North Korean apples have recently been spotted in supermarkets in Russia's Far East, marking a new development in regional agricultural trade. Local media outlet DVnovosti reported that the apples are now being sold at Remi, a major supermarket chain in Khabarovsk. Priced at 169 rubles (approximately $2.00) per kilogram, they are currently the second cheapest option among nine varieties available in the store.
A product label photographed by the outlet displayed the name "Korea Red Apple" in large Russian text, with smaller print indicating the country of origin as the "Democratic People's Republic of Korea" and a packaging date of March 17, 2025.
One local shopper, identified as Olesya, shared her curiosity about the new product. "Very unusual — I bought a few pieces out of curiosity to try them," she said. "I heard that in North Korea, this fruit has some symbolic significance."
The apples are reportedly imported in 20-kilogram boxes and supplied by North Korea's foreign trade company, Hwanggumsan. The company has been working to expand market access in Russia, and regional authorities in Kamchatka held consultations with local businesses in late 2024 regarding the potential import of North Korean apples and pears.
In June 2024, Russia's Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor) announced that North Korea had expressed interest in exporting apples and ginseng to Russia. Talks were held between Sergey Dankvert, head of Rosselkhoznadzor, and Kim Su-chol, Deputy Chairman of North Korea's Committee for Quality Control of Import-Export Products and Quarantine, exploring broader agricultural cooperation.
The appearance of North Korean apples on store shelves in Khabarovsk suggests that these discussions have progressed to the distribution stage.
Source: JoongAng Daily