Increase in Sales as Home Drinking and Home Cafe Trends Grow
Increasing Ice Capacity and Adding New Flavors
Emart24's Ice Cup Subscription Service 'Popular'
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] As more consumers seek convenience store ice cups, the variety in ice size, flavor, and shape is expanding. The traditional formula of ‘ice cup = coffee’ has been broken, and the trend is diversifying into alcoholic beverages and other drinks. Ice cup subscription services launched ahead of the peak summer season are also gaining great popularity.
According to the industry on the 7th, GS25 saw ice cup sales increase by 40.9% from January to June this year compared to the same period last year, while CU experienced a 24.5% rise. Seven Eleven’s ice cup sales last month increased by 39.4% compared to last year, and Emart24 saw a 39% growth. Ice cups are a best-selling product at convenience stores every year. Especially due to the impact of COVID-19, the rise of ‘home drinking’ and ‘home cafe’ cultures has driven annual sales growth.
Recently, the volume of ice cups has increased, and new flavors have been added. GS25 plans to sequentially introduce various ice cups starting this month, including the big-size Wangkeun Cup with double the ice weight. Additionally, GS25 has launched a peach ice cup, while CU sells green grape, mojito, and apple-flavored cup ice. These products contain fruit juice ice, allowing consumers to pour soju, cider, sparkling water, etc., according to their preference.
Changes in ice shapes, such as spherical ice cups, have also emerged. These products cater to the MZ generation who enjoy ‘on the rocks’ (a culture of diluting alcohol with ice and enjoying it chilled) and making cocktails at home. According to GS25, the Big Ball Ice Cup containing a 7 cm diameter ice sphere is mostly sold alongside alcoholic beverages like whiskey and beer rather than coffee or other drinks.
Ice cup subscription services are also receiving positive responses. According to Emart24, the number of ice cup subscription payments last month increased by 23% compared to the previous year. At Emart24, customers can purchase the Ifresso ice cup subscription through a mobile application. The 7-day pass is sold at a 30% discount, and the 14-day pass at a 50% discount from the regular price.
An industry insider said, "With the accelerating diversification of ice cups and the spread of the home drinking trend, record-breaking ice cup sales are expected this year," adding, "We have completed the system to produce and supply large quantities of ice cups in preparation for the summer season."
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