This Spring's Trend: 'Homecnik'... Food Industry Gets Busy

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Hye-sun] This spring, 'homecnik,' enjoying picnics at home, is expected to remain a trend. As the situation still restricts going out freely, many people are trying to refresh their mood by creating a picnic atmosphere at home with a few props.

With the homecnik season returning, the food industry is bustling. Reflecting high consumer demand for low-calorie options, new refreshing low-calorie carbonated drinks, unique collaboration products, and the return of 'sweet and salty' snacks have been released to energize the homecnik experience this spring 2021.

According to the industry on the 17th, Coca-Cola launched 'Sprite Zero,' a zero-calorie version of Sprite. 'Sprite Zero' offers the refreshing taste of Sprite with zero calories, allowing consumers to enjoy it without guilt.

There are also unique collaboration products. Nongshim introduced a new snack product called 'Jjaparing,' combining its steady sellers 'Yangpa Ring' and 'Jjapagetti.' Jjaparing was developed based on the fact that onions are a main ingredient in Jjajangmyeon, harmonizing the sweetness of onions with the flavor of fried black bean sauce. Additionally, it preserves the crispy exterior and soft interior texture of Yangpa Ring, and is made bite-sized, making it perfect as finger food.

There are also collaborations between companies. CJ Foodville's Tous Les Jours and Kyochon Chicken launched unique new products applying chicken flavor to croquettes. The 'Kyochon Original Croquette' and 'Kyochon Red Croquette' introduced by the two companies contain the signature Kyochon series and Red series flavors inside the croquettes.

The 'sweet and salty' combination is also present. Baskin Robbins released 'Ice Honey Butter Almond.' It features almonds coated with honey and butter seasoning, allowing consumers to enjoy both sweet and salty flavors simultaneously.