South Korea outshines Japan in grape export markets

Japan’s dominance of Asia’s Shine Muscat table grape market is waning as neighbouring countries ramp up production. Indeed, China now has 53,000 ha dedicated to the variety and South Korea has 1,800ha, compared with only 1,200ha in Japan, according to a report from Nikkei Asia.

While China’s production is mainly destined for the domestic market, South Korean grapes are providing stiff competition for Japanese products in export markets. In the first 4 months of 2020, South Korean grape exports were up 50% Y-O-Y to US$7.2m, with Shine Muscat accounting for 90% of the value. By comparison, the value of Japan’s grape exports for the same period was only US$1.3m.