Series of promotional activities support push into Taiwan market with some provinces exporting to the region for the first time
Korea is looking to expand exports of Shine Muscat grapes to Taiwan amid declining returns from its domestic market.
According to Yonhap News, which cited data from the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, the average retail price of a 2kg box of Shine Muscat was 11,572 won as of November 14 – 19.1 per cent lower than last year.
This sharp decline has been attributed to strong oversupply in the market following rapid production growth.
In 2017, Shine Muscat cultivation areas accounted for only 4 per cent of the industry, but this quickly grew to over 43 per cent by 2023, according to a report by Asia Business Daily.
In light of this, Korea has launched a series of promotional activities in Taiwan this month with some provinces exporting to the region for the first time.
Local agricultural cooperation, Yeongcheon Nonghyup held tasting events across Taipei including at the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Department Store and the Taipei Sanchong Wholesale Market from 19 - 25 November.
“We are doing our utmost to diversify export markets amid the challenging situation of a sharp drop in Shine Muscat prices in the domestic market,” Seong Younggeun, oresident of Yeongcheon Nonghyup Cooperative told Asia Business World.
“In particular, we will focus on high-quality management and enhancing our brand so that Yeongcheon grapes can firmly establish themselves as a K-premium fruit in Taiwan, the leading country for grape exports.”
Yeongcheon Nonghyup has already exported 165 tonnes of Shine Muscat to Taiwan this year.
Geochang County in South Gyeongsang Province celebrated its first ecer shipment of Shine Muscat to Taiwan, with a ceremony attended by county governor Koo Inmo, representatives of fruit tree cooperatives, grape export farmers, and about 30 other participants, according to the publication.
Approximately five more shipments are planned in the coming weeks to reach a total of 40 tonnes by the end of the year.
“Geochang Shine Muscat grapes are gaining a strong reputation overseas thanks to excellent cultivation techniques and thorough quality control,” said Koo at the shipment ceremony.
Koo added that Geochang County plans to designate a grape export quarantine complex for 2026 which will support expansion into new markets such as the US.
“Geochang County will strengthen administrative support to increase farm income, including expanding overseas sales channels and supporting export logistics.”
Yeongju City in North Gyeongsang Province has also celebrated a shipment of Shine Muscat to Taiwan this month.
The newly-established Yeongju Grape Export Agricultural Cooperative Corporation, sent 5.4 tonnes, which CEO Bae Seokjun expects will lead to further shipments in the future.
“This export to Taiwan will serve as a full-fledged bridgehead for Yeongju Shine Muscat’s entry into overseas markets,” Bae told Asia Business Daily.
“We will accelerate efforts to pioneer various overseas markets, including South-East Asia, beyond Taiwan.”
