South Korean premium grapes debut in Philippine market with Manila launch
South Korea is formally introducing premium grapes to the Philippine market at a trade launch in Metro Manila. The opening follows the conclusion of 18 years of quarantine negotiations and comes as Korean food suppliers expand their presence in the Philippines.
Premium grapes make their Philippine debut
South Korean premium grapes are entering the Philippine market through the Korean Premium Grape Launching Show on September 29, 2026. The Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, known as aT, is hosting the event at Solaire Resort Entertainment City in Parañaque, Metro Manila.
Business Inquirer reported that the showcase is intended to introduce Filipino consumers and fresh-produce industry participants to the quality, freshness, taste and cultivation standards of Korean grapes. It is also designed to connect Korean growers and suppliers with prospective Philippine partners. Guests from both countries are expected to attend.
Market access follows 18 years of negotiations
The commercial launch follows the completion of bilateral plant-quarantine negotiations. South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said the process had continued for 18 years before the two countries finalized an agreement on November 25, 2025. Philippine quarantine officials had inspected Korean orchards and packing facilities during a visit to South Korea in August 2024.
Exporters must comply with the agreed phytosanitary conditions. These include registration of orchards and export packing facilities, pest surveillance and the inclusion of additional declarations on phytosanitary certificates. The Korean authorities said they would incorporate the requirements into domestic rules and provide tailored training for participating farms.
The agreement made grapes the eighth Korean agricultural product authorized for export to the Philippines, joining apples, pears, sweet persimmons, onions, citrus fruit, paprika and strawberries. For growers and packers, access creates another destination in Southeast Asia, but commercial volumes will depend on compliance, cold-chain performance and acceptance by Philippine buyers.
Korean food sales are already expanding
Korean grape exports reached 3,376 tonnes in 2023 and 4,789 tonnes in 2024, according to the ministry. Shipments totaled 5,014 tonnes in the first 10 months of 2025. These figures cover all destinations rather than the Philippines, where the Manila event represents the organized market introduction.
The launch also follows broader Korean efforts to develop food sales in the country. Newsis reported that agricultural, forestry and livestock food exports to the Philippines reached $149.68 million in the first half of 2026, up 3.3% from the same period a year earlier. At the World Food Expo in Manila, held from July 29 to August 1, grapes drew positive responses in consultations and tastings for specialist fresh-produce buyers. The exhibition brought together about 800 food companies and approximately 50,000 buyers and visitors.
The immediate task is to turn promotional interest into repeat orders. Premium grapes require careful handling and consistent presentation, while importers must assess achievable retail prices, shelf life and demand beyond launch events. The Manila showcase gives Korean suppliers a direct route to distributors and retailers, but sustained sales will depend on reliable shipments and a clear premium proposition for Philippine consumers.
