South Korea: Strong performance of tomatoes due to poor crop yields caused by heat wave

Tomato prices have dropped slightly, but are still strong. On the 21st, tomatoes were traded at an average of 32,790 won per 5kg box at Garak Market in Seoul. It is 4.5% lower than the average in October last year (34,322 won) and 17.9% higher than the average in October (27,806 won). It has dropped slightly compared to the late 50,000 won to early 60,000 won range in the second week of this month (7th to 13th). The main reason for the strong price is poor crop yields due to the heat wave. The production area moves from Gangwon to Jeonbuk, Jeonnam, and Gyeongnam in mid-October. Therefore, there may be a temporary gap in shipments. This year, the gap in shipments was greater due to poor growth caused by the heat wave in September. Park Jun-gyu, an auctioneer at Dongwha Fruit and Vegetables, said, “The poor harvest in Gangwon Province is serious, so shipments ended earlier than expected.” The amount of tomatoes brought into Garak Market from the 7th to the 13th was 423 tons, down ...