The secret to buying expensive Japanese fruit at a low price

In Japan, the secret to buying quality fruit and vegetables without breaking the bank is hiding in plain sight. Japanese e-commerce group Mercari is quietly disrupting the way we buy produce.

From flea market to fresh market

Mercari is Japan’s largest community-driven marketplace app, but it’s hiding a secret. Its full potential remains largely unknown. Even I didn’t believe it.

​​Mercari, known for its seamless user experience and innovative anonymous deliveries through local convenience stores, goes beyond the typical buying and selling model. In Japan, it has become a household name for vintage clothing, antique cameras, and quirky collectibles. But here’s the real twist: Mercari also sells food.

Smartphones become gateways to virtual farmers markets, where users can browse a vast array of fresh produce options in their pajamas.

Browsing the store’s offerings, I found a wide variety of items, such as tuna from Toyosu Fish Market and A5 grade wagyu beef from a grilled meat specialty store, as well as local sweets from roadside stands and local sweets shops. For vegetables and fruits, many items are listed directly by farmers, including the coveted Yubari Melon.

Mercari has an impressive diversity, with over 20 million users at your fingertips. It’s not just about convenience; it gives you access to a marketplace that’s as vast and diverse as your needs.

benefit

1. Cheap

Many items on Mercari are listed as “imperfect products.” Think oranges with blemishes, oddly shaped carrots, and boxes of apples that are all different sizes. These charming quirks mean they’re priced much lower than they would be on a traditional market.

2. Fresh

Since many items come directly from farmers, freshness is virtually guaranteed. Produce is often shipped directly from the farm to your door. It’s a true farm-to-table experience.

3. Very convenient

Whether it’s boxes of tomatoes, bags of potatoes or sacks of rice, Mercari ensures that these items are delivered straight to your door. This convenience is transformative, especially for seniors and parents with young children, making grocery shopping almost effortless.

They will also sell these products rule Ensure the platform is safe and secure. You can shop with confidence knowing that buyers and sellers adhere to high standards.

rule

Only unopened food products may be sold on Mercari. Photos and a detailed description are required: name, ingredients, net weight, expiration date, storage methods, and seller information. Resealable items must be individually packaged with a clear expiration date and label. If these details are missing, the outer packaging must be included. No exceptions.

Mercari also welcomes the sale of homegrown produce, such as vegetables, fruit, and rice. Buyers on Mercari tend to value freshness and taste over appearance, so minor imperfections are acceptable. In other words, Mercari is a great way to avoid waste and allow farmers to earn extra income.

Influence

The total amount of food loss and waste in Japan in fiscal 2021 is estimated to be approximately 5.23 million tons. This means that each person consumes about 113 grams per day.

By buying from Mercari, you’re not only saving yen, you’re also injecting it into a wasteful system and helping to cut down on this staggering number.

Mercari rescues fruits and vegetables that don’t meet the high standards of traditional retailers. These slightly blemished or oddly shaped items get a second chance and you can pick them up at a low price.

Seasonal goods such as New Year snacks and winter delicacies are also among the waste phenomena, and the waste rate of these goods is usually higher.

So next time you’re craving fresh strawberries or crisp apples, skip the pricey supermarket and head to Mercari. You’ll get high-quality produce for a fraction of the cost and reduce food waste. In a country where every grain of rice is sacred, it’s a small but meaningful way to make a difference.

The secret is out: cheap, fresh, sustainable produce is just a click away. Scroll through and start saving.

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