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Tokyo, July 2, 2026 - The Australian Table Grape Association Inc. (ATGA) today announced the conclusion of the 2026 export season to Japan. According to Japanese trade statistics, import volumes of Australian grapes have been significantly higher than the previous year since the early part of the season, boosted by nationwide in-store tasting events. This season's events expanded to 25 prefectures nationwide, more than four times the scope of last year's activities.■2026 Season Sales Significantly Exceed Last YearThe 2026 season marked the first full export season since the lifting of variety restrictions in 2025, making over 130 varieties of Australian grapes available for export to the Japanese market. Key achievements for the season include:● Export volume significantly expanded from approximately 3,500 tons before variety restrictions were lifted to over 11,000 tons in 2026.● According to Japanese trade statistics, import volumes of Australian grapes from February to April showed year-on-year increases of 30% to 85%, and Australia's market share continues to grow amidst ongoing competition with South American produce.● Following the lifting of variety restrictions, over 130 varieties of Australian grapes were offered to the Japanese market throughout the full export season.● Nationwide In-Store Promotions: A total of 144 tasting events were held across 20 retail chains and 113 stores in 25 prefectures, covering more than four times the area of 2025.● Consumer Engagement: The number of in-store tastings reached 51,044, a 75% increase year-on-year.● Sales on the day of promotional events totaled approximately 12.26 million yen, a 195% increase year-on-year. The median sales growth rate in participating stores was 137%.■Strengthening Initiatives for the 2027 SeasonBased on the achievements of the 2026 season, ATGA plans to further expand exports to Japan for the 2027 season. Key initiatives include:● A major distribution partner aims to increase imports and supply from 110 containers this season to approximately 150 containers in 2027.● Continue optimizing the variety portfolio based on consumer feedback from the 2026 season, with a particular focus on varieties that received strong support from Japanese consumers this season.● Strengthening distribution partnerships and expanding the retail network beyond the 25 prefectures covered in 2026.● Further promote the connection between Australian grapes and Golden Week gift-giving demand in Japan, building on strong spring sales performance.● A pre-season business meeting is scheduled in Tokyo at the end of 2026, bringing together Australian exporters and Japanese distribution partners ahead of the new season.■Consumer Response: Overcoming Hesitation Towards Imported ProduceIn-store tasting events, conducted nationwide from early April to mid-June in collaboration with Japanese distribution and retail partners, brought high consumer engagement and clear indicators of sales performance throughout the season.● Consumer feedback consistently cited taste and sweetness as the biggest factors in purchasing decisions, with high marks also given for the convenience of seedless and skin-on varieties.● Black grape varieties were the most popular in a three-color tasting format (green, black, red), and products including black grapes sold out first in multiple stores.● In-store staff reported that tastings were an effective means of overcoming resistance to purchasing imported varieties, with many first-time tasters of Australian grapes expressing surprise at the quality and sweetness.■ Comments from In-Store Staff"Many customers tried the samples, learned about the product's characteristics and taste, which led to sales.""Many people said they don't eat imported fruit, so I recommended they try it because it's delicious. Everyone was surprised at how sweet and tasty it was. They were amazed that foreign grapes could be this delicious."■ Comments from Jeff Scott, CEO of ATGA"Achieving the lifting of variety restrictions for Japan has been a long-standing priority for the entire industry. To see it translate into actual commercial results in just our second season is incredibly encouraging. Japan is one of the most discerning markets in the world, and this response validates our long-held belief that high-quality Australian table grapes are worthy of a place on Japanese shelves. This is the result of sustained cooperation among producers, government, and our local partners, and it provides a solid foundation for future substantial growth in the quality-conscious Japanese market."■ Comments from Jesse White, International Marketing Manager at ATGA"Japanese consumers have embraced new seedless varieties with great enthusiasm. Demand, particularly for varieties with large berries, intense sweetness, and a crisp texture, exceeded our expectations this season. We have focused on communicating the story behind Australian grapes – supply during the opposite season to Japan, excellent taste, and the consistent quality that retailers need to build programs. With an increasing number of growers, this season's success provides a solid foundation for deepening relationships with Japanese retailers and importers in the coming years."■ Comments from Australian Grape Producers"This was our second export season to the Japanese market since the complete lifting of variety restrictions, and the growth seen in such a short period has been remarkable, with our対日 export volume increasing severalfold. Demand for new varieties has been very strong, and Japanese buyers clearly appreciate the taste and visual appeal we offer. Japan is a market that values high-quality production and attention to detail, and this response has given us great confidence in expanding our対日 program over the coming years."About the Australian Table Grape Association (ATGA)The Australian Table Grape Association (ATGA) is the industry body representing commercial table grape producers across Australia. ATGA's mission is to foster industry development and deliver high-quality Australian table grapes to the global market. For more information on Australian table grapes and new varieties, please visit https://australiangrapes.com.au/