Korea’s grape industry is entering a period of adjustment after years of rapid Shine Muscat expansion pushed production higher and market prices lower. While growers are increasingly looking towards alternative varieties, export demand for premium Korean Shine Muscat continues to strengthen, says Jeff Jun of Top Fruit Co. Ltd.
Shine Muscat production is projected to decline by around 2–3% this year to approximately 90,000 tonnes, as industry organisations encourage growers to diversify, Jeff explains, adding that the variety remains widely cultivated, covering around 6,000 hectares nationwide, with Sangju and Gimcheon among the leading production areas.
© Top Fruit Co. Ltd
“The Shine Muscat industry has experienced rapid growth over the past several years, leading to a substantial increase in supply and a corresponding decline in market prices. To stabilize the market, industry organizations have encouraged growers to diversify into alternative grape varieties.”
The shift marks a significant change for Korea’s grape sector. “Until the 2010s, Campbell Early accounted for as much as 60% of the country’s grape-growing area. Following the commercial expansion of Shine Muscat around 2015, growers increasingly switched from Campbell Early and Kyoho to the premium seedless variety. By 2023, Shine Muscat represented around 43.1% of Korea’s grape acreage, compared with 29.3% for Campbell Early and 17.5% for Kyoho,” Jeff explains.
Now, growers are exploring varieties including Hongju Seedless, Cocoball, Shooting Star, Red Claret and Glory Star. “Traditional grape varieties such as Campbell Early and Kyoho are, in many cases, generating better returns in the domestic market,” Jeff says. “Hongju Seedless, a newly developed variety with relatively limited supply, is enjoying strong market demand and premium pricing.”
© Top Fruit Co. Ltd
The adjustment in the domestic market contrasts with export developments. According to Jeff, “Korea exported approximately 8,000 tonnes of Shine Muscat in 2025, with Taiwan accounting for the largest share. Demand is also growing in Singapore, Hong Kong and Indonesia, while exports to the US, Canada and Australia continue to expand.”
“Although competitively priced Chinese grapes remain widely available, consumers in these markets are increasingly favouring Korean Shine Muscat grapes because of their high Brix, premium quality and consistent eating quality.”
Taiwan’s stringent pesticide-residue inspections remain a key challenge, making careful orchard management and quality control essential. Top Fruit primarily supplies 450g consumer packs, with a minimum sugar level of 17°Brix and average berry weights exceeding 14g.
Despite exceptionally hot summer conditions, Jeff does not expect a significant production impact, as much of the crop is concentrated in the higher-altitude areas of Sangju and Gimcheon.
© Top Fruit Co. Ltd
Exports began in early July, with order volumes increasing noticeably from August. “By mid-August, export volumes are expected to be twice the level recorded during the same period last year. We anticipate a substantial increase in shipments from September onward, as the peak export season gets underway,” Jeff says.
For Korea’s grape industry, the focus now is on managing the legacy of the Shine Muscat expansion while developing alternative varieties and continuing to build premium export markets.
Top Fruit Co. Ltd. will be exhibiting at Asia Fruit Logistica at stand N05 in Hall3.
For more information:
Jeff Jun
Top Fruit Co. Ltd.
Tel: +82 51 714 0205
Email: [email protected]