Today's Date:  Wednesday, June 20, 2012

1. GRAIN & OILSEED ISSUES

Packaged Steamed Rice with Mixed Grain Reports an Explosive Sales Growth [Korean, OSY]

http://media.paran.com/economy/view.kth?dirnews=1893105&year=2012&pg=1&date=20120619&dir=134

Summary: ‘Hat Ban’ by CJ, the leading brand in the packaged steamed rice segment, reported on June 19 that the sales of its ‘mixed grain’ product amounted to 1.5 billion won in May, up 330 percent from the same period last year.  Other suppliers of packaged steamed rice reported strong sales growth of mixed grain products.  Industry analysts agree that the strong sales growth of mixed grain steamed rice is something to do with increased health concerns among the consumers.

2. LIVESTOCK ISSUES

The auction price of pork dropped to 4,700 won [Korean, SLK]

http://www.nongmin.com/article/ar_detail.htm?ar_id=203929&subMenu=articletotal

Summary: Although it is June, the month when the price of pork reaches its peak, increased importation and shipment have been able to keep the price of pork at low providing adequate amount of supply to meet excessive demand. Last week 25,986 pigs have been sold at an auction which has decreased by 1% compared to that of last year. The price is predicted to stay low for awhile with a little fluctuation.   

3. MARKETING ISSUES

Sales of Cup Instant Noodles Soar in Convenience Stores … Up 19% [Korean, OSY]

http://news.donga.com/3/all/20120619/47144418/1

Summary: According to AC Neilson, sales of instant noodles packaged in ‘cup’ container increased 19 percent during the first four months this year compared to the same period last year.  

4. MIFAFF PRESS RELEASES

► The price of Hanwoo will be on its downturn due to increased breeding

► Agricultural export industries are expected to lighten the burden of distribution cost

► MIFAFF announced to enforce sanitary training (CPX)

► West sea Fisheries supervision office made a model of GaGu port to refer to restoration of damage caused from hurricane

 ► West sea Fisheries supervision office enforces strict regulation on illegal fishery in the west coast