Coupang to purchase record-breaking 7,000 tons of fruit from population-declining regions this year; total expected to exceed 8,400 tons by year-end

*This content was translated by AI.

Coupang announced on the 21st that its fruit procurement volume from population-declining regions this year has surpassed 7,000 tons, setting a new record. As early-morning delivery areas have expanded, sales channels for farmers in production regions have also widened.

From January to August this year, Coupang purchased over 7,000 tons of fruit from eight regions: Yeongam and Hampyeong in South Jeolla Province; Seongju, Uiseong, Yeongcheon, and Goryeong in North Gyeongsang Province; and Gunwi in Daegu. This represents a 10% increase compared to the same period last year, approaching last year’s annual procurement total of approximately 7,600 tons. Coupang forecasts that total purchases will exceed 8,400 tons by the end of this year.

Most regions where Coupang purchased fruit are population-declining areas. The main varieties include apples, melons, plums, watermelons, strawberries, figs, and about 30 other types.

By region, watermelon purchases from Ugo in Goryeong, North Gyeongsang Province, increased by 60% compared to last year; figs from Hampyeong, South Jeolla Province, rose by 138%; and plums from Gunwi, Daegu, grew by 73%.

Coupang explained that expanding its early-morning delivery logistics network to Honam, Gyeongsang, Gangwon, and other regions led to increased local demand for fruit, which in turn drove higher procurement volumes from production areas.

Notably, 'Gunwi plums,' introduced by Coupang for the first time this year, generated sales of 1.6 billion won, doubling the figure from the same period last year.

A Coupang representative stated, “We will continue to expand our procurement and mutual cooperation with farmers in population-declining regions that face difficulties in securing sales channels, so they can sustain their growth.”

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.