[News Today] Dubai chewy cookies craze in Korea

[LEAD]
‘Dubai chewy cookies’, known as Dujjonku, have taken Korea by storm.

As consumers seek small indulgences amid an economic slowdown, the viral dessert is pulling struggling self-employed business owners into the trend.

[REPORT]
A dessert shop in Daegu.

A sign says that they sell Dubai chewy cookies, also known as ‘dujjonku’.

The main ingredients of this dessert inspired by Dubai-style chocolate are pistachio and kadayif, a type of shredded filo strands.

This popular treat is flying off the shelves these days.

Jang Jin-suk / Dessert shop owner
Customers come as soon as we’re open and ask for Dubai chewy cookies.

When the cookies are sold out, they pay first and leave their phone numbers, asking us to call when available.

There is even a Dujjonku map that shows which establishments in what area are selling the cookies.

Department stores have increased the number of stores that sell the popular cookies and even convenience stores stock up on more diverse related products.

But the recent spike in demand and rising ingredient prices from high exchange rates have more than doubled the costs of pistachios, marshmallows, and even packaging materials.

The profit margin is low because of high costs, but almost every dessert shop is selling them to lure customers.

The problem is that the trending cycle of such hot products like Tang hulu, the candied fruits or yogurt ice cream is only around one year.

Prof. Lee Eun-hee / Inha University
Dessert shops should induce consumers to come repeatedly by satisfying them with both their main products, Dubai chewy cookies.

Many hot items have come and gone.

Private businesses should think hard about their long-term survival instead of repeatedly relying on items of short-term popularity.

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