The average retail price of a watermelon has recently skyrocketed, exceeding 30,000 won.
According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) on the 15th, the average retail price of a watermelon (product) at traditional markets on the previous day was 30,327 won, surpassing 30,000 won.
In the retail industry, the average retail price of watermelons was 29,543 won, close to 30,000 won, but there are already places selling them for over 30,000 won.
The national average watermelon price was 29,816 won the previous day, nearly reaching 30,000 won. It increased by 700 won compared to the last tally on the 11th, and it rose by more than 6,000 won compared to 23,763 won on the 4th.
This is about 8,500 won (39.8%) higher than a year ago (21,336 won) and 41.8% more expensive than the average year.
The reason for the rise in watermelon prices seems to be due to the hot weather affecting growth, which tends to decrease the sugar content of watermelons, leading to a shortage in supply. Additionally, the increased demand during the heatwave is also considered a factor in the price rise.
The Korea Rural Economic Institute (KREI) projected that although the shipment volume of watermelons this month would be similar to the same month last year, prices are expected to rise due to increasing temperatures.