Apple and pear supplies forecast to rise above last year's chuseok levels

Hongro apples at around 57,000 won per 5kg; Shingo pears near 36,000 won per 7.5kg

Shine Muscat at 8,000 won per 2kg; greenhouse tangerines and Kyoho grapes also expected to fall

File photo unrelated to this article. [Getty Images Bank]
File photo unrelated to this article. [Getty Images Bank]

Fruit prices this chuseok are expected to be lower than last year as supplies of apples, pears and other major fruits increase. Apple shipments during the chuseok peak season are forecast to rise more than 19 percent from a year earlier, with wholesale prices for Hongro apples projected at around 57,000 won ($42) per 5 kilograms — below last year's level. Pears, greenhouse tangerines, Kyoho grapes and Shine Muscat are also expected to be cheaper than during last year's chuseok season.

According to the "Agricultural Outlook: Fruits — September" report published Thursday by the Korea Rural Economic Institute, apple shipments during the chuseok peak season from Sept. 3 to Sept. 23 are forecast to increase 19.3 percent from the same period last year. The institute cited higher Hongro output, an earlier harvest due to faster ripening, and favorable growing conditions for other varieties including Shinano Gold and Arisu.

Overall apple production this year is also expected to grow. The institute estimated total apple output at 481,000 metric tons, up 7.4 percent from 448,000 metric tons last year. Cultivation area is projected to expand 4.9 percent to 34,850 hectares, while yield per 10 ares is expected to rise 2.3 percent to 1,380 kilograms, helped by fewer physiological disorders and less disease.

Projected wholesale prices for major fruits during the 2026 chuseok peak season (Korea Rural Economic Institute Agricultural Outlook Center)

Item | Standard grade | 2025 | 2026 forecast | Change vs. prior year Apple (Hongro) | 5kg | 61,400 won | Around 57,000 won | Down Pear (Shingo) | 7.5kg | 37,200 won | Around 36,000 won | Down Greenhouse tangerine | 3kg | 23,000 won | Around 21,000 won | Down Grape (Campbell Early) | 3kg | 14,800 won | Around 15,000 won | Edged up Grape (Kyoho) | 2kg | 15,300 won | Around 14,000 won | Down Grape (Shine Muscat) | 2kg | 9,500 won | Around 8,000 won | Down Peach (Fantasia) | 10kg | 54,100 won | Around 46,000 won | Down Peach (Elberta) | 4kg | 24,800 won | Around 23,000 won | Down

With supply rising, the wholesale price of premium-grade Hongro apples during the chuseok peak season is forecast at around 57,000 won per 5 kilograms, roughly 7 percent below last year's 61,400 won. For all of September, Hongro prices are expected to come in at around 56,000 won per 10 kilograms, also below last year's 64,900 won.

Pear supplies during the chuseok peak season are also expected to exceed last year's levels, with warmer temperatures accelerating the harvest and moving up shipment timing. As a result, wholesale prices for premium-grade Shingo pears are forecast at around 36,000 won per 7.5 kilograms, down from 37,200 won last year.

Prices for other fruits are broadly expected to fall as well. Greenhouse tangerines are forecast at around 21,000 won per 3 kilograms during the chuseok peak season, below last year's 23,000 won. Kyoho grapes are expected at around 14,000 won per 2 kilograms, down from 15,300 won, while Shine Muscat is projected at around 8,000 won, compared with 9,500 won a year earlier. Fantasia peaches are forecast at around 46,000 won per 10 kilograms, below last year's 54,100 won. Campbell Early grapes, however, are expected at around 15,000 won per 3 kilograms, roughly in line with or slightly above last year's 14,800 won.

Vegetable prices present a mixed picture. Napa cabbage shipments in September are forecast to fall 0.6 percent from a year earlier, pushing wholesale prices to around 15,000 won per 10 kilograms — above last year's level. Radish shipments are also expected to decline 3.5 percent, with prices for premium-grade 20-kilogram lots projected at around 15,000 won, also higher than a year ago. Cabbage, by contrast, is expected to see shipments rise 9.8 percent, with prices forecast at around 4,000 won per 8 kilograms — lower than last year.


adastra@heraldcorp.com