Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFresh
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Fresh persimmon is an established autumn fruit in South Korea, with the fresh market centered on sweet, non-astringent fruit and a separate traditional stream for ripening or drying astringent fruit. Production is concentrated in southern orchard regions, especially North Gyeongsang Province, and the market is driven more by domestic household and gift demand than by large-scale export channels. Supply is seasonal, with the strongest flow in autumn and a shorter trading window for high-quality firm fruit. Handling, weather, and residue compliance matter more than long-haul freight economics for most market participants.
Market RoleMajor producer and domestic consumer market with seasonal export participation
Domestic RoleSeasonal fresh fruit for household consumption, gifting, and traditional autumn retail
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
SeasonalityFresh persimmon supply is strongly seasonal, peaking in autumn when orchards harvest and retail promotions concentrate.
Specification
Primary VarietySweet persimmon (dan gam)
Secondary Variety- Astringent persimmon (tteotgam)
Physical Attributes- Bright orange skin
- Firm, crisp flesh at retail maturity
- Bruise-sensitive when fully ripe
- Surface finish and size are important for premium channels
Compositional Metrics- Low astringency is a key acceptance factor for sweet types
- Harvest maturity and soluble solids are used in buyer sorting
- Firmness loss is the main post-harvest quality signal
Grades- Size-based grading
- Surface defect tolerance classes
- Firmness and maturity-based acceptance
Packaging- Ventilated cardboard cartons
- Plastic trays or punnets for premium retail
- Cushioned field crates for local distribution
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Orchard harvest -> field sorting -> packhouse grading -> wholesale market or retail distribution -> consumer
Temperature- Cool storage slows softening
- Avoid freezing and excessive chilling
- Temperature abuse shortens shelf life and increases decay
Shelf Life- Firm fruit stores longer than fully ripe fruit
- Bruising accelerates quality loss
- Short transit and quick turnover are important for best retail condition
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeLand
Risks
Climate HighTyphoons and late autumn storms can bruise, drop, or waterlog persimmons during the short harvest window, creating sudden quality losses and supply gaps.Use windbreaks, netting, flexible harvest crews, and staggered picking.
Regulatory Compliance MediumPesticide residue exceedances or incomplete spray records can lead to buyer rejection and compliance problems under Korea's residue controls.Maintain spray logs, observe pre-harvest intervals, and test residue before dispatch.
Logistics MediumFresh persimmons soften quickly and are bruise-sensitive, so delays in sorting, packing, or delivery can sharply reduce marketable shelf life.Use padded packaging, fast handling, and quick cold-chain turns.
Market / Price Volatility MediumAutumn supply concentration can create seasonal price swings when harvest volumes are heavy or weather affects quality grades.Use staggered harvesting and staggered sales contracts.
Sustainability- Typhoon and heavy-rain exposure in southern orchard regions
- Bruise and waste risk from delicate fruit handling
- Orchard succession and aging-farmer pressure in fruit-producing areas
Labor & Social- Seasonal labor dependence during harvest
- No major product-specific social controversy is widely documented for Korean fresh persimmon
Standards- GLOBALG.A.P.
- Korea GAP
- Retail residue-testing programs
FAQ
When is fresh persimmon supply strongest in Korea?Supply is strongest in autumn, with the main harvest and retail peak typically falling in September to November.
What type of persimmon is most common in the fresh market?Sweet, non-astringent persimmon is the main fresh-retail type, while astringent fruit is more often sold fully ripened or used for drying.
What are the main buyer risks for Korean fresh persimmon?The main risks are storm damage during harvest, pesticide-residue compliance, and bruising during handling and transport.