(Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Shin Seon-mi = Early summer heat has struck agricultural and livestock products. In the past week, watermelon and cabbage prices have jumped by over 20%, and chicken prices are also rising ahead of the first dog days of summer.
The government plans to closely monitor agricultural product supply and price fluctuations, and implement price stabilization measures such as supplying reserves to the market and supporting discount events when necessary.
According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) on the 13th, the average retail price of watermelon was 29,115 won per piece as of the 11th, approaching 30,000 won.
Compared to a year ago, it is 36.5% more expensive, and compared to the three-year average price (excluding maximum and minimum prices from 2020 to last year), it is 38.5% higher. The price has risen 22.5% from a week ago.
Watermelon retail prices were in the 23,000 won range until the 4th but jumped to the 25,000 and 26,000 won ranges on the 7th and 8th, respectively.
It then rose to the 28,000 won range on the 10th and continued to rise to the 29,000 won range on the 11th.
The watermelon price increase is due to delayed watermelon growth from reduced sunlight last month and increased demand during the hot weather.
The distribution industry explains that the hot weather is affecting growth, causing watermelon sugar content to drop, resulting in a shortage of volumes above the standard.
Last summer, watermelon prices were also high due to heavy rains and heat waves. Particularly, the average watermelon price in August recorded over 30,000 won.
Other seasonal fruits like melon cost over 10,000 won per piece. The average retail price is 10,076 won, 21.7% more expensive than a year ago and 16.3% higher than the average.
Peaches (Baekdo) are 23,097 won for 10 pieces, about 10% more expensive compared to a year ago and the average, but recent retail prices are declining.
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