Shine Muscat Grapes Plummet from Luxury to Bargain
Creatrip Team
4 months ago
Shine Muscat, once nicknamed the "Hermes of fruits" for its high price, has seen retail prices fall sharply — about 54% below the typical level — turning it into one of Korea's cheapest grape varieties. Popular for its high sugar, fragrance and seedlessness, a 2kg box that sold for 30,000–50,000 won in 2020 now averages around 11,572 won (recently 10,000–20,000 won). Oversupply from rapid expansion of cultivation (Shine Muscat's share rose from 4% in 2017 to over 40% recently) has driven down prices and reportedly harmed quality, with consumers saying sweetness has declined and skins are tougher. Authorities and lawmakers have raised the issue; cooperatives have taken measures like donating 1 ton to military troops to help struggling growers.
