Fostering the Next Shine Muscat: Rural Development Administration Begins Full-Scale Distribution of New Varieties Like "Cocoball" and "Shooting Star"

The Rural Development Administration is set to begin the full-scale distribution of new grape varieties designed to compete with Shine Muscat. This initiative is expected to address the current over-reliance on Shine Muscat, broaden the range of choices available to domestic consumers, and contribute to expanding grape exports.

On October 15, the Rural Development Administration announced plans to expand the cultivation area of three high-quality grape varieties-Cocoball, Shooting Star, and Hongjusseedless, which were developed through public-private collaboration-to 300 hectares by 2030.

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Recently, consumers have shown a preference for seedless grapes that can be eaten with their skins, offering convenience for easy consumption. Shine Muscat, introduced in Korea in 2015, has rapidly increased in cultivation area due to its high sugar content (an average of 18 Brix) and the convenience of being eaten whole. However, this rapid expansion has led to a significant increase in supply, resulting in quality degradation issues caused by early harvesting and oversupply.

Kim Daehyun, Director of the Department of Horticultural Crops at the National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, stated, "Shine Muscat has been the fastest-growing variety in the domestic fruit industry over the past decade, but as supply has surged, prices have continued to fall. It is now urgent to distribute alternative varieties." He added, "By promoting the wider distribution of Cocoball, Shooting Star, and Hongjusseedless, we aim to reduce the supply of Shine Muscat and drive overall growth in the grape industry."

The new varieties being distributed by the Rural Development Administration can be eaten with their skins like Shine Muscat, but are distinguished by unique flavors, aromas, and textures compared to conventional grapes.

First, Cocoball is characterized by its thin skin, firm flesh, and crisp texture. Its average sugar content exceeds 19 Brix. In particular, the loose cluster formation reduces the labor required for thinning the berries. Distribution began in 2024, and the variety has shown rapid growth, with about 5 hectares currently cultivated mainly in Cheonan, Yeongcheon, and Sangju.

Shooting Star is notable for its unique skin color and cotton candy aroma. It also boasts a high average sugar content of over 19 Brix, and offers a crisp texture and distinctive flavor and color when eaten with the skin. Starting this year, approximately 20 tons (estimated cultivation area of 3 hectares) have been shipped mainly from Sangju, with distribution focused on department stores and online markets.

Hongjusseedless, meaning "seedless red grape," is also a variety that can be eaten with the skin and is characterized by its crisp texture and sweet-tart flavor. The total area of distributed seedlings is estimated at 100 hectares, with about 5 hectares currently cultivated mainly in Sangju and Hongseong.

The Rural Development Administration is working in cooperation with local governments, producer groups, and the distribution industry to expand the total cultivation area of these three varieties to 300 hectares by 2030. The Korea Grape Society is responsible for distributing seedlings and conducting field trials, while the Korea Grape Export Association supports domestic and international promotion and export infrastructure. The National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science and local government researchers are developing cultivation manuals and providing technical support.

In addition, starting next year, the administration plans to conduct pilot exports of about 1 ton per variety, focusing on Asian markets such as Hong Kong and Vietnam.

Director Kim commented, "Cocoball, Shooting Star, and Hongjusseedless are varieties that cater to consumer preferences while contributing to stable farm income. By establishing specialized production complexes and continuing research to improve cultivation stability, we aim to diversify domestic grape varieties and expand the market."

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