This year's Chuseok will arrive later than usual, leading to an increase in the shipment of apples and pears, the representative fruits of the holiday, and a corresponding decrease in wholesale prices compared to last year.
On the 7th, the Korea Rural Economic Institute (KREI) announced that the shipment volume of apples and pears during the peak season for Chuseok (the two weeks before the holiday) is expected to increase by 6.5% and 7.2%, respectively, compared to the same period last year. Chuseok falls on October 6 this year, nearly 20 days later than last year's date (September 17), allowing the shipment of varieties such as Arisu, Yangkwang, and Shinano Gold.
According to the institute, the apple shipment volume is projected to reach 54,200 tons (t), a 31.2% increase compared to the average year. Consequently, the wholesale price of Hongro products at Garak Market during the peak season of Chuseok (September 22 to October 5) is expected to drop from 55,700 won last year to around 53,000 won this year.
Pear shipments are also expected to increase. The shipment volume of pears during the peak season for Chuseok is projected to reach 42,500 tons, an increase of more than 7% compared to last year. The hot weather during the summer delayed the growth of the fruits, which affected the harvest timing, resulting in this volume being concentrated in the Chuseok peak season.
In the case of Shin Go pears, the wholesale price for 7.5 kg products is expected to decrease by about 5,000 won from last year's price of 39,200 won to around 34,000 won this year. A Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs official noted, "Last year, due to an earlier Chuseok, the focus was on Hongro and Wonhwang, but this year a variety of types, such as Yangkwang and Shin Go, can be shipped."
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs plans to increase the supply of gift sets focused on small-sized fruits in anticipation of concerns that fruit sizes may decrease.
The institute forecasts that this year's apple production will be similar to last year's, ranging from 440,000 to 460,000 tons, with a maximum decrease of 3.7%. The damage from sunburn due to high temperatures is the cause. In contrast, pear production is expected to grow by about 14% compared to last year, reaching 203,000 tons.