[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] Sevenbrau, the manufacturer of 'Gompyo Wheat Beer,' which is experiencing a shortage phenomenon in convenience stores, posted a notice informing that it is also supplying large supermarkets amid a surge in inventory inquiries.
On the 13th, Sevenbrau announced through its homepage and official social media accounts, "Gompyo Wheat Beer is not a convenience store PB (private brand) product but a collaboration product between Sevenbrau and Daehan Flour Mills," adding, "Currently, it is supplied not only to CU but also to Nonghyup Hanaro Mart, Lotte Mart, Lotte Super, E-Mart, E-Mart Everyday, and Homeplus."
Gompyo Wheat Beer has recently surged in popularity, causing a shortage. Sevenbrau has already notified convenience store CU to suspend orders as of the 11th. Despite increasing production volume 15 times compared to last year as Korea's first contract manufacturer (OEM) of craft beer, production cannot keep up with sales.
According to CU, Gompyo Wheat Beer is close to selling out the maximum monthly production volume of 3 million units within two weeks of mass supply. It is expected that all remaining stock in stores will be depleted by this weekend. Gompyo Wheat Beer will be stocked at CU until this week and is expected to be out of stock for a while. Sales are scheduled to resume at the end of this month. Although additional production is being accelerated at the factory, about two weeks are needed to brew the beer.
Although Gompyo Wheat Beer is supplied to large supermarkets as well as CU, most of the volume is delivered to CU, causing shortages in large supermarkets too. A representative from a large supermarket explained, "Because the incoming volume is extremely small, customers looking for Gompyo Wheat Beer quickly buy it as soon as it is displayed," adding, "Also, since it is not stocked in all stores, it seems difficult for customers to find inventory."
Sevenbrau is exploring ways to increase supply, but the situation is challenging. With regulations on craft beer being eased, Sevenbrau entrusted large-scale contract production to Lotte Chilsung Beverage, but even that is insufficient. The scale of the contract manufacturing facilities is limited, so immediate volume expansion is not possible. Moreover, entrusting production to new companies requires consideration of hygiene and other issues, making decisions difficult.
With the beer peak season summer approaching, the shortage of Gompyo Wheat Beer is expected to continue for the time being.
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