GS Supermarket, High-Sugar Watermelon 'Popular'... 394.2% Increase Compared to Last Year

Ban-ui-ban watermelon sold at GS Supermarket and GS25.

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chunhan] GS Supermarket announced on the 4th that high-sugar-content watermelons, selected through 100% sweetness screening, are gaining great popularity among customers.

According to GS Supermarket, watermelon sales last month showed a remarkable growth of 394.2% compared to the previous year. Due to the forecast of higher temperatures than usual, the supply from production areas in Haman and Buyeo was introduced two weeks earlier than last year through prior planning, which seems to have led to increased customer purchases. Additionally, watermelons were carefully selected and shipped immediately after harvest using a dedicated watermelon sweetness screening machine, only selecting those meeting a certain standard (12 brix or higher), which is believed to have captured customers' tastes and contributed to the significant sales growth.

GS Retail is conducting unique product offerings and discount events to enhance customer satisfaction for watermelon buyers. From the 5th, GS Supermarket will sell mini yellow-flesh mango watermelons, suitable for small households to sample. With a sweetness level of 13 brix or higher, sweeter than regular watermelons, and weighing 3 to 5 kg, these watermelons have thin rinds, making them convenient for simple consumption or suitable for outings and camping. A 2,000 KRW discount event is also available when purchasing watermelons with event cards.

Convenience store GS25 will introduce single-pack boxed watermelons. Watermelons weighing over 5 kg are displayed in paper boxes, making it easy for customers to carry after purchase and convenient for storage in refrigerators. GS Supermarket and GS25 have also started selling half watermelons and quarter watermelons to provide convenience for single-person households or those who prefer smaller fruit portions. These products are packaged pieces of regular watermelons cut into halves or quarters. They are distributed refrigerated, allowing customers to enjoy cool watermelons immediately.

A GS Retail official said, “To introduce watermelons that are sweeter and different from ordinary ones, we visited various production areas and met producers to plan the 2021 watermelon products,” adding, “We will strive to offer diverse products differentiated by taste and size so that customers can feel happy when purchasing and enjoying watermelons.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.