Taste The Sweet Difference: From The Southern Tip Of Africa To Your Plate, South African Table Grapes Finally Arrives In Manila

Finally, some sweet news. And the best part part? They come in generous bunches and juicy clusters of pure sweetness. South Africa's famed table grapes are finally here in Manila... 

The South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) proudly announced the much-awaited official launch of South African grapes in the Philippines marking yet another milestone as it expands its presence in the Asian market. Straight from one of the world's most celebrated fruit-growing regions, Filipino consumers can now experience The Sweet Difference with South Africa's high-quality and naturally grown grapes. Now you can add South African grapes to your shopping list, and enjoy one of the world's sweetest harvests...

Known the world over for its outstanding flavor, indulgent fresh sweetness, vibrant color and consistent quality, the entry of South African table grapes in the Philippine market is part of a much broader strategy to diversify export destinations supporting long-term growth and stability for South African producers. With a rapidly expanding middle class buoyed by increasing urbanisation, the Philippine market presents a potential long-term opportunity for South Africa's grape industry. And who doesn't love sweet grapes? Grapes have always been part of local seasonal celebrations and the formal entry of the South African Table Grape Industry fills the gap in providing consistent access to high-quality and premium grapes. And local consumers can be assured of the highest quality backed by well over 130 years of expertise in supplying table grapes to global markets. 

South Africa is currently the fifth largest exporter of table grapes in the world and the third largest in the Southern Hemisphere reaching over 60 countries with major markets in the European Union. And yes, not only are South African table grapes one of the world's sweetest varieties, it's also seedless. Responding to growing consumer demand, South African growers have effectively transitioned to seedless table grapes for the global market. 

They say food and produce are shaped by the land, and this is true with South African table grapes. Warm days, cool nights and fertile valleys creates the ideal conditions for the sweetest table grapes with that delectable snap, fresh crunch and natural juiciness. South Africa's diverse geography spans five major growing regions for a remarkably long supply and production window making it available in supermarket shelves more frequently. 

And there's just no better way to showcase the consistent natural sweetness, fresh and crisp texture and exceptional versatility of South African table grapes than a curated menu featuring starters to mains and dessert. 

Acclaimed Chef James Antolin of Ikomai creates a lavish menu incorporating South African table grapes with each course highlighting how any dish can be transformed. And Chef James Antolin and his team at Ikomai once again delights the palate with his creative renditions for the South African Table Grape Industry (for more on Ikomai, see my posts Ribeye Done Right: Canada Beef Goes Global With The 6-Hands DInner By Chefs James Antolin, Maverick Javier And Jovan Dungon At Ikomai from October last year and Three Chefs, One Epic Seafood Dining Experience: The Six-Hands Seafood And Sake Matsuri With Finest And Freshest Catch From Japan's Sanriku Coast At Ikomai from May last year). 

In addition to tasty bites of South African table grapes, Chef James Antolin Antolin served his refreshing Iced Tea made with South African green grapes at the launch. Sweet and refreshingly crisp with just a hint of vibrant tartness, one more soothing sip opens the palate for the South African table grapes inspired feast ahead. 

Her Excellency Bartinah Ntombizodwa Radebe-Netshitenzhe, Ambassador of South Africa to the Philippines formally opened the evening's festivities at Ikomai. "We're thrilled to introduce South African grapes to the Philippines. Our growers take pride in cultivating grapes with time, expertise, and deep respect for nature. We're excited for Filipino consumers to enjoy the freshness and excellence that South Africa is known for." 

"Grapes are one of the most well-loved, wholesome choices in the market," added Mecia Petersen, CEO of the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI). "More options for local consumers and retailers mean more ways to enjoy life's simple pleasures, and South African grapes are definitely one of them."

Chef James Antolin then briefly described the creative process behind the evening's menu at Ikomai emphasizing the versatility of South African table grapes. By simply incorporating South African table grapes, the flavors of dishes are transformed while opening up infinite possibilities. Grapes are a familiar favorite in Filipino households specially during celebrations and gatherings, and South African table grapes brings a new level of quality and freshness with its indulgent sweetness. South African table grapes are naturally sweet, hydrating, and rich in polyphenols aiding and supporting heart health, immunity, healthy aging and overall wellness perfect for active lifestyles, balanced diets and everyday snacking. With absolutely no fat or cholesterol, low sodium and less than 100 calories per cup, grapes are an ideal pairing with sweet and savory dishes or simply enjoyed on the go. 

The uncompromising quality of South African table grapes gives local consumers peace of mind, knowing that each sun-kissed bunch and cluster of sweetness are packed with the highest and most stringent standards by the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI). That means real, all-natural fresh and full flavors with each harvest to your plate for healthier and balanced eating habits. And that evening, Chef James Antolin's culinary team at Ikomai showcased the exquisite qualities of South African table grapes with each elegant course...

...starting with the intricate starter. The classic Japanese dumpling is elegantly reimagined by Chef James Antolin with his rendition of the Gyoza, a delicately crisp savory starter filled with succulent citrus prawn, crab meat and grilled South African grapes on creamy ebiko aioli. 

That first bite is announced by an audible crunch followed by the rich, fresh and clean briny sweetness of prawns and crab meat perfectly complemented by the pronounced sweet and tart hints of grilled South African grapes for a complex yet balanced medley of flavors. The pure and nuanced notes of the seafood are enhanced by the distinct sweetness of South African grapes adding a flavorful burst with each tasty bite smoothened by the ebiko aioli. 

The colorful weave of flavors continues with the salad course by Chef James Antolin with the Chicken Salad, a garden fresh bowl of crisp greens topped with tender and juicy roasted chicken, orange, watermelon and compressed yuzu South African grapes tossed in a rich sesame soy dressing. Freshness is flavor, harmoniously expressed with the different layers of sweetness from the orange, watermelon and South African table grapes while the roasted chicken and sesame soy dressing caps the dish with its bold savory notes. 

For the third course, the beautifully plated Tako and Salmon Carpaccio with shaved South African grapes, cherry tomatoes, shiso oil and rich miso prawn bisque teases the palate with its elaborate play on delicate and refined flavors. The pure uncluttered fresh flavors of the fork-tender octopus sliced paper-thin and succulent salmon are elevated by the addition of sweet South African grapes with the bold tart burst from cherry tomatoes and the flavorful depth of the miso prawn bisque. Masterfully executed, Chef James Antolin and his team at Ikomai explore delicately layered flavors in a lavish feast highlighted by South African table grapes for the perfect finishing touch.

In between bites, a refreshing sip of the classic Chenin Blanc from KWV South Africa neatly brings all the flavors together with its tropical citrus hints in a memorable evening with the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) at Ikomai. 

Right before the main course was served, a palate cleansing Lime Sorbet provides a refreshing pause from the evening's feast followed by even more tasty nibbles of South African table grapes. Clearly, the first two courses demonstrated how the addition of South African table grapes with any savory dish can dramatically transform it with added layers of subtle yet indulgent sweet notes. 

For the evening's main course, Chef James Antolin served the Wagyu Prime MB 8-9 with the intricately stacked purple sweet potato pavé, roasted seasonal vegetables and sundried South African grapes with rich red wine reduction paired with the full bodied notes of the classic red Pinotage from KWV South Africa. 

Like butter, the Wagyu Prime MB 8-9 just melts in your mouth draping the palate with a decadent savory richness made even more intense by the red wine reduction. The sundried South African grapes tempers the buttery flavors of the premium Wagyu beef with its subtle yet sharp sweetness for that balanced contrast and finish. The Wagyu Prime MB 8-9 is the star of the plate, but the equally stellar cast of flavorful components led by the sundried South African grapes completes the lavish play on flavors cutting through the bold and unrestrained beefy notes for a perfectly balanced and harmonious finish. From starters to mains, South African tables grapes becomes the critical secret ingredient threading each course...

...including dessert. The Hokkaido Cheesecake with honey yogurt mousse, candied South African grapes and orange and Sablé Breton is the perfect sweet ending to another memorable feast at Ikomai. The bright sweet notes of the South African grapes becomes yet another flavorful element in an intricate expression of pure indulgence. 

Chef James Antolin orchestrates rich, bold and fresh flavors in a seamless symphony with the addition of South African table grapes. Now imagine the possibilities in your own home kitchen with South Africa's finest and sweetest harvest. 

For many, premium grapes have become an integral part of memorable celebrations and gatherings. For some, it's an aspirational luxury limited by consistent availability and access. The South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) changes all that with its entry in the local market. You can now enjoy the fresh harvest of grapes now available in selected supermarkets like The Marketplace and other fine retail establishments in the metro. Finally, local consumers can experience The Sweet Difference straight from the southern tip of Africa to your plate...

For more on South African Table Grapes, visit their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/SouthAfricanGrapesPHL and IG Feed at  and https://www.instagram.com/sagrapesphl/ for more information and updates. 

Ikomai Tochi is located at the Ground Floor of ACI Group Building, 332 H. V. De La Costa, Salcedo, Makati. You can also visit their website, FB Page at https://ikomai.today/, https://www.facebook.com/ikomaistreet/ and IG Feed at https://www.instagram.com/ikomaistreet/ for more information and updates or call 0917 709 4809 for inquiries. 

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