Daemyung Farms Corporation imports, grows, and exports fruit from Korea. In 2023, the company expanded the range of fruit and vegetables they offer to include blueberries, Korean citrus, kiwifruit, tomatoes, paprika, and mushrooms. The main export destinations are China and Thailand.
Lily Jeong and Grace Yoo explain how kiwifruit and blueberry production has gone at Daemyung Farms.
Kiwifruit
"We exported the first kiwifruit from Jeju in November last year. It boasts a Brix level of over 15, offering a delightful blend of strawberry sweetness, pineapple tartness, and a rich banana flavor. We exported 15 tons of kiwifruit, of both green and gold varieties," explains Grace.
© Daemyung
Korea experienced unexpected, long periods of heavy rains, which resulted in failed seedlings. This hampered the expansion of kiwifruit production expending production.
"Not only in Korea but also worldwide, high temperatures, floods, and droughts are becoming more prolonged. Abnormal weather conditions during the harvest season have led to reduced yields, increased pest infestations, and more occurrences of deformed fruit. At this point, it is difficult to determine the exact crop conditions. However, if no major issues arise, the harvest volume is expected to be similar to last year," said Grace.
Domestic demand
The demand for domestic kiwifruit has increased, but so too has the volume of imported kiwifruit. Apple and pear prices have remained high for the past two years, and consumers have been looking for alternative fruits.
Exports
"Among Hong Kong buyers, there are those interested in importing Korean kiwis during the period when fruit from New Zealand is not available. We have been in discussions with them since last year. Buyers supplying wholesale markets prefer bulk packaging, while those supplying supermarkets prefer clamshell pack packaging. Last year, we shipped one pallet as a test, and this year, if possible, we plan to proceed with a sea freight shipment."
Organic Blueberries
"As with the kiwifruit production, the organic blueberry crop suffered due to the extreme weather conditions," explains Lily Jeong. "Daemyung Farms produced 12 tons of blueberries, and this year, volume is expected to decrease, again due to weather conditions. The season runs from March to June. In the off-season, the company imports blueberries from Chile and the US."
© Daemyung
In general demand has decreased by about 10% since last year.
"There is a distinction between consumers of organic and non-organic products. Parents raising children and upper-class consumers recognize the benefits of our organic products and tend to purchase them more. Therefore, organic products are mainly distributed to department stores and specialty shops."
For more information:
Lily Jeong and Grace Yoo
Daemyung Farms Corporation
Tel. +82-70-8859-0672
lily@daemyung.co