Fukushima peaches

August 5, 2014

Fukushima Pref. promotes peaches in Bangkok

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20140805_03.html

Aug. 5, 2014 - Updated 01:14 UTC+2

Officials from the Fukushima prefectural government and other organizations have joined forces to promote peaches at a department store in Bangkok, Thailand.

At around 9 dollars a piece, the fruit is about 3 times the price it is in Japan. But many people bought some after trying a sample.

One woman said the fruit smelled good and was very sweet. She said her mother also liked it very much.

Peach exports from Fukushima to Thailand were halted after the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant in 2011. They restarted in September 2012.

Exports have been on the rise since then, with 1.1 tons in the year ending March 2013 and 1.9 tons in the year ending March 2014.

Fukushima officials say they're targeting wealthy shoppers.

Muneyasu Minakawa from a producers' group said he hopes the peaches make Thai people smile.