1. LIVESTOCK ISSUES

Hanwoo and Swine Numbers have increased in 2Q [Korean, WMJ]

http://www.nongmin.com/article/ar_detail.htm?ar_id=219870&subMenu=articletotal

Summary: It turned out that the number of breeding Hanwoo cattle and swine has increased in the 2^nd quarter even under circumstance of breeding reduction business by ROKG and local producers group for the balanced supply and demand.  According to the Statistics Korea (National Statistical Office), the number of breeding Hanwoo cattle has increased than last quarter for the seasonal reason (calf production), but it was still lower than the last year, because small farm postponed to purchase of young cattle for decreasing of cattle’s market price.  Also for that situation, the cow industry has been rearranging by large-scale farm.  Meanwhile, the number of breeding pig has increased even though the number of sow decreased 21,000 than last year due to the increased childbirth sow and productivity.  And the number of chicken and duck increased sharply for seasonal reason as well.

2. MARKETING ISSUES

Polo Ralph-Lauren Korea Lowers Price to Compete Against Foreign On-line Shops [Korean, OSY]

http://news.donga.com/Economy/3/01/20130715/56448583/1

Summary: It is reported that Ralph-Lauren Korea has decided to lower the retail price of its ‘Polo Children’ clothes by about 40 percent in the coming month.  Market analysts explain that the change of price strategy is Ralph-Lauren Korea’s effort to bring the local consumers back to its stores in Korea.  About 60 percent of Polo Ralph-Lauren clothes purchased by Korean consumers is from foreign on-line shops because Polo Ralph-Lauren Korea’s price is much higher.  Expansion of Korean consumers’ direct purchases from foreign on-line shops is expected to pressure the suppliers of imported goods to minimize the price gap in different markets.

Alcohol Beverage Market is Shifting … Vodka, Imported Beer, Single Malt Whiskey Lead the Growth  [Korean, OSY]

http://www.hankyung.com/news/app/newsview.php?aid=2013071237361

Summary: Sales of alcohol beverages in the first half indicate that the consumption trend in the Korean market is taking a big shift.  During the first half this year, vodka (90.1%), imported beer (28.3%) and single malt whiskey (19.8 percent) were the top performers in the alcohol beverage market.  On the other hand, blended whiskey (-11.6%), rice wine (-10.2%), local beer (-9.3%), and soju (-1.9%) saw a significant sales decline.  Market analysts point out that consumption of alcohol beverage in Korea is becoming more individualized for personal taste.  As a result, consumers are looking for diversity and catered quality.

Banana Was the Most Imported Foreign Fruits during the Last 10 Years [Korean, OSY]

http://www.hankyung.com/news/app/newsview.php?aid=2013071067741

Summary: According to a report by Korea Customs Office, banana was the most imported foreign fruits over the last 10 years.  Imports of bananas over the last 10 years totaled 2.84 million tons, followed by oranges (1.22 million tons), pineapples (0.59 million tons), grapes (0.31 million tons), and kiwi (0.27 million tons).  These five fruits accounted for over 90 percent of fresh fruit imports over the last 10 years.  About 99 percent of bananas imported into Korea are from Philippines.