Japanese Giant Strawberries Start to Conquer the World

Saga Prefecture is hoping to give its economy a boost, but this time with strawberries crossbred to be less squishy and super delicious. The fruit, developed in a Saga prefectural government research lab, has become so popular it now ranks No. 2 in crop acreage. Crop acreage for Sagahonoka strawberries shot up to 428 hectares nationwide in 2005, compared with just 12 hectares in 1998. In September 2006, Sagahonoka made up 95 percent of the total strawberry acreage in the prefecture at about 278 hectares. The government is also promoting Sagahonoka strawberries overseas. Between January and May 2006, the prefecture exported roughly 3 tons of Sagahonoka to Hong Kong and sold them at high-end supermarkets. They have sold out despite the hefty price-between the equivalent of 1.000 yen and 1.300 yen for a 300 grams pack, more than double the price in Japan. In February, the prefecture exported roughly 300 kilograms to Taiwan, which was sold out as well. The prefectural government hopes exports to Hong Kong and Taiwan will pave the way for selling strawberries to mainland China, where Japanese strawberries are not permitted.