The Rural Development Administration said on the 15th that the new grape varieties "Cocoball," "Shooting Star," and "Hongju Seedless," successors to Shine Muscat, have entered the full-scale distribution stage. Observers say that as shipments of these varieties increase, they will ease the "Shine Muscat" concentration and raise farm income.
Until the 2010s, the Campbell Early variety accounted for as much as 60% of total cultivation among domestic grape farms. But starting in 2020, Shine Muscat's share rose to 40%, and Campbell Early fell to the 30% range or lower. Given that Shine Muscat began to be distributed in 2015, the varietal shift took place in a short period.
An official at the Rural Development Administration said, "Shine Muscat rapidly expanded its cultivation area based on its high sugar content (an average of 18 Brix) and the convenience of being eaten with the skin."
The Rural Development Administration believes that three new varieties that incorporate Shine Muscat's formula for success will emerge as rising powers and satisfy public preferences.
The most recently developed "Cocoball" boasts a sugar content of 19 Brix or higher and a crisp sweetness. Because the clusters are loosely set, it can reduce the labor required for thinning berries, making it a variety favored by farms. Even though distribution only began last year, cultivation area has expanded to 5 hectares (ha) in just one year, indicating rapid adoption by farms. The name "Cocoball" was chosen from the idea of "a grape with a thin, cocoa-colored skin."
"Shooting Star," befitting the meaning of "meteor," features a distinctive skin color that looks as if starlight has been sprinkled on it. It offers a sugar content of 19 Brix or higher with a unique cotton candy aroma. It began shipping to market this year. About 20 tons have been shipped mainly from Sangju, and it is currently distributed primarily through department stores and online markets.
"Hongju Seedless," meaning seedless red grape, has an excellent crisp texture. It is also nicknamed the Hermes of grapes. With a good balance of sweetness and tartness, it is preferred by consumers who want a sweet-and-sour taste. It is known that seedlings have been distributed for an area of 100 hectares (ha).
The Rural Development Administration is working with local governments, producer groups, and the distribution industry with the goal of expanding the cultivation area of the three varieties to a total of 300 hectares (ha) by 2030. Starting next year, it plans to promote trial exports of about 1 ton per variety, focusing on Asian markets such as Hong Kong and Vietnam.
Kim Dae-hyeon, head of the Department of Horticultural Crops at the National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science of the Rural Development Administration, said, "By establishing specialized production complexes to secure a production base and continuing research to enhance cultivation stability, we will lead the diversification of domestic grape varieties and the expansion of the market."