Demand for fresh pork at CU grows as consumers find it convenient and cheap

[Photo provided by CU]

South Korea’s convenience store brand CU sold more than 20,000 packages of fresh pork belly and pork neck in the first 10 days of March, a remarkable achievement given that it only began the sales for the first time in the industry in February.

CU said on Tuesday that the Hypork brand packages it sold between March 1 and 10 weighs more than 100,000 tons. Half of the packages were sold during the three-day period to celebrate Samgyeopsal Day that falls on March 3. Daily sales have gone up to 4,000 packages now, CU said.

Fresh meat has been classified as a product mainly purchased at large discount stores. CU was the first industry player to begin the sales of fresh pork belly and neck in February.

The popularity of the items at CU stems from its price competitiveness. A package of 500-gram pork belly is sold at 14,900 won ($11.4) at CU and pork neck 13,900 won. Mobile discounts also apply, which reduces the price to 13,500 won and 12,600 won each. The prices are cheaper than those sold at large discount stores, normally at 16,200 won and 14,500 won, respectively.

At restaurants, the price of pork per serving (180-200 grams) is higher at between 12,000 won and 15,000 won.

CU also offered a free set of vegetables consisting of round lettuce, sesame leaves, radish, and ssamjang, or sweet-spicy sauce, for the convenience of single-person households that are the main customers.

CU said that it will do its best to maintain the quality and freshness of the pork as well. Fresh pork usually has a shelf life of 15 days at large discount stores, but CU shortened the period to 6 days.

The convenience chain plans to further expand the fresh meat category. It will release additional fresh meat products, such as Korean beef steak and black pork from Jeju Island later this month.