Domestically-grown mangoes become a sensation in Korea as residents experience a craze for exotic fruits
In a significant step forward for South Korean agriculture, Shinsegae Department Store has introduced domestically grown papayas for the first time in the country, marking a notable expansion of locally sourced tropical produce. The introduction took place in February 2025, as part of the opening of the Shinsegae Market Gangnam branch.
The move reflects a broader trend of growing domestic production of subtropical fruits, made possible by advanced smart farm technologies that enable cultivation of mangoes and papayas within Korea. Other department stores, such as Hyundai and Lotte, have similarly expanded their offering of locally grown tropical fruits like apple mangoes and lychees.
This movement highlights a premiumization and increasing consumer demand for local, fresh tropical fruits, traditionally imported. The captions for the article are now open, allowing readers to delve deeper into the details of this agricultural breakthrough.
The introduction of domestically grown papayas is not just a step for Shinsegae Department Store, but a significant stride for the South Korean agricultural industry. With the successful cultivation of tropical fruits using advanced technologies, we can expect to see more local produce gracing the shelves of department stores in the near future.
[1] Source: JoongAng Ilbo, translated using generative AI.
- The increase in domestic production of subtropical fruits, demonstrated by South Korean department stores like Shinsegae, Hyundai, and Lotte, is indicative of a shift in the industry toward advanced technology in farming, enabling a wider variety of local fruits like apple mangoes and lychees.
- The premiumization and growing consumer interest in local, fresh tropical produce, traditionally imported, is being met by businesses leveraging technology to cultivate subtropical fruits domestically, such as the introduction of domestically grown papayas by Shinsegae.
- With the successful integration of smart farm technology in South Korean agriculture, the lifestyle sector, including food-and-drink and home-and-garden, may see an expansion of locally sourced produce, leading to a more eco-friendly environment.
- As the South Korean agricultural industry continues to modernize and innovate through technology, we can anticipate a shift in the business model, potentially reducing the carbon footprint associated with importing tropical fruits and promoting a greener, more sustainable environment.
