Korean home appliance makers enter into food sector

[Courtesy of Hurom Co.]

South Korean small home appliance manufacturers are diversifying businesses by releasing food products related to their flagship appliances.

Hurom Co., known for its juice extractors and other food prep gadgets, recently introduced the Hurom Juice Kit, designed to help users make apple beetroot carrot juice, or ABC, without any additional processing.

“We wanted to make it easier for consumers to use our products and easily eat fresh fruits,” said a Hurom official.

Other firms have taken similar steps to catch new demands.

Last year, Cuckoo Electronics Co. launched a home water dispenser with a coffee-making feature, enabling users to enjoy their favorite coffee at home.

The company also developed its own coffee beans optimized for the purifier-shaped coffee maker.

The Steam 100 Barista Water Purifier has three buttons to select different coffee concentration levels, temperatures, and volumes depending on personal preference, with the water temperature adjustable in three stages for customized coffee variants.

Another home appliance company Athome Corporation Service Inc. has been focusing on its protein food brand.

Initially introduced in 2021, ProteeOne was rebranded as a women’s protein food brand in July 2023 with revamped flavors, ingredients, and packaging.

In November 2023, ProteeOne products launched online via CJ Olive Young, a health and cosmetics retailer.