Customer Visits for Coffee in Store Drop Due to Infection Concerns
Sales of Antibacterial Tea Menu Increase Both Online and Offline
[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Saeng-hye] Due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), tea menus are selling like hotcakes at coffee shops and open markets. Although consumers visiting stores to enjoy coffee have decreased due to concerns about COVID-19 infection, the number of people seeking tea menus with excellent antibacterial effects is increasing.
According to Starbucks Korea on the 27th, sales of Mint Blend Tea last month increased by 150% compared to the same period last year. Mint Blend Tea is a herbal tea blended with spearmint, peppermint, and lemon verbena. Mint leaves are rich in vitamins A and C, omega-3, fatty acids, and minerals, and are often used to treat colds and flu, and are known to help overcome respiratory diseases.
Sales of Yusberitea also increased by 140% compared to the same period last year. According to the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information, Yusberitea (white tea) destroys organisms that cause diseases, exhibiting higher antibacterial effects than green tea. Sales of Jeju Green Tea, which is excellent in antioxidant effects, also increased by 25% compared to last year.
At Twosome Place, the menu with the largest increase in sales proportion within tea items compared to last year was fruit tea. In particular, the sales proportion of Honey Lemon Tea increased by about 160%. Lemon is known to be effective in treating colds, headaches, and urethritis.
In the case of Coffee Bean, overall menu sales and revenue decreased after COVID-19, but some tea menus with excellent antibacterial effects showed sales trends similar to those in January. These include Genmaicha Green (green tea category, a tea that helps diuresis and strengthens the intestines), Moroccan Mint (green tea category, a tea that aids digestion and boosts immunity), and Fragrant Night Jasmine (green tea category, a tea that reduces stress and enhances the immune system). The season-limited ‘Winter Dream Tea,’ known for its immunity-boosting effects, recently became a popular menu item.
Antibacterial tea menus are also popular in online malls. At Gmarket, sales of tea beverages and traditional drinks increased by 39% compared to the previous year. In particular, mint tea sales increased by 54%, and sales of Yujacha, known to be effective for coughs, headaches, and neuralgia, increased by 41%. Green tea sales also rose by 35%.
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