Gyeongbuk Province Traditional Liquor Maker 'Hanguk Apples' Ships 50,000 Bottles of Fruit Wine to Russia for the First Time

Russian Liquor Market Size 6 Trillion Won
Buyers Also Interested in Andong Soju

Gyeongbuk Province's agricultural corporation, Korea Apples Co., Ltd., is the first small and medium-sized enterprise to enter the Russian soju market.

The traditional liquor manufacturer Korea Apples Co., Ltd. shipped its first batch of about 50,000 bottles of fruit wine from its factory in Danchon-myeon, Uiseong-gun on the 20th. The shipped products will be sent to Vladivostok.

Apple wine produced by Hanguk Apples

About 10 people, including Choi Young-sook, Director of the Gyeongbuk Provincial Department of Economic Industry, Choi Tae-rim, Gyeongbuk Provincial Assembly member, and Han Im-seop, President of the Gyeongbuk Food Exporters Association, attended the event to celebrate the first shipment.

The Russian buyer who imported the products evaluated the fruit wine "Chajulsurok" as very suitable for the Russian market, which prefers a variety of flavors, because it offers multiple taste experiences.

In October, they participated in the "Second Half Overseas Buyer Invitation Export Consultation" hosted by the Gyeongbuk Economic Promotion Agency, toured Korea Apples Co., Ltd. and Andong Soju Ilpum Co., Ltd. factories, and also took part in the "Traditional Liquor Promotion Agreement Ceremony," pledging to contribute to the globalization of Gyeongbuk traditional liquors.

Taking this opportunity, they also showed interest in "Andong Soju" and are conducting full-scale negotiations together with the Gyeongbuk Yeonhaeju Office and Andong Soju Ilpum Co., Ltd.

Korea Apples Co., Ltd., located in Uiseong-gun, is a traditional liquor company producing apple wine and brandy. Since its establishment in 1998, it has steadily developed overseas markets and now has a supply network in over 40 countries worldwide, including China, Australia, the United States, and Cambodia, enhancing the status of Gyeongbuk agricultural products. It also contributes to increasing farmers' income by purchasing local apples annually.

Choi Young-sook, Director of the Gyeongbuk Provincial Department of Economic and Trade Affairs, said, "Although we faced difficulties in China due to the THAAD issue, our companies that persevered have gained higher status in the market," adding, "Korea Apples' 'Chajulsurok' will create new opportunities in the Russian market with its unique competitiveness as 'Gyeongbuk apples.'"

Meanwhile, the Gyeongbuk Yeonhaeju Office played a significant role in this entry into Russia. The Russian liquor market, excluding beer, is about 6 trillion won in size, making it the third largest in the world. However, market development has been limited due to difficulties caused by the Russia-Ukraine situation.

Since December last year, the Gyeongbuk Yeonhaeju Office has acted as a buyer for producers and as a producer for buyers for about a year, facilitating actual exports in line with the changed circumstances. From the first video conference to shipment, they provided not only interpretation but also assistance with Russian import certification, issuance of liquor consumption tax stamps, and mutual provision of information regarding buyer payments and logistics.