CJ OnStyle sees sharp surge in sales of imported fruits

[Courtesy of CJ OnStyle]

CJ OnStyle, a home shopping channel in South Korea, announced on Wednesday that demand for imported fruits has surged last month compared to a year ago amid soaring prices of locally-produced apples and watermelons.

Sales of kiwis soared by 87 percent in May from the same month a year ago while those of oranges increased 196 percent and cherries 329 percent, it said.

CJ OnStyle sold more than 3,000 sets of Zespri SunGold kiwis during a live broadcast on May 16.

U.S. cherries also gained popularity as production increased compared to the previous year, keeping import prices stable. Thai mangoes and California oranges from the United States also saw strong sales, it said.

More consumers are looking for reasonably-priced imported fruits as the prices of domestic fruits like apples and watermelons have increased due to abnormal weather conditions, according to CJ OnStyle.

According to data released by Statistics Korea, the fresh fruit index in May increased by 39.5 percent compared to the previous year.

CJ OnStyle also noted that the government‘s extension of quota tariffs on imported fruits such as kiwis and cherries until the second half of the year also contributed to the increase in sales of imported fruits.

“As fruit prices are expected to continue to rise until the early fall harvest, we plan to schedule broadcast programs to allow customers to purchase seasonal fruits at reasonable prices,” said an official from CJ OnStyle.