Convenience Store Craft Beer 'Fierce Battle'... The Second Round Has Begun

CU's 'Gompyo Wheat Beer' Preempts
GS25's Counterattack with 'Nordisk Beer'

Retro craft beer series sold at CU.

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Two polar bears are shaking up the craft beer market. Convenience store CU, in collaboration with Daehan Flour Mills, has taken the lead in the craft beer market with its "Gompyo Wheat Beer," while GS25 has launched "Nordisk Beer" in partnership with the outdoor brand Nordisk, sparking fierce competition ahead of the summer peak season.

According to the four major convenience stores on the 30th, beer sales surged compared to the previous month. CU's sales increased by 21.2%, GS25 by 34.3%, 7-Eleven by 19.2%, and Emart24 by 39%. Especially, craft beer is popular. In terms of craft beer sales, CU saw a 59.1% increase, GS25 51.9%, 7-Eleven 35.3%, and Emart24 an impressive 162% surge.

Among the craft beers sold by the four convenience stores, the most popular product is undoubtedly CU's retro beer series. Gompyo Wheat Beer has been so popular that 6 million units are expected to be sold by the end of this month since its launch. It features the polar bear logo of the Gompyo brand, which was established in 1952.

Nordisk beer sold at GS25.

GS25 recently launched "Nordisk Beer" to counter CU's Gompyo Wheat Beer. Nordisk Beer showcases the beige color representing the outdoor brand Nordisk and features the signature polar bear logo prominently on the front of the can. The initial order of 600,000 units was sold out within three days of launch, halting further orders, and about 400,000 cans were sold within five days, marking a successful hit. It currently holds the top sales position among craft beers sold at GS25.

CU has also launched a counterattack. With sales of "Baekyang BYC Bien Lager" surpassing 1 million units, CU plans to introduce a new craft beer next week. 7-Eleven has taken a unique approach with creative collaborations and fun concepts. This month, 7-Eleven partnered with Baedal Minjok to release a lager-type beer called "Kya Sorinaneun Maekju (Kya Beer)." The name "Kya Beer" visualizes the refreshing "Kya" sound made when taking the first sip of cold beer, using Baedal Minjok's Hanna font. Emart24 is aiming for a home run with the professional baseball team SSG Landers. Emart24 has launched three baseball-themed beers: "SSG Landers Lager," "Superstars Pale Ale," and "Latest Beer Golden Ale." The initial stock of 120,000 cans of SSG Landers Lager and Superstars Pale Ale, released on the 22nd, sold out within two days.