staple variety. Japan is a net importer of fresh grapes (HS 080610), with imports in 2023 led by suppliers such as Chile, the United States, Australia, Mexico, and Peru. Imports must clear Japan’s plant quarantine controls (including phytosanitary certification and import inspection) and food-safety import procedures (including import notification and compliance checks under the Food Sanitation Act). Imported grapes are distributed through wholesale/retail channels alongside Japan’s strong domestic premium table-grape segment.
Market RoleNet importer / import-dependent consumer market (Red Globe primarily imported)
Domestic RoleDomestic table-grape consumption market with a premium seasonal segment; Red Globe competes as an imported large, seeded red table grape.
SeasonalityDomestic premium table grapes have a late-summer to autumn harvest window in Japan, while imported grapes (including Red Globe) are marketed across broader periods using multiple origins.
Specification
Primary VarietyRed Globe (Redglobe)
Physical Attributes- Seeded red table grape
- Very large, round, pinkish-red berries with large seeds
- Crisp/crunchy eating texture (commonly described) in export markets
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Overseas harvest & packing → export shipment (reefer) → plant quarantine inspection at entry (MAFF Plant Protection Station) → food sanitation import notification/document review (MHLW quarantine station) → customs confirmation → wholesale distribution → retail
Temperature- Cold-chain continuity is important to limit quality loss (dehydration, decay) during long-distance transport.
Shelf Life- Shelf-life is sensitive to temperature breaks and dehydration during distribution; lot control and rapid rotation reduce loss risk.
Risks
Phytosanitary Compliance HighFresh grapes are subject to Japan’s plant quarantine controls; failure to present a required phytosanitary certificate and/or failure to pass import inspection can result in disposal and disrupt market entry.Confirm origin-specific import conditions in MAFF’s Plant Protection Station databases; pre-validate phytosanitary certificate details and ensure shipment readiness for inspection at arrival.
Regulatory Compliance HighCommercial imports must complete import notification and comply with Japan’s Food Sanitation Act; non-compliance identified at quarantine stations can trigger shipment disposal or return.File import notifications correctly for each shipment and align supplier documentation (origin/manufacturer/handling) to quarantine-station review requirements.
Food Safety MediumJapan enforces pesticide-residue standards via the positive list system; residue exceedances can block distribution and trigger corrective actions.Implement supplier-side residue testing aligned to Japan MRL/positive-list requirements and maintain COA/traceable lot records for each consignment.
Logistics MediumFresh grapes are quality-sensitive; cold-chain breaks, delays, or dehydration during long-haul transport can cause shrink, claims, or downgraded packs.Use controlled-temperature logistics with monitoring, plan buffer time for inspections, and specify packaging/humidity controls appropriate for long-distance shipments.
FAQ
What plant-quarantine document is required to import fresh grapes into Japan?A phytosanitary certificate issued by the exporting country’s government is legally required, and the shipment must undergo import inspection by Japan’s Plant Protection Station.
Do importers need to file a food import notification for fresh grapes in Japan?Yes. For foods imported for sale or business use, Japan’s Food Sanitation Act requires an import notification to be submitted, and quarantine-station inspectors conduct document examination and may require inspections before the product can be sold.
Which countries are key suppliers of fresh grapes to Japan?UN Comtrade data presented via World Bank WITS shows Japan’s 2023 fresh-grape (HS 080610) imports were supplied primarily by Chile, the United States, Australia, Mexico, and Peru.
What are the key physical traits of Red Globe grapes relevant to buyer specifications?Red Globe is a seeded red table-grape variety; industry descriptions commonly highlight very large, round, pinkish-red berries with large seeds and a crisp/crunchy texture.