Australian table grapes deliver more than a juicy, healthy, sweetness-packed crunch—they build trust and turn heads in the Philippines
It was a Wednesday well spent at the Grand Hyatt Manila’s Pool House—you could say it was nothing short of grrrraaaape! The event proved the perfect kickoff to the Australian Table Grapes Season Launch, hosted by the Australian Table Grapes Association (ATGA) and the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), celebrating this year’s harvest and all the ways to enjoy nature’s sweetest gems.
Canapés, cheese, and the grape glow-up
First off, the food and drinks were eye openers and palate pleasers. Think: savory canapés with juicy grape toppings, grape tarts that tasted like edible sunshine, gin infused with green grapes and prosecco, and a seriously gorgeous (I swooned a bit) spread of Australian cheeses. Basically, if grapes threw a VIP bash, this was it.
Indeed, the specially crafted grape-inspired menu from the Grand Hyatt’s culinary team was quite the showstopper, with Aussie grapes taking center stage. Australia produces up to 130 kinds of grapes, and we got to sample some of the season’s standouts: Ivory, Midnight Beauty, and Sunrise Red. Seedless, sweet, crunchy, visually stunning, and packed with all the health perks—basically grapes that check all the boxes. No wonder Filipino households are obsessed with these vineyard treasures from Down Under!
Jeff Scott, CEO of ATGA, couldn’t hide his excitement about the crop: “This year’s crop is exceptional — big, sweet berries with beautiful colour and crunch, backed by some of the best growing conditions we’ve seen in years. Filipino consumers can look forward to a fantastic range on shelf over the coming months.”
An afternoon full of fun and flavor
The gathering wasn’t just about tasting grapes—it was an experience crafted to delight. ATGA and Austrade went the extra mile to make the afternoon memorable, with a range of interactive stations that had everyone smiling. I got my grape-themed caricature drawn, watched an engaging flower-and-grape arrangement demo, and—hands down my favorite—met Gary the Grape, the most cheerful mascot ever, who made his public debut as the playful face of Australian grapes. Keep an eye out for him at partner grocers and retailers all season, as he spreads not only fun and frolic, but also fresh facts about Australian grapes.
Scott captured it perfectly: “Gary is a bit of fun, but he has a serious job. He’s here to help families across the Philippines instantly recognize Australian grapes—a mark of quality, freshness, and trust. We think shoppers, and especially kids, are going to love him.”
Grapes that build trade and trust
The story behind the Philippines–Australia grape connection is pretty remarkable. The Philippines became the first country in the world to fully embrace Australia’s cold chain process for grapes. What began as a government-level handshake has since blossomed into personal relationships with retailers of all sizes—from cozier neighborhood grocers to major supermarket chains. Scott said: “The relationship between Australian growers and Philippine retailers has gone from strength to strength, and we’re committed to continuing to invest in this market. From our orchards in Sunraysia straight to Filipino dining tables—that’s the story we want to keep telling.”
And the bottom line is, it’s a strong market: the Philippines is closing in on being Australia’s third-largest export destination for grapes, just behind Korea and Japan. And the economic impact isn’t small—these tiny fruits are quietly driving serious trade and trust.
Insights from the grape pros themselves
ATGA and Austrade officials warmly welcomed their special guests and partners, buyers and category leaders from all over the Philippines: The Marketplace, Shopwise, Robinsons Supermarket, S&R, Landers, Metro Supermarket, Joel’s Place, and other key retailers. Luisa Rust, Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner of Austrade highlighted the importance of their role, in the area of market engagement this year—especially in celebration of 80 years of Australia-Philippines friendship. Jesse White, International Marketing Manager of ATGA, echoed the factors fueling this relationship, and Jeff Scott added: “It’s fantastic to be back in Manila with such a strong turnout from the Philippines’ leading retailers. The Philippines continues to be one of our most important and valued export markets, and events like today are a chance for us to say thank you to our partners and show them firsthand the quality of this season’s fruit.”
This year’s campaign will feature in-store sampling, eye-catching displays, digital and social media activity, and point-of-sale materials designed to help shoppers identify Australian-grown grapes and learn more about the different varieties available this season.
The Filipino market is curious—and ready for the Aussie grape impact
The grapevine is loud and clear: the Filipino market is adventurous. Curious. Totally here for Aussie grapes, in all their versatile variations. From daily snacking to thoughtful gifting, Australian grapes are winning hearts across the Philippines.
Lesson learned: never underestimate what a grape can do. From a seemingly simple fruit to a driver of trade and trust, these plump but petite powerhouses are making a serious economic splash—and of course they’re vital to winemaking, but that’s a whole other beautiful story. The afternoon at the Pool House was a reminder that Aussie grapes are far more than small-ish fruits—they’re big symbols of careful cultivation, cross-cultural collaboration, celebration, and camaraderie.
Lastly, if you get the chance to meet Gary the Grape, don’t miss it. He’s cute, he’s quirky, and he’s the ambassador we all didn’t know we needed.
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