"Whimori, Korea’s national brand for agricultural products released a new statistical report in which it took a detailed look at the export statistics of the country's three items: pear, strawberry and King Oyster mushroom. The statistical information was based from January-September of 2012.
Mushroom
King Oyster Mushroom is one of Whimori’s first agricultural products for export which is gaining popularity in the US, Canada, Vietnam, Australia and the Netherlands.
Total quantity exported since January 2012 is 10,170 tons with a total value of $ US 22,821,801 until September. This is a visible 5.64 % increase in volume and 9.19% in value has been reported by Whimori.
In July, Enoki mushroom was added in the Whimori list and set to attract more European buyers.
According to Mr. Jong Kean Lee, Director General, Export Development Department of aT Korea Agro- Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, “We aim to expand our market in Europe. Demand in the Netherlands is increasing steadily every year, yet new markets or buyers from other European countries are what we are looking for. We are developing a market plan which will make Europe one of the biggest mushroom export markets for Whimori."
Pear
At the moment, total pear production has reached 6,901 tons with a value of $US 20,119,389, an increase of 17.57% in volume and 25.55% in value since January up to September 2012.
Taiwan and USA are the main export countries for the Korean pears gaining 15.46 % increase in volume export to Taiwan while 25.35% to the USA so far this year.
Sales values reported are $US 7,476,083 last year to $US 9,307,950 from Taiwan and $ US7,127,422 to $US 9,189,558 from the USA. Other export countries are Indonesia, Canada and Hong Kong.
Whimori continues their pear production activities despite the typhoon that swept across South Korea’s largest pear orchards. The typhoon mainly affected the early variety and will not affect export volumes which come from the late harvest.
Strawberries
Strawberries are one of the five new items added to the Whimori list in July together with apples, Enoki mushrooms, lilies and cactus.
South Korea exports to Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia and Thailand. A 19.58% increase rate in volume and 40. 99 % in value over the last nine months of the year, makes the fresh strawberries the leading agricultural export product of Whimori.
Maehyang and Flamengo strawberries are two main varieties for export as demand for Maehyang is increasing in Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.
Maehyang is getting more popular among consumers due to its attractive cone shape appearance and its firm flesh. The distinct reddish color of Maehyang also makes it more popular for decorating cakes among other consumers. From January until last month, 2,086 tons) with a value of $US 18, 230,144 has been exported worldwide.
Whimori is now preparing for the next strawberry season which will start at the end of November and expected to last until April.
There is no doubt that Whimori will soon be more available on supermarket shelves around the globe with the joint effort of aT Corp.’s 11 branches abroad plus the support of the Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
“Our main responsibility is to produce fresh fruit and vegetables using the strict quality control that Whimori requires. We care for the consumers and we take our time in marketing Whimori products to produce great results,” said Mr. Lee.
Additionally, Whimori is not concerned with the Dutch greenhouses in New Zealand producing bell peppers which are exported to Japan. “I like to think that Whimori bell peppers are the best in the world. We don’t worry, we have a stable and still growing market for bell peppers in Japan. Logistically, we still have an advantage in transporting bell peppers due to the shorter distance from South Korea compared from New Zealand. Japanese consumers recognize our peppers and their freshness,” he concludes.
Contact details:
Ms. Jenny Chung Eunyoung
Ms. Jenny Chung Eunyoung
aT Korea Agro-Fisheries and Food Trade Corp.
Tel: +82263001448
Email: eychung@at.or.kr