Coupang Directly Procures 6,600 Tons of Fruit from Population-Declining Regions like Chungju and Hampyeong, Up 20% Year-on-Year

Nearly 7,000 Tons of Fruit Procured by Year-End
Local Farmers Satisfied with “Direct Transactions Without Fees”

Coupang announced on October 23 that from January to September this year, it purchased over 6,600 tons of fruit directly from seven major population-declining regions: Yeongam and Hampyeong in Jeollanam-do, Chungju in Chungcheongbuk-do, and Seongju, Uiseong, Yeongcheon, and Goryeong in Gyeongsangbuk-do.

These areas are local governments designated as population-declining regions by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety or classified as at risk of population extinction by the Korea Employment Information Service. Coupang has signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) or strengthened cooperation with these regions, purchasing more than 30 types of fruit, including apples, oriental melons, plums, watermelons, and strawberries, while expanding nationwide dawn delivery services.

The volume of fruit Coupang has purchased from these seven regions has increased each year, totaling 3,430 tons in 2022, 5,610 tons in 2023, and 5,870 tons last year. As of last month, the purchase volume this year had already risen by about 20% compared to the same period last year, and the company expects the total to approach 7,000 tons by the end of the year.

Chaesanghee, CEO of Hampyeong Farmer in Hampyeong, Jeollanam-do, is presenting figs. Photo by Coupang

Local farms working with Coupang gave positive feedback, stating, "Unlike the unstable trading practices in wholesale distribution, where settlements are delayed or supply prices fluctuate, Coupang purchases fruit in bulk directly from us without additional fees and settles payments transparently on the promised dates."

Coupang is also expanding its purchases of agricultural and livestock products in various regions across the country, including Iksan in Jeollabuk-do, Andong and Bonghwa in Gyeongsangbuk-do, and Nonsan in Chungcheongnam-do. In June, Coupang bought about 200 tons of 'imperfect apples' produced in major domestic apple-producing regions to develop and sell new products, and has been supporting local farms through various special promotional events.

A Coupang representative said, "It is meaningful that as local farms in regions with declining populations grow through Coupang, they can contribute to revitalizing the regional economy. We will continue to discover more farms and create opportunities for joint growth."