CU, Dong Wha Pharm launch two functional beverages

[Photo provided by BGF Retail Co.]

South Korean convenience store chain CU recently partnered with Dong Wha Pharmaceuticals Co. to launch two functional beverages that contain amino acids to make the body healthy, according to the store operator on Tuesday.

One of the drinks, known as A Bottle of Arginine a Day, contains 1,000 mg of L-arginine to help boost energy, and A Bottle of Theanine a Day contains 250 mg of L-theanine to help relieve stress levels.

The launch is in response to growing demand for health supplements and energy drinks, particularly among young consumers born in the early 1980s and 2000s, the company said.

CU said its functional beverage sales have grown over recent years, with 52.2 percent year-on-year growth in 2022, 27.3 percent in 2023 and 14.9 percent in the first two months of 2024.

CU plans to launch more performance and energy drinks as the warmer spring weather brings outdoor activities back.