Table grapes separate

The South African Table Grape P roducers Association (SAT) announced that it has completed it’s unbundling from the Deciduous Fruit Producers’ Trust (DFPT) and that its commitment to the DFPT in respect of joint industry functions will end after this season. “We recognise the fact that table grapes are very different from other fruit categories and this is one of the main reasons they deserve their own focus,” explained Elaine Alexander, executive director of the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI). lexander said SAT and SATI will still use the DFPT services where it makes sense. “They’re still helping us to administer our research programme, but makes the strategic and budgetary decisions and will also deal directly with alternate research organisations where necessary,” explained Alexander. “We will obviously be looking to work with all sectors. The cooperation we have with the Citrus Growers Association in the field of information systems is a good example.” The DFPT was established in 1997, to fill the gap left in the deciduous fruit industry after deregulation. “We need a focused, single South African brand to enhance our marketing on the world market,” said Graham Retief SAT chairperson. “has made great progress with regards to data and market intelligence assimilation, which will enable us to make better marketing decisions in the future.” – Wouter Kriel