[Advertorial] "From Pacific Mackerel to Irish Beef" Emart Leads Price Stabilization with Sourcing Diversification Strategy

- Imported Food Faces Prolonged High Exchange Rates and Rising Prices at Existing Sources, Driving Diversification of Sourcing Locations
- Chilean “Pacific Chub Mackerel” Debuts: Familiar Species Offered at Lower Prices Than Existing Sources
- “Irish Beef” Gains Popularity as a Next-Generation Sourcing Option with Free-Range Cattle and Prices Up to 30% Lower

Emart is taking the lead in stabilizing grocery prices by expanding its overseas sourcing locations.

Recently, imported food products have been facing dual challenges: the prolonged high exchange rate environment, combined with rising prices at existing sourcing locations. This has led to significant price increases, especially for mackerel-known as the “national fish”-and imported beef, heightening concerns about household food costs.

In response, Emart’s buyers have traveled around the world to discover alternative sourcing locations that offer lower prices and higher quality. For the first time, Emart is officially importing the “Pacific Chub Mackerel” from Chile, which will be available for a limited time from Friday, December 19 to Wednesday, December 31.

The “Chilean Pacific Salted Mackerel” is priced at 5,980 KRW for one set (2 fish, 850g), which is 25% cheaper than the “Korean Salted Mackerel” (7,980 KRW per set/700g) and nearly 50% less expensive than the “Norwegian Salted Mackerel” (11,980 KRW per set/750g).

Additionally, the Chilean mackerel is the same “Chub Mackerel” species as the domestic variety, making it familiar to Korean customers. It is carefully selected in medium-to-large sizes, which are in high demand in Korea, and the sales weight is about 20% higher compared to the domestic product.

Meanwhile, the price of Norwegian mackerel, which accounts for the majority of imported mackerel, continues to soar.

According to the Korea Maritime Institute, as of November 2025, Norway’s quota for Atlantic mackerel catchable this year fell by 37.8% compared to the same period last year, causing the export price to Korea to double year-on-year.

Emart’s annual mackerel sales ratio in 2024 was 67% domestic and 33% imported. However, from January to November this year, the domestic share dropped to 59% while the imported share rose to 41%, further highlighting the need for new sourcing locations.

With the proactive introduction of the “Chilean Pacific Chub Mackerel,” Emart aims to differentiate its offerings and plans to replace half of the existing Norwegian mackerel volume by 2026.

Kim Kwangmyung, Emart’s mackerel buyer, stated, “Given the overall changes and prolonged price increases in the domestic mackerel market, it was essential to find new import sources,” adding, “Emart will continue to lead the way in offering stable prices and quality for seafood products.”

In imported meat, Emart has newly sourced “Irish Beef.” To celebrate the launch, until Thursday, December 25, “Irish Grass-Fed LA Galbi/Stew Ribs (each 1.5kg)” will be available at a 10,000 KRW discount with Shinsegae Point accumulation, priced at 49,800 KRW and 39,800 KRW, respectively.

“U.S./Australian LA Galbi (1.5kg)” and “Australian Stew Ribs (1.5kg)” are currently sold at 69,800 KRW and 59,800 KRW, respectively, making the new Irish products about 30% cheaper than existing products during the promotion period.

Furthermore, the two types of Irish beef ribs come from grass-fed, free-range cattle, carefully selected for their health. They feature dense marbling and firm texture, resulting in a savory and clean taste.

In addition, the tariff on Irish beef, currently at 2%, will be eliminated starting July 2026, giving it a 5-6% price advantage over Australian beef, which also influenced Emart’s long-term import strategy.

Lee Jisoo, Emart’s imported meat buyer, commented, “There are many factors to consider for imported food, including exchange rates and changes in local conditions, so discovering a third sourcing location is essential for stable supply,” adding, “We will continue to offer products from excellent sourcing locations around the world at reasonable prices.”