K-Strawberry Exports Surge 16.6%; aT Aims for Year-Round Production to Fill Summer Gap

South Korea's K-strawberry exports are on the rise, with a significant 16.6% increase in value during the first four months of 2024, totaling $56.87 million. This growth trajectory continues from last year's total exports of $72 million. Key markets include Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Vietnam, highlighting the growing international demand for Korean strawberries.

To sustain and expand this export momentum, the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) is actively seeking solutions for year-round production. Currently, strawberry cultivation is heavily concentrated in the winter months due to the crop's sensitivity to temperature and environmental conditions. This seasonal limitation creates a significant gap in summer exports.

Recognizing the need to bridge this gap, aT recently hosted a technical briefing on year-round strawberry production. The initiative aims to explore and implement technologies that allow for consistent cultivation, even during warmer months. This strategic move is crucial for stabilizing production, meeting global demand, and further solidifying the K-strawberry brand in international markets, especially in light of increasing climate change impacts on traditional growing seasons.