Record in volume and value for Korean grape exports

Since 2019, South Korea has recorded a 91.7% increase in production areas for the Shine Muscat variety. This expansion of surface areas contributed to an increase in table grape exports, in volume and value.

 

According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, in the first 4 months of 2021, South Korea exported 482 tons of grapes for a value of $7.2 million. The previous year and for the same period the country had exported 314 tons for a value of $4.8 million. Or a variation of around + 54% in volume and around + 49% in value.

 

The Shine Muscat variety represents 89% of table grape exports. The country has recorded an expansion of the production areas of Shine Muscat which increased from 1,867 hectares in 2019 to 3,579 hectares this year.

 

The expansion of surfaces and the improvement in the quality of the grapes have contributed to these positive results according to the ministry, which also highlights the improvement of storage methods. The storage period could be extended to 5 months instead of 3 previously, which allowed exporters to extend the shipping period.

 

In 2020 table grape exports totaled $30.7 million, up from $22.8 million a year earlier, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.