One Japanese-grown giant strawberry sits in a gift box. It can command high prices as much as 5,000 yen in Hong Kong.
NARA, Feb. 16 — For the Chinese New Year, a group of Japanese fruit growers took some steps to expand exports of their local produce: Giant and sweet strawberries.
The fruit growers in Nara prefecture sell one strawberry at between 600 and 800 yen, displayed in a luxury gift box.
They plan to sell 15,000 pieces, and project sales of 10 million yen this season.
Fruit is generally expensive in Japan, and people often buy melons, grapes and strawberries as a gift for special occasions such as weddings, birthdays and parties.
Now the growers aim to export such treats to Asian neighbors.
According to the growers, one Japanese-grown strawberry can command high prices as much as 5,000 yen at department stores or fruit specialty retailers in Hong Kong.