The Rise and Fall of Campbell Grapes in Korea

Campbell grapes, once dominant for over a century, are rising again amidst Shine Muscat's recent popularity.

### The Grapes' Competitive Landscape
Campbell grapes have been popular in Korea since 1908, but their dominance is being challenged by Shine Muscat grapes, which have **surged in popularity in recent years**. The sales share of Campbell grapes has recovered to **30% in three years**, while Shine Muscat still holds a significant **50.6% market share**. The competition between the two grape varieties is intensifying, raising questions about whether Campbell can **reclaim its former status**.

### The Story of Campbell Ford and the Campbell Grape
Campbell Ford is the main character, with a key lesson: "**It's not over until it's over**." Grapes have been cultivated for at least **8,000 years** and play a significant role in Western culture, especially in **wine production**. The Campbell grape, created by George W. Campbell, has become synonymous with grapes in the Asian market, reflecting the **cultural differences in grape nomenclature**.

### The Early Life of Campbell, the Korean Grape King
Campbell's family moved from New York to Sandusky, Ohio, around 1821, where he was exposed to a variety of fruits and developed an **interest in agriculture**. His father, David Campbell, started the Sandusky Clarion, the **first newspaper in the area**, and quickly became a prominent figure, serving in the **Senate within seven years**. Despite his interest in agriculture, Campbell spent his twenties helping his father with the newspaper business until a turning point came in 1841, when he was **35 years old**.

### The Impact of David Campbell's Retirement
David Campbell's retirement in 1841 marked a turning point for the family newspaper, which was then handed over to a professional, leading to its **rebranding as Sandusky Register**. The Campbell family's mismanagement of the newspaper and subsequent move to Delaware opened up opportunities for **fruit cultivation**. The Delaware grape, discovered in 1851 and promoted by Abe Thompson in 1855, became synonymous with **table grapes** and is now representative of **American grapes**.

### The Impact of Campbell on Delaware Grapes
Campbell arrived in Delaware during the grape season and became the ambassador for promoting Delaware grapes. He played a key role in **introducing Delaware grapes across the United States** and later created the renowned **Campbell grape** at the age of **75**. The Campbell grape's **resilience and disease resistance** made it exceptionally popular in Korea and Japan, thriving in regions with distinct **four seasons**.

### The Impact of Campbell Grapes in Korea
Campbell grapes are known for their **well-balanced sweet and sour taste** and have been popular in Korea since their arrival in 1908. The grape variety's cultivation area in the country peaked in the early 2000s, occupying **70% of the national grape cultivation**. The legacy of Campbell, who developed the grape in the US in 1892, has significantly influenced the grape industry in South Korea.

### The Legacy of Campbell Grapes: A Historical Perspective on Grape Popularity
* 🍇 " Campbell grapes have been popular in Korea for over **110 years**, while Shine Muscat has only recently gained traction.
* 📊  The Campbell grape was introduced to Korea in 1908, and despite the rise of Shine Muscat, Campbell has seen a resurgence, recovering its sales share to **30% after a 20% drop** in recent years.
* 🌍  Historically, Campbell grapes were the dominant variety, with a **peak market share of 70%** in the early 2000s, while Shine Muscat currently holds a significant **50.6% share**.
* 👨‍🌾  The development of the Campbell grape began in 1892 by George W. Campbell, who crossed the **Moore's Diamond and Early Concord** varieties, achieving his **long-held dream** at the age of **75**.
* 🌱  Campbell grapes thrive in diverse climates, making them **resilient and suitable for cultivation** in East Asia, which contributed to their **popularity in Korea and Japan**.
* 📜  Campbell's story is not just about grapes but also about **perseverance**, as he continued to pursue his agricultural dreams despite challenges throughout his life.
* 🏡  George Campbell passed away in 1898, leaving behind a legacy that has **significantly influenced the grape culture in South Korea**, recognized as a **cultural heritage site in Delaware**.
* 🤔  As the debate between Campbell and Shine Muscat continues, the **future of grape consumption in Korea** remains an intriguing topic of discussion.

포도왕 캠벨의 복수혈전이 시작됐습니다- 추동훈 매일경제 기자

손경제유니버스 Official 채널｜이진우의 '손에 잡히는 경제' ｜박정호의 '손에 잡히는 경제 플러스'｜MBC 표준FM 95.9MHz

라디오만 25년 했습니다. 유튜브는 몇년이나 하겠습니까?
어차피 수십년은 함께 할 채널, 누구보다 먼저 구독해보세요!
