Gangjin Strawberries, Export to Southeast Asia Begins This Year

‘Chambyeolha’ Agricultural Corporation, First Shipment of Strawberries to Vietnam and Thailand

A celebration event for the export of Gangjin strawberries to Vietnam was held last November. ⓒ Asia Economy

[Gangjin＝Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-su] Gangjin-grown strawberries took their first step into the Southeast Asian market on the 30th of last month.

According to the county on the 6th, more than 20 members of the Gangjin Strawberry Export Research Association, along with county officials including Lee Seung-ok, the mayor of Gangjin County, attended the shipment ceremony to celebrate the export of Gangjin strawberries and exchange opinions.

The event was held with minimized attendance in compliance with quarantine guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The ‘Chambyeolha’ agricultural corporation, responsible for sorting, packaging, and shipping strawberries for the Gangjin Strawberry Export Research Association, began exporting to Thailand and Vietnam last year and plans to continue exporting.

The county and Chambyeolha agricultural corporation recognized that strawberries are increasingly perceived as a premium fruit in Southeast Asia, leading to a rise in the popularity of domestically grown strawberries. They have been exploring not only the domestic market but also export market development.

Accordingly, they received 100 million KRW in national funding from the Jeonnam Agricultural Research and Extension Services to establish strawberry storage and sorting facilities, striving to supply the highest quality strawberries. Currently, 13 strawberry farms in the area supply fresh fruit to the ‘Chambyeolha’ corporation.

Oh Myung-seok, chairman of Chambyeolha, said, “We started exporting Gangjin strawberries last year, and seeing that this year’s order volume has increased compared to last year, I believe the excellence of Gangjin strawberries is being recognized. Our export target this year is 17 tons. We will continue to cooperate with the county to do our best to widely promote the highest quality Gangjin strawberries worldwide.”

Mayor Lee Seung-ok stated, “Domestic strawberry price competition is becoming increasingly intense, so exporting strawberries is essential for price stabilization. The county will also do its best to expand strawberry exports and improve farmers’ incomes.”

Meanwhile, the 340 kg of fresh strawberries shipped this time are scheduled to be supplied to department stores in Thailand and Vietnam.

Gangjin＝Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-su kys86120@asiae.co.kr

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.