Jeju Hallabong, Heavenly Fragrance, Red Fragrance: Prices on the rise as full-scale shipment begins

(Seogwipo=Yonhap News) Reporter Park Ji-ho = As the full-scale shipping season for Jeju citrus fruits has arrived this year, the prices of Jeju citrus fruits, including Hallabong, which had declined compared to last year, are showing a recovery trend. According to Jeju Agricultural Cooperatives on the 5th, based on the wholesale market prices of nine major markets, compared to last year, the cumulative average prices of Hallabong, Cheonhye-hyang, and Red-hyang (each 3 kg) from January 24 to February 4 were 13,180 won, 14,911 won, and 17,526 won respectively, showing a gradual upward trend. On January 24, the prices of Hallabong, Cheonhye-hyang, and Red-hyang (each 3 kg) were 16,000 won, 13,200 won, and 15,700 won respectively. Due to the impact of cold waves and other factors, the demand for fruits decreased, and as the Lunar New Year holiday came later than the previous year, the demand for fruits was dispersed, leading to an overall drop in the average price of Jeju citrus fruits, but recent increases in demand have caused prices to recover. An official from the Agricultural Cooperatives analyzed the recovery in Jeju citrus fruit prices by stating, "The prices of other fruits such as apples and strawberries have risen significantly compared to last year, and the demand for fruit is gradually shifting towards Jeju citrus fruits." The official added, "Restrictions on the import of U.S. mandarins due to the rising exchange rate, and the sustained strength of other fruit prices are stimulating demand for Jeju citrus fruits." This year, the cultivation area of Jeju citrus fruits is expected to be 3,976 hectares, a 0.4% increase from last year, and the production volume is expected to increase by about 2.6% to 108,790 tons. The Agricultural Cooperatives attributed this to favorable weather conditions and a decrease in heat damage to Red-hyang. The main shipping periods for Jeju citrus fruits are from January to April for Hallabong, February to March for Cheonhye-hyang, January to February for Red-hyang, and April to May for Kara-hyang. The Agricultural Cooperatives are guiding farmers to strengthen quality management for Jeju citrus fruit shipments and are focusing on inspecting the circulation of non-standard Jeju citrus fruits to support prices and promote consumer activities.