(Hongseong=Yonhap News) Reporter Han Jong-gu = Coffee specialty store Droptop is set to introduce a menu utilizing strawberries produced in Nonsan, South Chungcheong.
The South Chungcheong Agricultural Technology Institute announced on the 29th that a mutual benefit business agreement was signed with Nonsan City and DADO Global at the Nonsan City Hall.
DADO Global is a company that operates the franchise coffee specialty store Droptop.
According to the agreement, DADO Global plans to develop a menu using Nonsan-produced strawberries 'Sulhyang' and sell it at Droptop stores nationwide.
In addition, they are considering developing a menu using watermelons from Nonsan during the summer.
Nonsan City plans to provide administrative support to ensure a stable supply of local agricultural products such as strawberries.
'Sulhyang' is a variety developed by the South Chungcheong Agricultural Technology Institute Strawberry Research Institute in 2005 and is a representative winter strawberry.
It is famous for growing in low-temperature environments, having a long maturation period, high sugar content, and excellent balance of sweetness and sourness.
The fruit is firm, and its storage and distribution capabilities are also highly evaluated.
Sulhyang accounts for 83% of domestic strawberry production, and Nonsan is the largest Sulhyang production area in the country.
Kim Young, Director of the South Chungcheong Agricultural Technology Institute, said, "Nonsan is truly the city of strawberries," and expressed hope that this agreement will become a catalyst for mutual growth between agriculture and industry.
jkhan@yna.co.kr