“Strawberries came out”… Strawberry season is a week later than last year | Donga Ilbo

Large supermarkets have entered the season to sell strawberries, the representative fruit of winter. Due to climate change, it was delayed by about a week compared to last year. The price rose slightly compared to last year as the initial volume was not large.

According to the distribution industry on the 24th, the three large supermarkets began introducing strawberries in mid-to-late November. This is about a week later than last year, and the explanation is that the shipment period was delayed because many farmers planted strawberries late this year to avoid the heat. An official at a large supermarket said, “As strawberry shipments are slightly delayed every year due to climate change, the sales season is also being postponed.”

The initial quantity is not large, so the price has risen slightly compared to last year. According to the Seoul Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Corporation, the average price of a 2kg box of Seolhyang strawberries as of the fourth Thursday of November was 68,052 won on the 21st. Considering that the price was 54,906 won on November 23 last year, it is 23.9% more expensive. The average price over the four years from 2020 to last year was 42,729 won, which is 59.2% more expensive this year. This trend is also reflected in retail prices at large supermarkets. E-Mart began selling Seolhyang strawberries at all stores on the 16th and set the price per pack (500g) at 19,900 won. It is 1,000 won more expensive than last year’s price (18,900 won). Starting on the 20th, the price has been lowered and it is being sold for 17,900 won. Lotte Mart also started the strawberry season on the 21st and set the price per pack of strawberries at 18,900 won, up 1,000 won from last year.

The initial selling price of strawberries rose because the planting period was delayed due to high temperatures during the planting period and the summer rainy season, resulting in a decrease in shipments in November. However, prices are expected to stabilize starting next month. According to the Korea Rural Economic Institute, strawberry shipment area in December is expected to increase by 1.4% compared to last year. The researcher predicted, “Prices will remain high until mid-November before full-scale harvesting begins, but prices will decline thereafter.”