CU Starts Selling Fresh Meat via Direct Supply Method

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] CU announced on the 28th that it will exclusively introduce popular products from the small-pack fresh meat brand ‘Sangsang Jeongyuk’ in collaboration with ‘Geumcheon Meat,’ the largest domestic livestock wholesale online mall operated by Dongwon Home Food.

The products CU is launching this time are four types of pork: Korean pork belly (7,500 KRW), neck meat (6,500 KRW), chuck flap tail (8,900 KRW), and shoulder clod (5,900 KRW), each weighing 200g. These cuts, which are among the most consumed fresh meats for grilling, are packaged in portions suitable for 1 to 2 people.

CU plans to pilot these products at about 200 stores in Seoul, Gyeonggi, and the metropolitan area, then gradually expand based on customer response and store location.

Until now, most meat sold at convenience stores was frozen. Fresh meat was difficult to handle in convenience stores without specialized facilities due to the complex distribution process from production to sale.

However, CU solved this problem by adopting a direct delivery system where products ordered yesterday are delivered to stores the next day through Geumcheon Meat’s dedicated cold chain system for fresh meat.

While most products sold at CU are delivered from BGF Retail’s logistics center to each store, fresh meat eliminates intermediate distribution processes to ensure the highest quality. Stores are equipped with specially made mini refrigerators dedicated to fresh meat to store temperature-sensitive fresh meat in optimal condition.

CU’s move into fresh meat sales is driven by the significant increase in demand for unprocessed fresh ingredients as convenience store shopping using government disaster relief funds has expanded.

In fact, from the 13th to the 26th, when the use of disaster relief funds began, CU’s livestock product sales increased by 56.1% compared to the same period last year. Sales of fruits, vegetables, and grains such as rice and brown rice, which were mainly purchased at large supermarkets, also surged by 20.7% and 88.7%, respectively, during the same period.

Meanwhile, CU is holding a giveaway event until the 14th of next month to celebrate the launch of fresh meat. Customers who purchase Korean pork belly or neck meat will receive two packs of Paldo Bibim Men, which pairs well with grilled pork. Customers who purchase chuck flap tail or shoulder clod will receive one pack each of Chapagetti and Neoguri Spicy flavor, recreating the beef-topped ramen featured in movies.