The Australian Table Grape Association (ATGA) campaign to ward off Chilean grape imports has succeeded, with exporter Frutam deciding not to send the shipment, which could have been sold for more than US$1 million.

Australian importers and distributors were put under pressure by local producers, after the ATGA's warnings about the methyl bromide content of Chilean grapes, newspaper Diario La Segunda reported.

Chilean Exporters Association (ASOEX) director Ronald Bown told the newspaper the pressures from Australian producers were 'serious' in claiming local grapes were superior to their South American counterparts.

Bown told La Segunda the issue would not warrant free trade re-negotiations, but was a serious matter that would be analyzed during the next meeting of FTA administrators.

"What happens in the future depends on the assurances delivered by Australian commercial agents and the Australian authorities," he was quoted as saying.

Fedefruta president Antonio Walker said methyl bromide did not affect the quality of the grapes, condemning the actions by the Australian industry as 'inacceptable'.

Related stories: Chile's fruit industry hits back after Australian grape industry attack

Australian grape industry warns against Chilean 'imposters'

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com