Korea reports boost in fresh fruit exports

Korea’s fresh fruit exports have grown rapidly this year, led by rising demand for the country’s premium strawberries, pears, and grapes across South-East Asia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, according to a report from local publication Pulse by Maeil Business News Korea. 

According to the Korea Customs Service, Korea exported 11,499 tonnes of fruit in the first five months of the year, the report said, up 36 per cent when compared to the same period last year. It added that export value had reached US$94mn during the same period, up about 20 per cent. 

Strawberries remain the country’s top-performing export fruit with exports reaching 4,733 tonnes over the January–May period, up about 17 per cent on the year earlier earning US$60.33mn. 

Grape exports saw significant growth increasing 61 per cent to 2,289 tonnes, while export value climbed 25 per cent to US$17.37mn over the five-month period. 

Pear exports more than doubled to 2,581 tonnes, up 105 per cent, with export value rising 64 per cent to US$7.98mn, Pulse reported. 

“Korean strawberries, grapes and pears are recognised as premium products by consumers in Singapore, other South-East Asian countries, Taiwan and elsewhere because of their sweetness and texture,” a food industry official told the publication. “The growing popularity of Korean products, fuelled by K-culture and food, also appears to have contributed to stronger exports.” 

According to Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade, South-East Asia is a popular market for Korean strawberries, particularly in Singapore where consumers’ high purchasing power and preference for high-quality products have driven demand. 

The publication also said brand recognition of Korean strawberries was also increasing in Thailand. 

Korean grapes, on the other hand, are largely sent to Taiwan and Hong Kong, with exports expected to rise further during the September–December peak shipping season for Shine Muscat grapes.