E-commerce Winter Food Sales Increase Amid Freezing Cold Wind

Tmon, Winter Season Food Sales Increase
Wemakeprice "Homemade Winter Snack Ingredients Popular"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Cheol-hyun] Since the 20th of last month, temperatures nationwide have dropped sharply, making winter season products popular in e-commerce. In particular, with the recent resurgence of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), more people are refraining from going out, leading to a significant increase in sales of ingredients for making winter snacks at home.

Tmon (CEO Lee Jin-won) announced on the 5th that sales of major winter season products have surged by an average of 120% over the past two weeks. Sales of fish cake, a representative winter food, rose by 207%, and hot bars increased by 147%. Sales of hotteok and hotcake mixes, which allow easy enjoyment of hotteok and hotcakes, also grew by about 60%.

Additionally, red ginseng products recorded the steepest growth at 232%. The combination of subzero cold and the spread of COVID-19 seems to have driven demand for red ginseng, known for its immune-boosting effects. Accordingly, Tmon is running the 'December Tmon Gift Festival' promotion until the 31st to support consumers' budget-friendly shopping.

At Wemakeprice (WEMAKEPRICE), sales of ingredients for making representative winter street snacks such as bungeoppang, roasted chestnuts, and roasted sweet potatoes increased significantly compared to the same period last year throughout November. Sales of 'bungeoppang pans,' which allow baking in the shape of bungeoppang, rose by 105%, 'bungeoppang mix' for batter increased by 88%, and 'red bean paste,' used as filling for bungeoppang, surged by 820%.

In particular, demand for 'pre-cut chestnuts' for roasting chestnuts rose sharply by 439%. To make roasted chestnuts at home using an air fryer, each chestnut must be scored with a knife, but purchasing pre-scored 'pre-cut chestnuts' makes it convenient to prepare roasted chestnuts, thus gaining popularity.

Sales of direct-fire roasting pots for making roasted sweet potatoes surged by 265%. Other popular items included hotteok presses (52%), takoyaki pans (40%), and steamed bun steamers (38%). Additionally, frozen dough for making croffles (croissant + waffle), a recent trend, increased by 1046%, and waffle makers saw a 320% rise in sales.

A Wemakeprice official said, "With the popularization of new kitchen appliances such as air fryers and lifestyle changes due to COVID-19, more consumers are making representative street snacks at home," adding, "As staying at home is expected to continue longer, the popularity of homemade-related ingredients is also expected to persist."