1. GRAIN & OILSEED ISSUES

Gangwon Province Forecasts Lower Harvest of Corn and Potato due to Unfavorable Weather [Korean, OSY]

http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/economy/2011/08/22/0318000000AKR20110822114500062.HTML

Summary: Gangwon Province Agricultural Research Institute reported on August 23 that harvest of corn and potato from the province (Gangwon is the leading producer of both crops in Korea) this year will be significantly lower than regular years due to unfavorable weather condition.  According to the institute, the sunshine hours that the province had during April through July this year was 618 hours, which was 86 to 164 hours less than previous years.   On the other hand, the amount of rainfall during the period was 738 to 903 mm larger than previous years.   The institute forecasted that harvest of corn and potato will decline as much as 22 percent this year.

2. MARKETING ISSUES

CJ Launches Hand-Made Premium Burger Restaurant Franchise, ‘VIPS Burger’ [Korean, OSY]

http://economy.donga.com/ENews/3/0108/20110822/39707539/1

Summary: CJ Foodville Co., a leading restaurant company in Korea, announced that it had launched a new hand-made premium burger restaurant chain, ‘VIPS Burger’.  The first store of the chain opened on August 22 in the new headquarter building of CJ Foodville in Joong-gu, Seoul.  Cost of the burgers sold in the restaurant is 7,000 won to 10,000 won each.

3. OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES

Dole Korea Launches ‘Real Fruit Bites’ [Korean, OSY]

http://www.mediainnews.com/default/index_view_page.php?board_data=aWR4JTNEOTYzNjQlMjZzdGFydFBhZ2UlM0QlMjZsaXN0Tm8lM0QlMjZ0b3RhbExpc3QlM0Q=%7C%7C&search_items=cGFydF9pZHglM0QxMTI=%7C%7C

Summary: Dole Korea announced on August 22 launching of real fruit snacks, ‘Real Fruit Bites’.  Dole stressed that the product is low calorie and easy to carry.  Products launched on August 22 were three varieties, apple, pineapple, and mango. Dole said that it will launch additional fruit snacks throughout the year.