Korean grapes are seeing greater distribution in the U.S. Love April is in its fourth year bringing in the grapes and is actively expanding the program, which currently distributes the grapes throughout California but also Washington, Arizona, Texas, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, and New York as well as into Canadian markets of Vancouver and Toronto.
The grapes are the Shine Muscat variety–a large, very sweet grape with a crunch that is similar to the Autumn Crisp variety of grapes on the market right now. "They are like Autumn Crisp but they are bigger and sweeter. The minimum Brix is 17 but up to 24," says Love April's Elena Kong.
The grapes, which are currently being flown in from Korea, are seeing a premium price (last year's pricing was up to $35 for 600g) partly due to strong air freight rates. The grapes may switch over to importing via water in time for the Mid-Autumn Festival or Moon Festival on September 17.
Air, then water, shipping
The first variety of the grape is greenhouse-grown in Korea and is being imported now into the U.S. into September. Then, production switches to outdoor-grown grapes. The grapes will be imported into the U.S. until late winter-early spring.
"This is a very popular item for Korean, Chinese, and Asian markets. Since we started importing it four years ago, we've been growing the market to expand to non-Asian markets," says Kong, noting that social media is one tool it is using to teach U.S. consumers about the product. She also adds that it's often consumed on more special occasions as opposed to the everyday eating and snacking grapes that are found in the market. "The unique taste and texture of Shine Muscat grapes cannot be compared to any other grape, and we hope that more people can enjoy them. Quality is especially important in expanding the market."
For more information:
Elena Kong
Love April
Tel: +1 (626) 344-7090
[email protected]
https://www.loveapril.net/