Due to COVID-19... Bondo Lunchbox 'Hygiene Rating System' Stores See Average Sales Jump by 25%

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Saeng-hye] BonIF Premium Korean Meal Kit Brand, BONDOSIRAK's 'Hygiene Rating System' stores have benefited since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

BONDOSIRAK announced on the 13th that an analysis of average store sales from February to April, when COVID-19 began to spread in earnest, showed that the average sales of 114 stores certified under the restaurant hygiene rating system by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety last year increased significantly by about 25% compared to the same period last year.

On the other hand, stores without hygiene rating certification showed a slight increase of 14.6% during the same period, indicating that trust in hygiene and food safety amid the spread of COVID-19 influenced consumer purchasing behavior.

The hygiene rating system is an authoritative program by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety that evaluates and assigns grades to the hygiene levels of restaurants nationwide, contributing to the establishment of a healthy dining culture and ensuring food safety. BONDOSIRAK was the first lunchbox brand to obtain certification under the restaurant hygiene rating system, and currently, 134 stores, accounting for 38% of all stores, have received the certification. This is the highest number of certifications among delivery restaurants in Korea.

Angyeong-ae, franchise owner of BONDOSIRAK Changwon Jungang Branch, said, “Food safety can be lost with one mistake even if done perfectly 100 times, so we actively obtained the restaurant hygiene rating certification,” adding, “The certification was very helpful in group lunchbox sales that require proof of hygiene levels, and thanks to that, sales in March also increased significantly.”

Kim Tae-heon, head of BONDOSIRAK headquarters, said, “Thanks to the active interest and thorough management of hygiene by BONDOSIRAK franchise owners, BONDOSIRAK was able to receive the highest number of hygiene rating certifications among delivery restaurants in Korea,” and added, “We will strive to increase customer trust in hygiene and safety with the long-term goal of certifying all franchise stores under the hygiene rating system.”