Recently, Sendai City in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, unveiled a new strawberry variety called the “Kororon Berry.” The introduction of this new strawberry variety represents another innovative breakthrough in Japan’s strawberry industry. According to the latest relevant information, the Kororon Berry features large fruit, high sweetness, and a refreshing taste. It is expected to officially hit the market in December 2026.
Variety Highlights and Background
One of the standout features of the Kororon strawberry is its exceptionally large fruit. Each berry weighs over 20 grams, boasting plump, juicy flesh with high sweetness and a refreshing taste. The berries boast a vibrant, deep red color and a perfectly round shape. Their distinctive heart-shaped cross-section earned them the name “Kororon,” symbolizing sweetness and warm affection. With their high sugar content, they are ideal for fresh consumption, making them a perfect choice for daily enjoyment and dessert preparation. Their unique texture and beautiful appearance give this variety tremendous market potential.
This strawberry variety was meticulously developed over eight years by the Miyagi Prefectural Agricultural and Horticultural Research Institute, marking the institute’s third strawberry cultivar following Moikko and Niko Niko. During its development, the institute successfully created this large-fruited, flavorful new variety through crossbreeding Ookimi and Moikko strawberries. Moikko strawberries feature a pronounced tartness, making them ideal for cakes, desserts, and similar applications. Niko Niko strawberries, renowned for their firm flesh, are widely exported. The Kororon Berry combines the strengths of both predecessors: it retains the large fruit size while further enhancing flavor and appearance, giving it strong market competitiveness.
Miyagi Prefecture’s Strawberry Industry Evolution
As the largest and most significant strawberry-producing region in Japan’s Tohoku area, Miyagi Prefecture cultivates strawberries across 135 hectares, yielding approximately 4,760 tons annually. The prefecture grows diverse strawberry varieties, with Moikko accounting for about 45% of production, Niko Niko comprising 25%, and other varieties making up the remainder. In recent years, Miyagi’s strawberry industry has expanded into international markets, initiating exports in 2023. The export season runs from mid-December each year through June of the following year. By 2026, Miyagi’s strawberry exports are projected to reach 50 tons, marking a 1.5-fold increase from the previous season.
Market Prospects
Commercial mass production of Kororon Berry is scheduled to commence in December 2026. Miyagi Prefecture plans to hold grower training sessions this month to help local farmers understand the cultivation techniques and management requirements for this variety. As the first step in commercial production, the agricultural cooperative will provide approximately one hectare of seedlings to 30 strawberry producers, with an estimated first-year shipment of around 50 tons. With the expansion of this variety, Miyagi Prefecture’s strawberry industry is poised to further enhance its competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.
As a vital component of Japan’s strawberry industry, the introduction of Korolen Berry represents not only the culmination of years of dedicated research by the Natori Agricultural Horticultural Research Institute but also injects new vitality into Miyagi Prefecture’s strawberry sector. Boasting exceptional quality and an aesthetically pleasing appearance, Kororon Berry is undoubtedly poised to secure a prominent position in future markets, emerging as a new favorite in export markets.
