Tom N Toms Launches 'Gokseong Melon Smoothie' Nationwide Stores

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] Franchise coffee specialty store Tom N Toms has partnered with Gokseong County to launch the summer smoothie revolution "Gokseong Melon Smoothie," which was released nationwide on the 1st and is gaining popularity.

The "Gokseong Melon Smoothie" focuses on preserving the unique and fresh aroma of Gokseong melon. It is characterized by a sweet yet smooth taste achieved by combining milk.

In particular, as part of the eco-friendly green campaign, the revolution beverage is served in an eco handle drinking jar (a glass bottle with a handle) instead of a disposable cup when ordered. The smoothie is priced at 6,500 KRW, and the drinking jar is provided free of charge without the need for return.

The Gokseong Melon Rural Convergence Industry Group has been continuously contacting large franchise brands since early this year to develop new summer menu items using Gokseong melon. As a result, they chose to collaborate with Tom N Toms due to its ability to guarantee quality through independent R&D and its high brand recognition.

The Gokseong Melon Industry Group and Tom N Toms closely collaborated during the menu development process, sharing know-how with each other. They shortlisted candidates for smoothies, lattes, juices, and aides using Gokseong melon raw materials by surveying consumer preferences among products currently sold at existing franchise coffee shops. Among them, the "Gokseong Melon Smoothie," which received the best response from the consumer evaluation group, was selected as the final menu.

A representative of the Gokseong Melon Industry Group said, "We have high expectations for the Gokseong Melon Smoothie to lead this summer’s menu as it is launched by Tom N Toms."

They added, "We will spare no support for all related projects to contribute to increasing the brand awareness of Gokseong melon and improving farmers' income."

Meanwhile, Gokseong County is one of Korea’s representative melon production areas. It has the optimal environment for melon cultivation, including the clear and clean environment of the Seomjin River, large temperature differences between day and night, and soil rich in organic matter.

Combined with the dedication of farmers, Gokseong melon accounts for about 16% of the national melon production. It has been recognized as a premium melon both domestically and internationally, receiving the Prime Minister’s Award at the Agricultural Food Power Brand Exhibition in 2014 under the brand "Train Ride to Melon Village," the Presidential Award in 2015, and the Grand Prize in the export category at the World Agricultural Technology Awards in 2016.