According to South Korean retail giant Lotte Mart, sales of locally sourced vegetable products during the first half of this year increased by over 80 percent compared to the same time last year. (Image: Kobiz Media)
SEOUL, Jul. 24 (Korea Bizwire) — Sales of locally sourced vegetables are on the rise in South Korea as an increasing number of consumers show interest in the fresher and cheaper alternatives.
According to South Korean retail giant Lotte Mart, sales of locally sourced vegetable products during the first half of this year increased by over 80 percent compared to the same time last year.
‘Locally sourced’ refers to agricultural products sourced within 50 kilometers of the retail stores where they are sold.
The short distance from farm to store means that produce remains fresh, and local farming communities can benefit directly.
For instance, Jo Yong-jun, a Yongin-based farmer who grows leaf vegetables to supply to one of the major South Korean supermarket chains, saw his monthly sales increase eightfold over the past two years, from 8 million won to 64 million won, amid growing efforts from supermarket chains to source their vegetable products from local farms.
At its 65 locations across the country, Lotte Mart is currently selling 45 types of locally sourced vegetables, and leaf vegetables in particular such as lettuce, spinach, and radish are proving popular.
Lotte Mart is set to launch sales of locally sourced vegetables at an additional 35 locations by the end of this year, with further plans to more than double its sales.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
