K-Food Newsletter

Korean Shine Muscat Grapes Expand Exports to the U.S. and Southeast Asia
Date
2023-09-20 12:46:12
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417
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Boasting a distinctive mango-like aroma and flavor, the Shine Muscat grape has earned the nickname “Mango Grape”. The city of Sangju in North Gyeongsang Province is recognized as the primary production area for these grapes in South Korea. Cultivation began in earnest around 2015, and by 2020, 900 hectares have been planted, accounting for 70% of the country's total area. Located between the Charyeong and Soryeong mountain ranges, the area has a high altitude and a wide range of weather conditions. The area's fertile soil provides an optimal environment for growing delicious grapes. Known for its large grape yields and large berries, the city has successfully expanded its export market to Southeast Asia and the U.S. In 2020, twelve farmers who have been growing grapes in Sangju City for a long time established the Shaiwang Agricultural Cooperative Corporation. Despite increasing production, there was a shortage of high-quality grapes for export, which led to the establishment of the organization.

 

 


The quality of Shine Muscat grapes is determined by their sweetness and aroma. In order to produce the best grapes, the Shaiwang Agricultural Cooperative Corporation only harvests in late October when the grapes are fully ripe. Due to the extreme weather conditions in the region, the grapes are harder and firmer than grapes from other regions when they are ripe. As a result, grapes from the region have a more harmonious texture and aroma. They also produce premium Shine Muscat grapes with 50 berries per cluster, over 15 grams per bunch and 20 Brix sugar.
In addition, the cooperative developed a new variety of seedless red grapes that are edible whole, including the skin. These grapes were introduced to the domestic market in 2022, with international exports starting next year. The grapes, which taste and smell like apples, come in five varieties, including Hongju Seedless and My Heart. They are the next generation of grapes to succeed Shine Muscat.
The Corporation cultivated 10 hectares and shipped 300 tons. In 2021, they expanded to 11 acres and produced 330 tons, and in 2022, they expanded to 12 acres and produced 360 tons. 90% is their flagship product, the Shine Muscat, and they also grow a few red varieties and some Campbell grapes. The grapes are grown at high altitudes, specifically 350 meters. 32% of the vines are five years old, while 36% are between three and four years old, ensuring that the quality requirement of having vines that are at least three years old covers 68% of their cultivation. In 2020, they exported 45 tons, followed by 30 tons in 2021 and an impressive 70 tons in 2022 to countries such as China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore. They have been actively participating in food fairs in Beijing, Shanghai, Thailand and Dubai for the promotion of their products. In the future, they plan to expand their export to countries such as Indonesia, USA and Thailand. In 2020, 1,866 tons of Korean grapes worth USD 22.89 million were exported. Of these, Shine Muscat alone accounted for 49% of the total export volume and 72% of the total export revenue.

 

 


There is still a shortage of the best quality Shine Muscat grapes for the export market. The only competitive advantage is quality. Compared to other grapes, Shine Muscat is more susceptible to pests and diseases. Therefore, it requires meticulous care, such as wrapping in protective bags and maintaining proper water flow. Proper aeration and light penetration are essential. Basic environmental factors such as deep plowing of the soil and acidity balancing are also important. These grapes also require a higher nutrient input. In order to produce the highest quality Shine Muscat, the Shaiwang Agricultural Cooperative Corporation is constantly striving to improve its growing techniques. Compared to traditional grapes such as Campbell, this variety has a lower adaptability to external factors and requires more facilities and a more delicate growing environment. To this end, they have obtained G.A.P certification and are preparing for GLOVEL. G.A.P and Halal certifications.
Shine Muscat is cold hardy and late ripening and can be stored at low temperatures for up to three months. Shaiwang Agricultural Cooperative has 1,322 square meters of cold storage for raw materials and 198 square meters of cold storage for products to strategically coordinate supply timing. It exports under two brands, Shaiwang and Shyarem.

 

 

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