Demand in South-East Asia is helping one of Korea’s top fruit exports soar to new heights
The Korean strawberry industry is on the verge of a new era as it closes in on an annual export value of Won100bn (US$67mn). Last year exports totalled Won99.3bn (US$68mn), and further growth is expected in the coming years.
According to a report from Chosunbiz, South-East Asia accounts for 90 per cent of export volume and is driving the Korean strawberry boom. Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia are just some of the markets that have been captured by the quality of Korea’s offering.
Ha Yu-jung, director in the agricultural exports department at Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, said: “Strawberries do not grow well in South-East Asia. In the US and Australia, strawberries are produced in open fields, so quality is inconsistent. The quality and sugar content of Korean strawberries are unrivalled.”
In the early 2000s, a single Japanese variety accounted for 90 per cent of Korean strawberry production. But the Korean industry invested in varietal development led by the Strawberry Research Institute, and delivered larger, easier-to-grow fruit in new production windows.
Kim Hyun-suk, Head of Team at the Strawberry Research Institute, said further investment in varietal development is needed to help continue export growth. “Support for research personnel is necessary, and after variety development, cultivation technology support must also be provided,” said Kim.
