GS Retail announced on the 21st that its supermarket GS THE FRESH has surpassed a cumulative purchase volume of over 200 tons (t) of tomatoes produced and cultivated by young people with developmental disabilities.
GS THE FRESH has been collaborating with the smart farm "Purme Social Farm" since 2021 to assist young people with developmental disabilities in achieving independence. In addition to purchasing and selling tomatoes produced and cultivated by these young individuals to expand market access, the supermarket has been contributing its talents to agricultural distribution, including variety selection and product planning since the establishment of Purme Social Farm.
The "premium snack tomatoes" sold by GS THE FRESH have had their stems removed for convenience and are characterized by high sugar content, thin skin, and a crunchy texture. They are available in two weights of 500G and 750G at GS THE FRESH offline stores, priced at 4,980 won and 7,900 won, respectively.
© GS Retail
GS THE FRESH has also achieved sales growth by actively utilizing its nationwide offline distribution and marketing networks. The sales growth rate of "premium snack tomatoes" in the first quarter of this year has reached 30 times compared to the initial release period from July to September 2021.
Employees of the fresh MD division of GS Retail carry out volunteer activities every year together with young people with developmental disabilities from Purme Social Farm to cultivate, harvest, sort, and package cherry tomatoes.
Joo Kyung-seop, MD of the fruit team at GS Retail, noted, "We will continue to actively utilize our infrastructure and engage in activities that fulfill corporations' social responsibilities, as well as strengthen our ESG management efforts."
Source: Chosun Biz