Ildong Foodis earns $241 mn in Himmune sales as health awareness grows

Himmune Protein Balance, a protein supplement, achieved 300 billion won in three-year sales milestone. [Source : Ildong Foodis]

Baby formula manufacturer Ildong Foodis Co. that suffered losses due to low demand amid falling birth rate is making a comeback with an “edible” protein product that has reached 300 billion won ($241.9 million) in cumulative sales over the three years since its release in 2020.

Ildong Foodis announced Monday that Himmune Protein Balance, a protein supplement, achieved 300 billion won in three-year sales milestone, retaining top position in the country’s protein market. Sales surged to 165 billion won in 2022, an increase from 30 billion won in 2020 and 105 billion won in 2021.

Food manufacturers release as many as 40 new products every year but it is very rare for any of their products to enjoy steady demand. Most of the products that become popular through social media see a dramatic increase in sales very quickly, but consumer interest fades as fast.

Ildong Foodis has set the goal of achieving 200 billion won in Himmune sales this year.

Himmune is a product that helped ailing Ildong Foodis recover from a downfall in business. The company suffered operating losses from 2017 to 2019.

It introduced a wide range of baby foods but they were not enough to turn around the company as demand was low due to falling birth rate.

Ildong Foodis developed Himmune over a span of three years. Last year, its sales is estimated to have reached 300 billion won, a 35 percent increase from the previous year.

Lee Kum-ki, CEO of Ildong Foodis [Source : Ildong Foodis]

Lee Kum-ki, chief executive officer of Ildong Foodis, is behind the development. He expected the edible protein market to grow as it helps middle-aged individuals look after their health.

Lee came up with a protein supplement with goat milk as it is discharged from the body more easily in case of poor digestion.

Sales of Himmune soared as the local protein supplement market more than quadrupled over four years to 336.4 billion won in 2021 from 81.3 billion won.

Protein supplements had been considered a product for those working out. Looking after the health, however, has become a trend for all individuals after Covid-19 pandemic. Demand for protein supplements has increased as many people, both young and old, consume them for health purposes such as to strengthen the muscles.

“We will continue to improve the quality of Himmune and expand line up,” said an unnamed official from Ildong Foodis.