Emart Secures 60 Tons of Fresh Oysters to Launch Half-Price Sale

Fresh oysters from the South Sea sold at E-Mart. (Photo by E-Mart)

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] Emart announced on the 13th that it will offer 250g of fresh oysters from the southern coast at 4,990 won when using Shinsegae Points accumulation and discount cards for one week until the 19th.

For this event, Emart secured 60 tons of fresh oysters, the largest volume ever for a one-week sales period. Considering that the usual weekly sales volume is about 20 tons in mid-October when the fresh oyster season begins, this is about three times the average.

In particular, this year, the production of fresh oysters is expected to decrease due to Typhoon Hinnamnor, the 11th typhoon. This is because a water mass called ‘hypoxic water mass,’ which causes suffocation of aquaculture seafood, occurred as heavy rain was absorbed into the sea.

The Korea Maritime Institute’s Fisheries Observation Center also estimated oyster production in September this year to be 78 tons, 11.4% less than last year. It announced that oyster prices in wholesale markets such as Noryangjin Fish Market and Garak Market have also risen by about 9-13% compared to September last year.

Accordingly, Emart has diversified production areas to secure fresh oyster supplies. While oysters are usually purchased mainly from Tongyeong in early October when fresh oysters first appear, this year they expanded to areas such as Goseong, Geoje, and Sacheon to secure volume.

Various inspections are also conducted to ensure safe consumption of fresh oysters. Norovirus and E. coli tests are conducted four times a month each, and seawater around the oyster processing plant will be tested once a month.

Customers can receive a total discount benefit of 50% through the ‘2022 Fisheries Grand Sale’ in cooperation with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, including a 30% discount when accumulating Shinsegae Points and a 20% discount when paying with event cards.

Moon Booseong, Emart’s oyster buyer, said, “Although the oyster production volume is in an emergency due to the typhoon, we secured the volume through a quick response,” and added, “Emart will continue to secure various oyster production areas to provide customers with safe and delicious fresh oysters at reasonable prices.”

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