Gold kiwis harvested this autumn in Suncheon, South Jeolla Province, are heading to Canada for the first time.
According to the Suncheon Agricultural Cooperative, the shipment totals 13 metric tons and will be handled by Hyunnong Fresh Co., an agricultural export firm, for distribution to supermarkets and other major retail stores across Canada.
A shipment ceremony was held Monday at the fruit-focused APC in Pyeongjung-ri, Seungju-eup, attended by Suncheon Agricultural Cooperative Chairman Choe Nam-hyu, Suncheon City Agricultural Innovation Director Choe Yeong-hwa, Suncheon Fruit Cooperative Chairman Chae Gyu-seon, NH Agri Business Holdings South Jeolla Branch Deputy Economic Director Kim Seong-mo, and representatives of gold kiwi growers, who gathered to mark the inaugural export.
The Suncheon gold kiwis being exported — of the "Haegeum" variety — were developed by South Jeolla Province's agricultural technology institute. Compared with other varieties, they are less acidic, higher in sugar content and noted for their superior flavor.
The Suncheon Joint Cooperative Business Corporation and the Suncheon Agricultural Cooperative have consistently strengthened the competitiveness of Suncheon kiwis in both domestic and overseas markets through systematic sorting and quality management at local distribution facilities.
"The superior quality of Suncheon gold kiwis has been proven through this export to Canada," said Choe Yeong-hwa, Suncheon City's agricultural innovation director. "We are grateful for the cooperative's efforts to boost farmers' incomes and pledge continued administrative support for the expansion of agricultural exports."
Suncheon Agricultural Cooperative Chairman Choe Nam-hyu said the cooperative would work closely with growers, the city, NH Agri Business Holdings and export companies to promote Suncheon kiwis in the Canadian market and build a stable, expanding export base going forward.
parkds@heraldcorp.com
