Hongseong strawberries surpass Nonsan in exports for the first time

Hongseong, a county in South Korea's South Chungcheong Province, is rapidly emerging as a major strawberry export hub, achieving a significant milestone by surpassing the traditionally dominant Nonsan in export value for the first time. As of April, Hongseong's strawberry exports totaled $1.085 million, exceeding Nonsan's $1.012 million for the same period. This achievement marks a pivotal moment for Hongseong, which aims to break through $2 million in exports next year by expanding its market reach to North and South America, and the Middle East.

The success of Hongseong strawberries, particularly the 'Arihyang' variety, is largely due to a strategic focus on developing unique new varieties. While Nonsan has focused on the domestic market with its popular 'Geumshil' variety, known for its strong sweetness, Hongseong cultivated 'Goldberry' and 'Pink Candy.' These varieties offer a distinct sweet-and-sour flavor profile and are notably larger, sometimes too big to eat in a single bite, differentiating them in the global market. Varieties like 'Arihyang' and 'Honghee' also contribute to this unique offering.

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The Hongju Arihyang Strawberry Farming Association recorded export sales of $400,000 by May, already surpassing last year's total performance of $250,000.

This export boom is also fostering a positive demographic shift in Hongseong's rural areas. Hong Sung-dae, head of the Hongju Arihyang Strawberry Farming Association, noted that while most strawberry farmers were elderly when he started in 2019, the current export member farms consist mainly of individuals in their 20s and 30s. The increased income from exports has spurred interest in strawberry farming, with over 15 people applying for the agricultural training program annually. Currently, about 60 of Hongseong's roughly 400 strawberry farms are involved in exports.

Looking ahead, the '2027 Nonsan World Strawberry Industry Expo' scheduled from February 26th to March 21st, 2027, is expected to provide further opportunities for national and international buyers. Organizers plan to include export-focused companies, recognizing that while Nonsan strawberries are well-established domestically, there is still unmet demand. This event aims to broaden market access and facilitate new trade channels for strawberry producers across South Korea.

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When I started growing strawberries in 2019, most farmers were elderly, but now, among the 14 export member farms of the Hongju Arihyang Strawberry Farming Association, I am the only one in my 50s; the rest are all in their 20s and 30s.