Consumers dump imports for local fruit

/ Courtesy of Gmarket

By Rachel Lee

Korean-produced fruits have gained the upper hand on imports, thanks to faster shipping and earlier ripening because of the hot spell.

According to retailer Gmarket, sales of domestic fruit between June 8 and July 7 were up 35 percent on the same time last year.

Tangerine sales grew sixfold, while sales of peaches, oriental melons and watermelon increased 53, 45 and 20 percent, respectively.

“Demand for domestic fruits was lower than imports over the last few years, but the situation is reversed now,” Park Young-geun, a company spokesman said. “This comes from online stores’ upgraded packaging and delivery service, which makes it easier for consumers to enjoy fresh fruits.”

As of Wednesday, peaches topped the retailer’s best-selling fresh foods list, followed by oriental melons (third) and tangerines (fifth).