?

?

?

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.?