AgroFresh has called for the implementation of new post-harvest techniques to help protect the quality and condition of table grapes, at a time when the sector is undergoing significant transformation.
The message was delivered by Óscar Salgado, international technical consultant at AgroFresh, during the South African Table Grape Conference 2026, held in Franschhoek, South Africa. Organised by the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) in collaboration with the South African Society for Enology & Viticulture (SASEV), the event brought together growers, exporters, suppliers and other stakeholders to analyse the future of the table grape industry.
Rethinking post-harvest management
During his presentation, titled “What’s in the Postharvest Toolbox? Essential Tools for Maintaining Table Grape Condition”, Salgado underlined the importance of reviewing how the industry approaches post-harvest practices.
“The industry continues to grow and is going through an important transformation. This is an opportunity to rethink how we approach postharvest management, evaluate the tools available and identify practices that can deliver stronger outcomes,” he said.
According to Salgado, the sector needs to reassess existing practices, examine how they are being implemented and critically evaluate their results. This approach is particularly relevant in a context increasingly marked by extreme weather events, where high temperatures and torrential rainfall can accelerate food waste and make it harder to maintain fruit quality.
South Africa’s role in global fruit supply
Salgado also highlighted the strategic position of South Africa in global fruit production. The country is recognised as one of the world’s major fruit-producing origins, with table grapes, wine grapes and citrus playing a key role in exports to the European Union.
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“South Africa is a well-established player with a long history of fruit production. Today, there is a strong focus on improving postharvest practices so that fruit can become more resilient and maintain its condition throughout the supply chain,” he noted.
Quality, resilience and supply chain efficiency
AgroFresh is contributing to the development of post-harvest techniques by supporting growers and packers in their shared goal of preserving fruit quality and reducing crop losses.
Its solutions are designed to improve logistical efficiency, maintain the fruit’s commercial properties for longer and increase the value of production. In this way, the company aims to contribute to a more efficient and sustainable table grape industry.
For the table grape sector, post-harvest management is becoming an increasingly strategic tool. Maintaining firmness, visual quality and marketable condition throughout the supply chain is essential not only to reduce losses, but also to protect grower returns and meet the expectations of international markets.
