Ahead of Kimjang Season, Increased Supply of Baechu, Mu, and Gochu... Discount Sales Next Month

Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Announces 'Kimjang Vegetable Supply Stabilization Measures'

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Ahead of the kimchi-making season, the supply of kimchi ingredients such as napa cabbage, radish, and chili peppers will be expanded.

On the 28th, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced the "Kimchi Vegetable Supply Stabilization Measures" to increase the supply of kimchi vegetables and alleviate cost burdens.

Napa cabbage shipments will increase by 1.37 times compared to usual during the peak kimchi-making period from late next month to early December. An average of 260 tons will be shipped daily, with a total supply planned at 5,200 tons.

In case of supply instability, the government will release 3,000 tons from stockpiles, 3,500 tons from shipment control facilities, and additional quantities from the vegetable price stabilization system. For radish and chili peppers, stockpiles of 1,000 tons and 1.4 tons respectively will be supplied if supply is unstable, and peeled garlic stockpiles of 1,000 tons will be supplied first to stabilize prices.

The scale of discounts on kimchi vegetables will be expanded to reduce consumer cost burdens. From December 11 to December 8, large supermarkets and traditional markets will sell kimchi vegetables and pork at a 20% discount through agricultural and livestock product discount coupons. At nationwide Nonghyup Hanaro Marts, vegetables such as napa cabbage, radish, and garlic will be sold at up to 40% off market prices.

Additionally, to prepare for sudden changes in crop conditions due to adverse weather or pests, periodic inspections of production areas will be conducted and technical support for farmers will be strengthened.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs expects that this year's autumn napa cabbage production will decrease, resulting in wholesale prices in November and December rising slightly to around 2,300 to 2,500 won per head compared to the average year. However, due to the characteristic of large nationwide shipments, the possibility of a sharp price increase is considered low.

Autumn radish shipments are expected to increase in November and December, with prices falling to around 900 to 1,250 won per piece compared to the average year.

During the same period, wholesale prices of dried chili peppers are expected to fall by 5-6% compared to the average year to about 10,500 won per 600g, while peeled garlic prices are expected to rise by 21% to around 7,800 won per kilogram.

Kwon Jaehan, Director of Distribution and Consumption Policy at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, said, "We will strive to resolve supply instability during the kimchi-making season by sufficiently expanding the supply of major kimchi ingredients that may see price increases."