The early heat wave has caused the prices of watermelon and cabbage to rise by more than 30% compared to a year ago. Ahead of the first hot days of summer, chicken prices are also starting to rise.
According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) on the 13th, the average retail price of watermelon was 29,115 won on the 11th. This is 36.5% higher compared to a year ago, and 38.5% more when compared to the average price over the past three years, excluding the maximum and minimum from 2020 to last year. Compared to the previous week, the price has risen by 22.5%.
As of earlier this month, the price of one watermelon was approximately 23,000 won. However, it rose to around 28,000 won on the 10th, and by the 11th, it approached 30,000 won. This is interpreted as a result of reduced sunlight last month delaying the growth of watermelons and increased demand due to the heat.
There is a possibility that prices will rise further due to a shortage of sweet watermelons. Last August, prices surged to record levels due to heavy rainfall and extreme heat, with average prices reaching the 30,000 won range.
Melon prices have risen to 10,000 won, which is an increase of 21.7% compared to a year ago. This is 16.3% higher than the average level.
Perilla leaves are priced at 2,648 won per 100 grams, a 14.4% increase from the previous year. Compared to the average, the price has risen by 24.6%. The retail prices for cabbage and radish, which are subject to significant price fluctuations, are 4,309 won and 2,313 won, respectively. Although these are 10% cheaper than last year, cabbage prices are 27.4% higher and radish prices are 15.9% higher compared to the last week.
In particular, the increase in cabbage prices has been steep. On the 9th, the price of cabbage was in the 3,700 won range, but it rose to 3,983 won on the 10th and 4,309 won on the 11th. This is also attributed to the impact of the extreme heat on growth.
Among livestock products, egg prices are rising. According to the Korea Institute for Animal Products Quality Evaluation, as of the 11th, the average retail price for 30 special eggs was 7,162 won. This is 5.9% higher than a year ago.
The situation is similar for chicken prices. Due to increased mortality in broilers caused by the heat, and rising demand in the summer, the retail price for 1 kg of chicken is 6,070 won, up 11% from a month ago. However, compared to a year ago, prices are similar.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs plans to secure 30,550 tons of available cabbage to stabilize prices in the market.
For vegetables and fruits, the Rural Development Administration and local governments are planning to strengthen field technical guidance while monitoring the growth conditions. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs predicts that watermelon prices will stabilize with an expansion of shipping areas from late this month.