South Chungcheong Province’s Fresh Produce Finds Export Breakthrough in Hong Kong

[Financial News, Hongseong = Reporter Kim Won-jun] South Chungcheong Province secured export contracts worth $500,000 after conducting marketing activities in Hong Kong for fresh produce from the province, including strawberries, pears and grapes.
According to South Chungcheong Province on the 6th, the province participated in Asia Fruit Logistica 2026, held in Hong Kong from the 2nd to the 4th. It operated an open-plan joint pavilion for South Chungcheong Province and held multifaceted export consultations with domestic and international buyers. Asia Fruit Logistica is the only specialized fresh-produce trade fair in Asia. Producers and major distribution buyers from key markets, including Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia, gather at the event.
At the fair, South Chungcheong Province actively promoted the outstanding taste, aroma and quality of major varieties, including strawberries, pears and grapes, under Chungnam Ogam, its representative joint brand for horticultural products. The province also strengthened on-site support so that local exporting farms could use the joint pavilion to hold one-on-one consultations tailored to overseas buyers.
This tailored strategy quickly produced results. Hongju Arihyang Agricultural Cooperative Corporation, based in Hongseong County, signed export contracts worth a total of $500,000 with Hong Kong distributor BS. The contracts centered on new strawberry varieties with large, firm fruit, including Arihyang and Pink Candy.
South Chungcheong Province also conducted promotional activities at the event to support the successful hosting of the Nonsan World Strawberry Industry Expo, scheduled for 2027. It introduced the expo’s purpose and vision to overseas food and agriculture officials and visitors, while also recruiting 15 overseas buyers and strawberry-industry professionals to participate in future export consultations and industry exchanges.
The export achievement comes as Korean premium fruits, including domestic strawberries, gain popularity in high-end fresh-food markets across Southeast Asia and Greater China. Korean strawberries have traditionally entered overseas markets mainly under the Seolhyang variety. Recently, however, a strategy focused on new varieties such as Arihyang, Vitaberry and Pink Candy—known for their firm flesh and distinctive flavors—has proven effective in targeting premium local supermarkets and the high-end dessert market.
South Chungcheong Province plans to strengthen support for developing customized packaging and cold-chain distribution systems to preserve the freshness of local agricultural products. It will also continue expanding diversified marketing efforts in major export markets to raise international awareness of Chungnam Ogam.
A South Chungcheong Province official said, "This fair once again confirmed that South Chungcheong’s outstanding fresh agricultural products have sufficient competitiveness in the global market." The official added, "We will continue to pursue diverse initiatives, including developing specialized export complexes and supporting overseas marketing, to enhance the brand value of Chungnam Ogam and help increase farmers’ incomes."
[email protected] Reporter Kim Won-jun Reporter