Coupang's purchases of local specialties more than triple, giving a boost to farmers in South Korea

South Korean e-commerce giant Coupang has announced that it will begin selling Chungju apples in North Chungcheong Province and Seongju apples in North Gyeongsang Province.
The purchase scale of local specialty products, such as the Japanese watermelon, in 2024 has increased by at least three times compared to 2021.
The company has expanded its purchases of local specialties from farmers. For example, Coupang's purchases of Seongju melons will increase from 640 tons in the first eight months of 2021 to 2,800 tons in the same period of 2024.
The purchase volume has more than quadrupled to 2,500 tons, already exceeding the 2023 annual purchase volume of 2,500 tons. Farmers who have previously delivered to regional wholesalers with complex distribution channels are now forced to cut back on their purchases.
Coupang's direct transaction function has expanded its sales network nationwide, increasing sales and employment. Yoo San-cheong, head of Seongju Wolhang Agricultural Cooperative Center, said, "Coupang's fresh food delivery service '
"Rocket Fresh's sales of watermelons are expected to increase by 1.5 times this year compared to last year. The number of packaging staff has also increased by more than 30 percent, from 40 to 52," he said.
In addition to these farmers, Coupang is also working with various local governments, such as the corvina in South Jeolla Province and the squid in Pohang, North Gyeongjik Province.
The company is expanding sales of its local specialties.