TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Beginning today, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will continue its partnership with Outback Steakhouse restaurants in South Korea to promote “Fresh From Florida” grapefruit on their spring/summer menu with a red grapefruit cocktail. The promotions at Outback and with other retail partners in South Korea helped Florida grapefruit sales to South Korea reach a historic high of $4.8 million last year, a 44 percent increase from 2013.
There are currently 110 Outback locations in South Korea that will be featuring a “Fresh From Florida” red grapefruit cocktail. Last year, more than 80,000 drinks were sold during the promotion.
“After last year’s success with the first-of-its-kind partnership with Outback Steakhouse in South Korea, we are proud to continue to promote fresh Florida grapefruit this year,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “South Korea continues to expand as a trade partner, and this unique venture will highlight Florida citrus in an exclusive menu item.”
The volume of Florida grapefruit exports to South Korea recently hit a record with 425,705 boxes shipped this year. From January through March, Florida is the source for more than 80 percent of all U.S. grapefruit exports, reaching almost $90 million in 2014.
In addition to the Outback partnership, Maeil Dairy, a distributor for Florida’s Natural juices in South Korea, is teaming up with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to sell 10,000 boxes of Florida’s Natural orange juice at select locations and events across South Korea this year.
Total exports of Florida products to Korea also continue to increase. In 2014, South Korea received more than $60 million worth of Florida agricultural products, ranking it Number 16 in the world. South Korea is currently one of the fastest growing major markets for exports from Florida. “Fresh From Florida” products are now distributed in 1,240 locations throughout Asia.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
