The Gyeonggi-do government has decided to knock on the European market by holding hands with the world’s second largest distribution enterprise, Carrefour, to promote the exportation of pears. 
In relation, Shingo pears grown in Gyeonggi-do will be promoted for sales through publicity and sampling events to be held in 380 Carrefour stores, 30 IPERO Italian stores, and in Frankfurt, Germany from January 16 to 31. 

This joint project by the Gyeonggi government and Carrefour is a cooperation strategy of Gyeonggi-do’s strategy of introducing excellent domestic agricultural produce through a multinational enterprise and also Carrefour’s strategy of an active localization plan. 

Along with Carrefour Korea Ltd. and Gyeonggi-do, the Agricultural and Fishery Marketing Corporation and the Korea Agricultural Cooperative Trading Co., Ltd. are also expected to participate in opening the European market. 

This is the third year Gyeonggi-do and Carrefour are cooperating to boost exportation of Shingo pears. During the past years, 70 tons of Korean pears have been exported to the potential European market in the first year and another 300 tons were exported the following year. About 200 tons worth about 430 million won is expected to be exported this year. 

Demands for Korean pears are steadily growing due to a marketing project targeting European consumers that have never eaten nor seen Korean pears. European consumers seeking Korean pears are now enjoying the fresh and sweet taste of pears cultivated in Korea.

The above event will be continued in 216 Carrefour stores in France, GB/Carrefour stores in Belgium, IPERO Italian stores and also in Carrefour stores in Frankfurt, Germany. Korean Shingo pears are now available in a total of 410 large-scale stores in Europe. 

The pears being exported are comparatively small fruits weighing about 330g. If about 3 pears adds up to 1㎏, 200 tons may add up to 600,000 pears, and if 2 pears are bought by each consumer about 300,000 Europeans will experience sweet Korean pears. 

After this, the provincial government will continue establishing cultivation under agreement, support marketing and also successively increase exportation of Shingo pears in Europe and other new markets.