Exhibiting at Asia Fruit Logistica 2025

Korea Grape Export Association (K-grape) is South Korea’s official agricultural export body representing grape producers and exporters committed to expanding the global reach of premium Korean grape varieties. Headquartered in Sangju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, the association consolidates the nation’s leading grape farmers, cooperatives, and export firms to deliver consistent quality, reliable volumes, and internationally certified grapes to more than a dozen countries worldwide.

Organizational Overview

Korea Grape Export Association was established to professionalize and centralize the export of Korean-grown grapes under a unified brand, K-grape. Operating with strong support from the Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA), the association plays a critical role in market expansion, quality standardization, export logistics, and international marketing.

The association includes:

• 99 registered grape producers
• 107 export companies
• Over 2,800 farms involved in grape cultivation

These stakeholders are aligned under one operational framework to ensure product traceability, compliance, and scalability for international markets.

Core Business Functions

K-grape's activities span across the full grape export supply chain:

• Aggregation and quality control of Shine Muscat and other grape varieties
• Standardized post-harvest processes including cleaning, grading, and packaging
• Cold chain logistics for air and sea freight exports
• Certification assistance for GLOBALG.A.P., HACCP, and phytosanitary compliance
• International promotions, buyer engagement, and trade show participation

The association also provides technical training to farmers and supports innovation in packaging and branding to meet market-specific requirements.

Product Portfolio

K-grape represents a range of high-sugar, export-grade grape varieties grown across Korea’s key viticultural regions.

Shine Muscat

• Seedless, green, high-Brix table grape
• Aromatic and crisp texture
• Shelf life: up to 3 weeks under cold chain
• Main export window: August to November

Kyoho Grapes

• Large purple grape with juicy pulp
• Popular in Japan and China
• Export window: July to September

Campbell Early

• Smaller, deep purple grape with bold flavor
• Traditionally grown in Korea since the 1960s
• Export window: June to August

These varieties are cultivated under GAP-certified greenhouses and open fields, harvested by hand, and inspected for sugar content, coloration, and skin integrity before shipment.

Export Performance and Financials

The Korea Grape Export Association has demonstrated strong year-on-year growth in both export volumes and revenue:

• Export Volume (2022): 1,766 metric tons
• Export Revenue (2022): USD $30.2 million
• Pre-orders for 2023: 3,900 metric tons (over 2.2x YoY growth)

As demand for Korean Shine Muscat grows in Southeast Asia, Middle East, and premium retail segments, the association anticipates surpassing USD $50 million in annual export sales by 2025.

Target Markets

K-grape exports to over 15 countries, with key growth in:

• Vietnam
• Thailand
• China
• Indonesia
• Hong Kong
• Singapore
• United Arab Emirates
• Malaysia
• Taiwan

Shine Muscat grapes are positioned as luxury seasonal fruits in these markets, frequently sold in upscale grocery chains, department store gift sets, and fruit-themed cafes and dessert brands.

Capabilities and Infrastructure

To ensure product freshness and premium quality, K-grape operates via integrated infrastructure:

• Cold storage and pre-cooling facilities in Gyeongsangbuk-do
• Automated sorting lines with sugar content and size calibration
• Custom packaging and labeling services for retail and gifting
• Logistics coordination with major air freight and reefer container lines
• In-house export compliance teams managing certifications and documentation

K-grape also coordinates with aT (Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation) to execute logistics support, trade show presence, and buyer matchmaking.

Certifications and Quality Compliance

The association and its member farms comply with international standards, ensuring high regulatory clearance for all shipments:

• GLOBALG.A.P. certification for grower operations
• HACCP-aligned packing centers
• Phytosanitary certification for each export consignment
• Sanitary export program registration with MAFRA
• MRL compliance for Japan, EU, and Southeast Asian markets

The grapes undergo rigorous quality testing including Brix (sugar level), firmness, and residue control before packing and dispatch.

Brand Identity and Global Promotion

The association promotes Korean grapes under the official K-grape brand. Key branding elements include:

• Distinctive retail-ready gift boxes
• Premium-quality packaging with harvest origin tags
• K-grape QR code tracking for farm-to-shelf transparency

K-grape has participated in major food exhibitions including:

• Asia Fruit Logistica
• FOODEX Japan
• THAIFEX – Anuga Asia
• Seoul Food Expo

Retail activations and pop-up events have also been held in high-traffic stores like AEON Vietnam, NTUC FairPrice Singapore, and Tops Thailand.

Achievements and Recognition

• Supported over 3,900 metric tons in grape exports pre-booked for 2023
• Named one of the fastest-growing fruit export cooperatives by Korean media
• Coordinated multi-country K-grape tasting campaigns in 2023
• Partnered with KOTRA, aT, and regional governments for overseas promotional grants

Through meticulous quality control, branding, and international logistics, Korea Grape Export Association has become the cornerstone of Korea’s grape export ecosystem—ensuring that Korean Shine Muscat grapes are now a globally recognized premium fruit symbolizing freshness, sweetness, and luxury.