South Korean service for Northwest growers

Northwest cherry exporters will have better access to North Asian markets after the launch of a new flight service out of Seattle over the weekend. Operated by China Eastern Airlines, the direct cargo flight directly links Seattle’s Tacoma International Airport with Seoul, South Korea.

Keith Hu, director of international operations with Northwest Cherry Growers, told Boise State Public Radio that the service would help bolster direct trade into South Korea, while also providing another avenue for exporters to on-trade into the Chinese market, where consumers are willing to a premium for high quality fruit.

“These cherries they always fetch for the highest dollar amount,” Hu said. “The customer pays US$10 a pound but they are eating something we don’t see domestically.”