Okayama's Historic Grape Region, Makusa Cooperative, Launches Direct-to-Consumer Sales for New Season on July 5 with 10 Young Farmers Joining

Marukusa Grape Sales Co., Ltd. (Higashi-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture) has launched this season's sales of grapes cultivated by the 'Makusa Shukka Kumiai' (Makusa Cooperative), a grape-producing region with over 100 years of history dating back to the Meiji era, starting July 5.

Facing challenges due to an aging farming population, the cooperative has welcomed 10 new young farmers over the past decade through its unique new farmer support program. Additionally, the direct sales store, which closed four years ago due to a lack of successors, has been rebuilt by local volunteers, and the beloved community sales hub has reopened for business.

Shine Muscat and Pione grapes, cultivated using traditional techniques passed down since the Meiji era, will be delivered with the freshness of the morning harvest.

Okayama-grown Pione grapes are large, sweet, and seedless, bursting with juice—making them a luxurious summer treat the whole family can enjoy.

1. About the 'Makusa Shukka Kumiai' and 'Marukusa Grape Sales'

The 'Makusa Shukka Kumiai' in Higashi-ku, Okayama City, is a grape-producing region with 55 member farmers cultivating across 12 hectares. Growing diverse varieties including Shine Muscat, Pione, Aurora Black, and Seto Giants, five local members established the sales company 'Marukusa Grape Sales Co., Ltd.' to deliver these grapes directly to customers while preserving their freshness.

2. A Region Committed to Advanced Cultivation Techniques

Since introducing Muscat of Alexandria in the Meiji era, this region has continuously advanced its cultivation techniques. A monument honoring the achievements of Morimasa Hirota, a pioneering viticulturist, stands within the region and continues to inspire current cultivation methods, including those for Shine Muscat.

The Morimasa Hirota Commemorative Monument was erected to honor Hirota Morimasa, who dedicated his life from the Meiji to the Showa era to grape variety improvement and cultivation technology development in Okayama, creating superior varieties such as 'Neo Muscat' and 'Hiro Hamburg'.

3. Young Farmers Settling In and Passing on Techniques to the Next Generation

While declining producer numbers were once a challenge, 10 new farmers have successfully settled in over the past decade through farmland referrals and ongoing technical guidance. Young farmers are gaining experience and actively mentoring newcomers, ensuring the continuity of the region's cultivation expertise.

Both young and veteran members work together, bridging traditional techniques with new innovations to support the future of the grape-producing region.

4. Announcement of Shipping Start

Shipping of Pione and Muscat of Alexandria begins on July 5, with Shine Muscat shipments starting in late July. Grapes harvested in the morning are shipped the same day, allowing for delivery as early as the next morning, depending on the destination.

*Delivery times may vary by region and logistics conditions.

Young producers inspecting grape quality ahead of shipment. This year, Shine Muscat carefully cultivated using traditional techniques will be shipped starting late July.

5. Reopening of the Direct Sales Store

The direct sales store, marked by its distinctive orange roof tiles, was once beloved by the local community but closed four years ago due to a shortage of operators. Driven by the desire to preserve the community's vibrancy and the taste of local produce, our company took over operations and reopened the store. Operated directly by farmers—harvesting in the morning and selling in the afternoon—we value our connection with the community.

The familiar direct sales store with its orange-tiled roof. Marukusa Grape Sales Co., Ltd. has taken over operations, selling fresh, morning-harvested grapes directly from farmers.

Overview

Sales Schedule

Pione: [Gift Use] Early July – Mid-August; [Household Use] Early July – Mid-September

Shine Muscat: Late July – Late September

Muscat of Alexandria: Available only in July

Tasting Set: Early July – Late September (varieties vary by season)

Purchase & Store Information

Online Shop: https://marukusa-grapes.com/

Direct Sales Store: 778-1 Kusakabe, Higashi-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture (7 minutes by car from JR Kamimichi Station)

Business Hours: 13:00–16:00 (Closed on Tuesdays)

Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marukusa_grapes/