South Koreans Drink up to Grapefruit

Consumption data ends in 2013 as there is no official grapefruit demand data from USDA PS&D and FAO for 2014-2016.

South Koreans, particularly younger consumers, are increasingly discovering the nutritional benefits and palatable taste of grapefruit. The country’s food and beverage industry is boosting domestic demand by incorporating grapefruit into more products—grapefruit beer, tea, red grapefruit cocktails, and gyeondyo-bars (a hangover cure). It should come as no surprise that the country’s imports of grapefruits from the United States, its largest trading partner, have increased. What’s even more eye opening is that the country’s total imports of grapefruits have soared by nearly 30% to a record high during the past two years.