Food companies team up with convenience stores for new product launches

[Courtesy of BGF Retail Co.]

South Korea’s leading food companies CJ CheilJedang Corp., Nongshim Co., and Ottogi Corp., are increasingly collaborating with convenience stores to introduce new products.

As convenience stores become trendsetters in the food and beverage industry, frequented regularly by the young consumers, these companies are seizing the opportunity to partner with them.

According to the retail industry on Tuesday, BGF Retail’s convenience store chain CU is set to launch a makgeolli, or Korean rice wine, flavored with Nongshim’s popular Honey Flavored Twist Snack brand in mid-June. This product will be exclusively available at CU stores.

The unique makgeolli was developed to capture the interest of young consumers, who have recently shown affection for the traditional beverage. The collaboration aims to leverage the sweet flavor profile of the snack to create a novel drink offering.

Industry experts say that Nongshim’s enthusiastic collaboration with convenience stores signals a significant shift in the domestic retail sector.

Traditionally conservative about external partnerships due to its strong brand presence, Nongshim has markedly increased its collaborations this year.

[Courtesy of BGF Retail Co.]

In March, Nongshim partnered with CU to release a ready-to-eat version of Chapagetti, which sold 880,000 units so far. This marked the first time since its introduction in 1984 that Chapagetti was offered in a form other than instant noodles.

CJ CheilJedang has entered the bakery market through its partnership with convenience stores.

In March, CJ CheilJedang launched a premium chilled bread series under the Bake Project exclusively at CU. This series utilizes well-known CJ brands like Bibigo, Hetbahn, Baeksul, and CJ Chestnut.

The premium chilled bread products have gained significant attention on social media, leading to monthly sales of 100,000 units.