K-strawberries surge toward 1 trillion-won export milestone

Korean strawberries are closing in on a historic ₩1 trillion ($680 million) annual overseas export mark, after last year’s shipments reached ₩99.3 billion (~$67.5 million). They are now ranked as the top agricultural export from South Korea.

According to local media, around 90% of exports go to Southeast Asia, where consumers in countries like Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia have embraced the distinctively sweet and juicy “K-strawberry” — a far cry from the sour, firm berries once common in the region.

Industry experts point out that Korea’s export strength stems from consistent quality and controlled cultivation: while major global strawberry producers include Mexico, Spain and the United States, Korean berries stand out in Southeast Asia thanks to stable sugar content and dependable production.

The boom is rooted in Korea’s home-grown strawberry breeding: after shifting away from Japanese varieties in the early 2000s, domestic researchers developed varieties such as Seolhyang, Maehyang, Geumsil and Kingsberry. Seolhyang — introduced in 2005 — remains popular because it thrives in winter, produces large fruit, and is easy to grow.

Still, some warn about the risks of relying too heavily on a few varieties. Most exports currently come from farms growing Geumsil in South Gyeongsang Province. Last year, abnormal weather there caused export volume to drop 2.6%, underscoring the need for broader varietal diversity and continued investment in research and improved cultivation techniques.

If trends continue, Korea’s strawberry sector could make the leap from prestige niche to global export powerhouse.

source: biz.chosun.com

photo: korea.net