Vietnam and Cambodia open to South African produce

By Fred Meintjes
Fruitnet.com
08 March 2012

Vietnamese and Cambodian borders now open to imports of South African fresh produce

South Africa’s grape industry has welcomed the news Vietnamese authorities have accepted its application for the importation of products of plant origin and that conditions for exports to Cambodia have been confirmed.

The South African Table Grape Industry has pointed out, however, the confirmation of the acceptance of South African fruit in Vietnam is too late to have a significant effect this season for table grape exporters.

“There is only one week left for packing of Autumn Royal grapes, the only grape left amongst the South African grape portfolio that could really do well in this market,” an exporter told Fruitnet.com. “We must also remember that the Vietnamese market prefers grapes with large berry sizes which are not always available from South Africa. This is also the case with other fruits. It is a market that will either reward you for the right product or penalise you to the extreme for shipping the wrong stuff,” he added.

Apart from large-berried black seedless grape varieties, Vietnam is also expected to be a good market for Royal Gala, some red varieties and Pink Lady apples. South African Forelle pears should also do well there.

Meanwhile, South African Department of Agriculture, Water Affairs and Fisheries (DAFF) spokesman Ernest Phoku has warned the phytosanitary certification for Mauritius has become an issue of concern because of the amended import conditions.

“In the past we only had to inspect for San Jose scale. The current permit has more than one pest, including fruit flies,” said Phoku. “DAFF is currently working on resolving the confusion over the declaration and we hope to resolve this still this week,” he added.

“I was advised that exporters load the fruit and then come for inspection after loading and or shipping. This is a dangerous practice because phyto certificates may not be issued if not complying with the import conditions,” warned Phoku. “The exporters and their agents should be advised to first clear compliance to import conditions before containers may leave the country.”