Korean strawberries set a record for exports in 2025 while holding their position as the top-selling fruit at major supermarkets domestically, even as tight winter supply kept prices at premium levels. Strawberry exports reached $72.01 million in 2025, the highest on record, according to Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation on Wednesday.
Exports stood at just $4.4 million in 2005, representing a 16-fold increase over the past 20 years. Thailand, Singapore and Hong Kong accounted for the largest share of shipments. Strawberries handled by NongHyup accounted for about 70 percent of total exports, with the agricultural group recording $49.04 million in overseas sales in 2025, up 7.8 percent from a year earlier.
"Strawberries grown in hot and humid countries lack sweetness and tend to taste more sour," a NongHyup representative said. "They struggle to match the sugar content and quality of Korean strawberries."
The fruit has also gained ground in the food service industry. Desserts such as Seongsimdang's strawberry cake — from the popular Daejeon-based bakery chain — and fresh strawberry mochi filled with Dubai chocolate have drawn steady demand, intensifying competition among retailers to secure high-quality strawberries.
Read more at Korea JoongAang Daily
