Asian pears record the highest price jump of more than 70 per cent as local fruit and vegetable production is marred by poor weather
Korean consumers have faced a tougher time purchasing fruits and vegetables in the past year with new data from Statistics Korea, revealing fresh produce items accounted for the majority of the top ten most inflation-affected goods in 2024.
According to a report from Korea Bizwire, a number of fresh fruit and vegetables saw prices rise significantly last year with domestic production affected by challenging weather conditions.
Among 458 consumer price index items, Asian pears recorded the steepest price hike, soaring 71.9 per cent in 2024 due to low stock levels from 2023 combined with extreme weather events, which reduced supply.
Tangerines followed with a 46.2 per cent increase, as poor harvests in the latter half of the year and rising demand for alternative fruits drove up prices. Persimmons (36.6 per cent) and apples (30.2 per cent) also saw significant price jumps, similarly impacted by climate-related disruptions.
Cabbage, radishes, tomatoes and carrots all saw 20 percent increases on 2023 prices. There was only one non-food item in the top ten list.
Price rises were not consistent for all produce items, some did experience drop off such as mangoes.
Mango prices fell by 10.4 per cent due to an increase in imports under a tariff exemption programme, while ginger prices dropped 9.2 per cent and potato prices dropped 8.5 per cent on the back of higher production levels.
