B.C. cherries gain access to South Korean markets
By Food in Canada Staff
Exporting & Importing Fruit & Vegetables British Columbia Editor pick South KoreaThe Government of Canada has gained market access to South Korea for British Columbia’s fresh cherries.
Canada has been working collaboratively with South Korea to gain access for fresh cherries since 2015. Increased exports into South Korea has been part of British Columbia’s long-term strategy to grow international markets for cherries, while securing the best price.
British Columbia’s cherry industry produces 95 per cent of Canada’s sweet cherries and has an opportunity to grow even more thanks in part to the premium new cherry varieties bred at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Research Centre in Summerland, B.C.
With the recent expansion in acreage and production volume along with global demand, sweet cherries have now become Canada’s second largest exported fruit crop behind blueberries. As the region in North America with the latest-growing cherries, British Columbia exporters have a competitive advantage when the cherries are ready to go to market in August and September.
South Korea remains a priority trading partner for Canadian agri-food products. This new access provides more opportunities for Canadian growers to diversify their exports in the Indo-Pacific region.
“With new access to the South Korean market, growers in British Columbia can continue to showcase their cherries around the world and expand trading relationships. This step demonstrates our government’s commitment to get Canadian businesses into new and existing markets and stimulate economic growth,” said Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal agriculture and agri-food minister.
“The BC Cherry Association is extremely pleased that efforts from government and industry have secured access to the South Korean market for Canadian cherries. Our growers and industry partners look forward to building long-lasting relationships with Korean customers and cannot wait to see cherries branded with the maple leaf in stores across South Korea,” added Sukhpaul Bal, president, British Columbia Cherry Association.
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