South Korea Exports First Gloristar Grapes to China
The newly introduced seedless grape variety aims to replace declining Shine Muscat sales in international markets.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Wine
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South Korea has completed its first shipment of Gloristar grapes to China following a visit from Chinese buyers to local growing regions. The seedless, red variety is being positioned as a market successor to Shine Muscat grapes.
Why it matters
The export launch responds to price declines for Shine Muscat grapes caused by increased market supply and expanded cultivation. Authorities aim to capture new demand through this premium replacement variety.
Gloristar is a red, seedless grape variety characterized by its crisp texture and high sugar content. The government has established an annual grape export target of US$112.5 million.
The players
Gyeongsangbuk-do Agricultural Research & Extension Services
This provincial agency in South Korea is responsible for developing new agricultural varieties like the Gloristar grape.
The details
Developed by the Gyeongsangbuk-do Agricultural Research & Extension Services, the Gloristar grape is intended to bolster export value. Officials plan to ship the entire available volume this year and have scheduled retail promotions for next month.
Timeline
South Korean grape exports reached US$23.5 million in 2019.
Exports totaled US$85.7 million in 2025.
Chinese buyers visited South Korean grape-growing regions in September 2026.
Grape exports reached US$56.3 million through September 2026.
Retail promotions are scheduled in Shanghai and Shenzhen in November 2026.
Culture Shift
The introduction of Gloristar follows the price decline of Shine Muscat grapes due to market saturation. This shift signals a move toward premium, new-variety cultivation to maintain high export value against broader agricultural supply trends.
Consumers in major Chinese markets like Shanghai and Shenzhen will soon see the new Gloristar variety in retail stores. The availability of this premium grape provides a distinct alternative to the common Shine Muscat variety.
The takeaway
The success of this export program will depend on scaling the number of farms that meet strict international import requirements. Diversifying grape varieties remains a primary strategy for South Korean agricultural exporters seeking to sustain revenue growth.
What happens next
Retail promotions for the Gloristar grapes are scheduled to take place in Shanghai and Shenzhen during November 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about evolving market trends in our Wine section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Freshplaza.
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