Following the surge in prices of apples and tangerines, fresh fruit prices rose 41.2% in February, reaching the highest level in 32 years. Tangerine prices rose by 78.1% and apples by 71.0% last month, while pear (61.1%) and strawberry (23.3%) prices also rose during the same period. [사진=연합뉴스]
As fruit prices continue to soar, there are predictions that prices will not fall this month. While the prices of apples and pears have risen sharply, concerns are growing about the rising prices of strawberries and tomatoes, which are considered ‘alternative fruits.’
According to the Korea Rural Economic Institute’s March issue of ‘Agricultural Observation’ on the 10th, prices of major fruits and vegetables such as strawberries and tomatoes are expected to rise significantly this month compared to the same month last year. As the prices of tangerines, apples, and pears soared last month, the prices of strawberries and tomatoes, which replace them, are also rising.
The Korea Agricultural Research Institute predicted the wholesale price of strawberries and tomatoes this month to be 22,000 won (based on 2 kg) and 23,000 won (based on 5 kg), respectively. This is an increase of 17.7% and 43.9% compared to the same period last year and 33.1% and 51.0% compared to the average year, respectively. Strawberry prices are expected to stabilize starting in March when the weather warms up, but they are falling more slowly than usual.
Not only wholesale prices but also retail prices are on the rise. According to the Agricultural Product Distribution Information (KAMIS) of the Korea Agro-Fisheries and Food Trade Corporation (aT), the average retail price of strawberries (based on 100g) and tomato (1kg) on the 8th were 1,672 won and 8,553 won, respectively. This is an increase of 41% and 44% respectively from the average year. In particular, considering that retail prices follow wholesale prices, which are a leading indicator, there is a high possibility that they will continue to rise in the future.
The Korea Agricultural Research Institute suggested ‘reduction in shipments’ as the main reason for the increase in fruit and vegetable prices. The Korea Agricultural Research Institute cited low temperatures and lack of sunlight in winter as the reason for the decline in strawberry shipments. In addition, the reason for the decline in tomato shipments was coloration and delayed ripening due to reduced sunlight hours. Tomato fruit production rate has decreased due to lack of sunlight during the growing season in January and February.
Consumer price difficulties are expected to become more severe. In particular, these fruits and vegetables were considered to be substitutes for apples and pears, whose prices have recently risen sharply, but their prices are also rising. Although the government has taken all-out measures to achieve early inflation, prices of fruits such as apples and pears are expected to remain high until around Chuseok, when new fruits are shipped in earnest.
There is even a possibility that price instability in fruits such as strawberries and tomatoes will repeat in the future. In a report, the Korea Agricultural Research Institute expressed concern that “the cultivation area in the main strawberry producing areas is decreasing due to the burden of production costs and the aging of farmers.”
Prices of not only fruits but also other agricultural products are expected to rise. The Korea Agricultural Research Institute predicted that the wholesale price of green onions this month would rise by 50.5% compared to the same period last year to 2,950 won per 1 kg. The price of cabbage is expected to be 9,500 won per 10kg, which is 36.8% more expensive than the same period last year.
Reporter information Seongjin Kwon mark1312@ajunews.com
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