| Fresh
Produce
Korea is self-sufficient in almost
all produce; however, local production declines slightly every year and imports
are likely to continue growing.
The well-being or healthy food
trend is growing as incomes increase and consumers demand larger quantities and
greater varieties of fresh produce. Eating
out has also become a major trend and fast food and family style restaurants
are increasingly preparing dishes with a variety of fresh vegetables.
In 2005, it is estimated that
Korea imported $100 million of fresh vegetables, a 10 percent increase from the
previous year and $400 million of fresh fruit, an 18 percent increase from the
previous year. Major imported fresh fruits are oranges and bananas. The United States has a 5 percent market
share in the fresh vegetable market and a 43 percent market share in fresh
fruit. However, the U.S. has a 99 percent market share in oranges and an 85
percent market share in fresh cherries.
|
