Hyundai Department Store Expands Market for Domestic Agricultural Products... "New Variety Sales Up 61%"

New Domestic Varieties 'Harmony Plumcot' and 'Namcho Pepper' Released
Domestic New Variety Agricultural Product Sales Up 61% This Year
Total of 20 New Varieties Scheduled for Sale This Year

Models are introducing 'Maepsihwang Onions' at Hyundai Department Store.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Yuri] Hyundai Department Store is stepping up support to expand the market for domestically produced agricultural products. They will sell newly developed vegetables and fruits tailored to domestic conditions through Hyundai Department Store's online and offline distribution channels, and operate regular pop-up stores introducing regional specialties. Along with this, they are implementing various farm support strategies, including expanding contract cultivation systems that guarantee stable income regardless of harvest volume.

On the 17th, Hyundai Department Store announced that it will introduce the domestic new varieties 'Harmony Plumcot' and 'Namcho Chili Pepper.' The newly introduced Harmony Plumcot is a new fruit variety developed in 2007, characterized by the combined aroma of plums and the sweetness of apricots. Namcho Chili Pepper, newly developed in 2020, is a cucumber-flavored chili pepper that offers a crunchy texture and sweet taste instead of spiciness, making it ideal for children or adults who avoid spicy flavors.

Previously, Hyundai Department Store sold four domestic new varieties, including 'Maepseehwang Onion,' which has less spiciness and a rich texture, and 'Hongsan Garlic,' which has firmer cloves and higher sugar content than regular garlic, at major stores such as the Apgujeong Main Store.

The large-scale introduction of domestic new variety agricultural products by Hyundai Department Store is part of a farm development project promoted in collaboration with the Rural Development Administration. Last year, Hyundai Department Store signed a business agreement with the Rural Development Administration to help pioneer sales channels for domestic new variety agricultural products and support the promotion of excellent regional agricultural products.

This year, Hyundai Department Store plans to introduce more than 20 types of domestically developed new variety fruits and vegetables, specialized in texture, size, and sweetness preferred by domestic consumers, in partnership with the Rural Development Administration and regional agricultural technology centers.

A Hyundai Department Store official said, "Last year, we commercialized a functional lettuce variety called 'Heukhwarang,' which helps with deep sleep, in collaboration with the Jeonnam Agricultural Technology Center, introducing a total of 10 new varieties. This year, to actively support farmers in securing sales channels, we are conducting regular events touring major stores such as the Apgujeong Main Store."

Since May, Hyundai Department Store has been conducting pop-up stores introducing regional specialties and events to help sell oversupplied agricultural products such as onions, in cooperation with regional agricultural technology centers in Gyeonggi, Gangwon, and Jeonbuk. The company plans to hold about 200 domestic agricultural product sales events this year, twice as many as last year. Sales of domestic agricultural products have also increased significantly. Sales of domestic new variety vegetables and fruits at Hyundai Department Store's food halls until June this year rose by 61% compared to the same period last year.

A Hyundai Department Store official said, "70% of customers purchasing new varieties are VIP department store customers who prefer delicious and high-quality food even if the price is somewhat higher, which shows the product's recognition. If quality control and production expansion of domestic new varieties are achieved, it is expected to greatly contribute to high income generation for farmers."

Hyundai Department Store plans to expand the 'contract cultivation' method, where the department store purchases all production regardless of quantity, targeting farms cultivating domestic new variety agricultural products. Part of the profits from domestic agricultural product sales will be used as additional support funds for farmers.

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