The Shine Muscat grape, once hailed as a premium fruit in South Korea, has seen a significant price drop in recent weeks. (Image courtesy of Lotte Super)
SEOUL, Oct. 21 (Korea Bizwire) – The Shine Muscat grape, once hailed as a premium fruit in South Korea, has seen a significant price drop in recent weeks. This decline is attributed to a surge in farm production and an influx of lower-quality produce flooding the market, according to industry experts.
Data from the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) shows that as of October 17, the average wholesale price for 2kg of Shine Muscat grapes was 10,140 won, marking a 39.8% decrease from a month earlier. This price is 52.9% lower than the average year and 27.4% below last year’s figures.
The grape variety, which commanded higher prices than the traditionally popular Kyoho grapes in July and August, is now selling for 35.8% less. The Korea Rural Economic Institute reports that last month’s average wholesale price for Shine Muscat was 28.8% cheaper than Kyoho grapes, a stark reversal from its premium positioning.
This price decline is part of a three-year trend. In September 2021, 2kg of Shine Muscat grapes sold for 24,639 won wholesale. Today’s prices represent a 54% decrease over this period.
The dramatic shift in the Shine Muscat market is largely due to a rapid increase in cultivation. Attracted by high profit margins in recent years, many farmers pivoted to growing this variety. The Korea Rural Economic Institute projects that Shine Muscat will account for 83.5% of all grape shipments this month, a 6.7% increase from last year. In 2023, Shine Muscat occupied 44% of total grape cultivation area, far surpassing traditional varieties like Campbell Early (29%) and Kyoho (17%).
However, this increase in production has led to concerns about quality control. Reports of inadequate cultivation practices, early harvesting to meet the Chuseok holiday demand, and the impact of this year’s heatwave on grape size and sugar content have all contributed to quality issues.
Consumers have voiced complaints about declining sweetness and tougher skins. While the Korea Grape Association recommends a sugar content of 18 Brix for Shine Muscat, major supermarkets are selling grapes at 15-16 Brix, with some markets offering products as low as 13 Brix.
In response to these challenges, major retailers are implementing stringent quality control measures. Lotte Mart has introduced AI-powered sorting machines and conducts non-destructive sugar content tests, ensuring only grapes above 16 Brix reach their shelves. Emart has strengthened its sourcing management with professional inspection teams and comprehensive sampling methods. Homeplus is also utilizing non-destructive sugar content selectors to maintain quality standards.
An industry insider commented, “As concerns about the declining sweetness of Shine Muscat grapes have been raised, consumer expectations have also increased. We are striving to offer Shine Muscat with a reasonable sugar content of 15-16 Brix at competitive prices.”
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
