Japanese consumers are witnessing the increasing presence of the Shine Muscat grape variety in produce sections, challenging the long-dominant Kyoho grape. The Shine Muscat, a seedless variety with edible skin, is gaining ground and is expected to soon exceed the Kyoho in cultivation area. Its popularity was evident in a Tokyo supermarket, where it dominated the fruit section. The variety is favored for its edible skin, crisp texture, and sweet flavor, making it a preferred snack. This shift is reflected in consumer preferences, with some noting a change in their perception of grape colors from purple to yellow-green.
In Japan, table grape cultivars represent ninety percent of grape production, with more than 60 varieties. The Kyoho grape, developed in 1942, has been a mainstream choice due to its flavor and berry size. In contrast, the Shine Muscat was introduced in 2006 by a government research institute. Recent statistics show a significant increase in the Shine Muscat's cultivation area, nearly doubling since 2016, while the Kyoho's area has decreased. Industry officials anticipate the Shine Muscat will become the leading variety based on cultivation data.
The Japan Fruit Growers Cooperation Association reported that the Shine Muscat's cultivation area surpassed that of the Kyoho in main producing prefectures. This trend is expected to continue as farmers prefer the Shine Muscat for its higher market price, ease of cultivation, and resistance to diseases. The variety's success has led grape producers, including those in Nagano Prefecture, to transition from the Kyoho to the Shine Muscat, significantly impacting sales and attracting new growers to the industry.
Source: The Asahi Shimbun